Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure with this baked veg in white sauce recipe that promises to bring comfort and elegance to your dining table. This dish is a beautiful medley of fresh vegetables enveloped in a creamy, luscious white sauce, baked to perfection with a golden crust that’s simply irresistible.
Whether you’re looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a sophisticated side dish to impress your guests, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between nutrition and indulgence.
White sauce, also known as béchamel, adds a velvety texture that complements the natural sweetness and earthiness of the vegetables. This recipe is highly adaptable, making it easy to customize with your favorite veggies or whatever’s in season.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra nutrients without compromising on flavor. If you’re a fan of creamy casseroles and hearty vegetable dishes, this baked vegetable delight is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked veg dish in white sauce is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile — you can mix and match vegetables based on preference or availability, making it a great way to reduce food waste.
The creamy white sauce ties all the flavors together while keeping the dish light and elegant.
It’s also perfect for meal prep; once baked, it stores beautifully and reheats without losing its charm. The dish is vegetarian-friendly and can be easily adapted for vegan diets by substituting dairy ingredients — check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for a plant-based twist on the sauce.
Moreover, it’s a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables into your diet in a comforting format. The rich, cheesy topping adds a satisfying crunch, making every bite a joy.
Whether you’re serving it as a main or a side, this baked vegetable in white sauce recipe combines simplicity with sophistication.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cauliflower florets | 2 cups (about 200g) |
Carrots | 1 cup, sliced |
Green beans | 1 cup, trimmed |
Potatoes | 2 medium, peeled and cubed |
Frozen peas | 1/2 cup |
Butter | 3 tbsp |
All-purpose flour | 3 tbsp |
Milk | 2 cups (480 ml), whole or 2% |
Grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) | 1 cup (100g) |
Onion | 1 small, finely chopped |
Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
Salt | to taste |
Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
Nutmeg | 1/4 tsp, freshly grated (optional) |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Bread crumbs | 1/2 cup (optional, for topping) |
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Baking dish (8×8 inch or similar)
- Colander or steamer basket
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and cut all the vegetables as described. Bring a pot of salted water to boil and blanch the cauliflower, carrots, green beans, and potatoes for about 5-7 minutes until they are just tender but not mushy. Add peas in the last 2 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the white sauce (béchamel): In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the butter and onion mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, to eliminate the raw flour taste but do not let it brown.
- Pour in the milk gradually: Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season the sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (if using). Stir in half of the grated cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine vegetables and sauce: Gently fold the blanched vegetables into the white sauce until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Prepare for baking: Lightly grease the baking dish with olive oil. Transfer the vegetable and sauce mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese evenly over the top. If you like a crunchy crust, sprinkle bread crumbs over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve hot: Let the baked veg rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
Tips & Variations
For a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan margarine or olive oil, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor.
Experiment with vegetables: You can swap or add zucchini, broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers to suit your taste and seasonal availability.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free bread crumbs to adapt this recipe for gluten sensitivity.
For extra flavor, try adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the white sauce or sprinkle some paprika on top before baking.
If you enjoy creamy vegetable dishes, you might also love our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners that bring a rich Italian flair to your table.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (serves 4) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Saturated Fat | 7 g |
Cholesterol | 30 mg |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Calcium | 200 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This baked vegetable dish is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a light salad for a wholesome vegetarian meal.
Consider serving it alongside a fresh loaf of crusty bread or a baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
For a heartier meal, serve it with grilled tofu or a simple bean salad to add some plant-based protein. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, it makes an excellent side dish to your favorite Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette.
As a bonus, this dish reheats well, making it perfect for next-day lunches or even a comforting dinner after a busy day.
Conclusion
This baked veg in white sauce recipe is a true testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. With its creamy texture, tender vegetables, and golden cheesy crust, it’s a dish that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
The ease of preparation combined with endless adaptability makes it a go-to recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.
Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this bake is sure to impress with its wholesome goodness and rich flavors. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite vegetables or tweak the seasoning to make it your own.
For more delicious and healthy vegetable recipes, be sure to explore our collection, including Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Enjoy this comforting, delicious dish that brings the best of veggies and creamy sauce together — a perfect way to nourish yourself and your loved ones!
📖 Recipe Card: Baked Veg in White Sauce
Description: A creamy and comforting baked vegetable dish smothered in a rich white sauce. Perfect as a side or light main course.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Steam broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and green beans until tender.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until sauce thickens.
- Add nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese; stir until melted.
- Combine steamed vegetables with white sauce and mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 22 g
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