Baked Veg In White Sauce Recipe In Oven Made Easy

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, cheesy dish filled with tender vegetables baked to perfection. If you’re looking for a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, this baked veg in white sauce recipe baked in the oven is exactly what you need.

Combining fresh, colorful vegetables with a luscious white sauce, this dish offers a creamy texture and rich flavor that will delight both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

This recipe is perfect for cozy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. You can customize it with your favorite veggies, making it versatile and adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

Plus, baking the dish in the oven gives it a lovely golden crust, adding just the right amount of texture contrast. Read on for a detailed step-by-step guide to making this delicious baked vegetable delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked vegetable dish stands out for several reasons. First, it brings together the wholesome goodness of garden-fresh veggies and the creamy indulgence of a homemade white sauce, also known as béchamel.

The result is a rich, yet light casserole that’s both comforting and nutritious.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can swap out vegetables according to seasonal availability or personal preference.

The recipe is suitable for vegetarians and can be easily veganized by using plant-based milk and butter alternatives. Plus, it makes for excellent leftovers, which can be reheated for a quick lunch or dinner.

For those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, pairing this dish with other flavorful vegetarian recipes like Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or trying out a light dessert such as the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious can round out your meal beautifully.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop your mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces. To ensure even cooking, try to keep the sizes uniform. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Blanch the vegetables: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped vegetables and blanch for about 3-4 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. Drain and immediately plunge them into ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
3. Make the white sauce (béchamel): In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and onion mixture. Stir constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown.
5. Slowly add milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Season the sauce: Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ground nutmeg to taste. Stir in half of the grated cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
7. Combine vegetables and sauce: Gently fold the blanched vegetables into the white sauce, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
8. Transfer to baking dish: Lightly grease the baking dish with olive oil. Pour the vegetable and sauce mixture into the dish, spreading evenly.
9. Add toppings: Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top. If you like a crunchy crust, add breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese.
10. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
11. Rest and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly for easier slicing.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan margarine or olive oil, use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and replace cheese with vegan cheese alternatives.

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a change in flavor and texture. Roasting the vegetables beforehand instead of blanching can add a smoky depth to the dish.

To add an extra protein boost, stir in cooked chickpeas or lentils before baking. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be added to the sauce or sprinkled on top for freshness.

If you want more of that cheesy crust, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

For extra richness, try incorporating a little grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese in the sauce or topping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This baked vegetable dish in white sauce pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce. For a more filling meal, serve it alongside Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or a simple bowl of steamed rice.

You can also complement this dish with a tangy vegetable side like a cucumber and tomato salad or roasted garlic green beans for added texture and freshness.

Looking for more vegetable-centric recipes? Check out Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for exciting international inspiration.

Conclusion

Baked vegetables in white sauce is a timeless, satisfying dish that brings comfort and nutrition to your dining table. Its creamy texture combined with the natural sweetness of fresh veggies makes it a crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion.

The best part? It’s easy to customize to your taste and dietary preferences, whether you want a cheesy indulgence or a vegan-friendly casserole.

By mastering this recipe, you add a versatile, go-to option to your recipe repertoire that can be enjoyed year-round. For even more creamy vegetable dishes, consider trying our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

So preheat your oven, gather your favorite veggies, and treat yourself to this delightful baked veg in white sauce dish — your taste buds will thank you!

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