Savory Italian Vegetable Bake with Cheese Crust
This Savory Italian Vegetable Bake is a delightful one-dish meal that combines the fresh flavors of squash, zucchini, bell peppers, and aromatic herbs, all baked to perfection in a creamy, cheesy topping. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe showcases the best of summer vegetables and offers a hearty, satisfying dish with robust Italian flavors. Using a mix of vinaigrette dressing and crushed saltines for added texture, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve it warm and watch it become the star of your dinner table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
squash
3 (sliced)
zucchini
3 (sliced)
onion
1 (medium, sliced)
bell pepper
2 (sliced (any color you like))
diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce can, undrained)
vinaigrette dressing
0.5 (cup (Italian, Balsamic, etc.))
garlic
2 (cloves, minced)
oregano
to taste
basil
to taste
shredded cheese
1 (cup (your favorite kind))
saltine crackers
1 sleeve (crushed by hand)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the vinaigrette dressing and sauté the minced garlic and sliced onions. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onions become soft and translucent.
3
Stir in the crushed oregano and basil, then add the sliced squash, zucchini, and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté these vegetables for an additional 5 minutes until they start to soften.
4
Add the undrained can of diced tomatoes to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender.
5
Transfer the cooked vegetable mixture into a glass casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
6
Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of the vegetable mix.
7
Crush the sleeve of saltine crackers by hand and distribute them evenly over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crackers are golden brown.
9
Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Savory Italian Vegetable Bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Italian Vegetable Bake?
It is a delightful one-dish meal that combines squash, zucchini, bell peppers, and herbs with a creamy cheese and cracker topping.
What vegetables are needed for this recipe?
You will need 3 squash, 3 zucchini, 1 medium onion, and 2 bell peppers.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly vegetable casserole.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the vegetable bake need to cook in the oven?
The dish should bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crackers are golden brown.
What kind of dressing should I use for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 0.5 cups of vinaigrette dressing, such as Italian or Balsamic.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, use one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes and include the liquid (undrained).
What herbs are used to season the vegetables?
The recipe uses crushed oregano and basil to taste.
How many cloves of garlic are in this dish?
The recipe requires 2 minced cloves of garlic.
What type of cheese is best for the crust?
You can use one cup of your favorite kind of shredded cheese.
How do I prepare the cracker topping?
Take one sleeve of saltine crackers and crush them by hand before distributing them over the cheese.
How long should I sauté the garlic and onions?
Sauté the minced garlic and sliced onions in the vinaigrette for about 5 minutes until soft.
When do I add the tomatoes to the skillet?
Add the tomatoes after sautéing the vegetables for 5 minutes, then bring the mixture to a boil.
How long does the mixture need to simmer?
After reaching a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes.
What color bell peppers should I use?
You can use any color bell pepper you like for this recipe.
How should the squash and zucchini be cut?
Both the squash and zucchini should be sliced.
What kind of dish should I bake this in?
A glass casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The bake is ready when the cheese is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
Do I need to let it cool before eating?
Yes, let it cool for a few minutes before serving to enjoy it at its best.
Is this a good dish for family gatherings?
Yes, it is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
How many bell peppers are required?
The recipe calls for 2 sliced bell peppers.
Can I use Italian vinaigrette?
Yes, Italian vinaigrette is one of the recommended options for the dressing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total in this Savory Italian Vegetable Bake.
What flavor profile does this casserole have?
It offers robust Italian flavors with fresh summer vegetables and a savory cheese crust.
How are the onions prepared?
One medium onion should be sliced before sautéing.
What role do the saltine crackers play?
The crushed saltine crackers provide added texture and a crunchy topping.
Can I use balsamic vinaigrette?
Yes, balsamic vinaigrette is a suitable choice for the 0.5 cup of dressing required.
Do I sauté the vegetables before baking?
Yes, the onions, garlic, squash, zucchini, and peppers are all sautéed and simmered before going into the oven.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, this casserole is categorized as a hearty and satisfying one-dish meal.
What are the key tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as Italian, casserole, vegetable bake, one dish meal, healthy, and vegetarian.