Sunday Baked Vegetable Casserole

Name: Sunday Baked Vegetable Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups diced zucchini; 2 cups diced bell peppers (any color); 1 cup chopped spinach; 1 cup diced onion; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making this Sunday Baked Vegetable Casserole as it's the perfect way to celebrate the weekend with a warm and hearty dish. Each bite offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a family favorite at our table. I enjoy layering fresh vegetables with a creamy sauce and a golden crust, which not only looks beautiful but also tastes phenomenal. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this casserole is guaranteed to brighten up any meal.

Created by

Lydia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-01-13T19:52:24.370Z

When I first tried creating this casserole, I experimented with various vegetables and seasonings to find the perfect balance. The key lies in roasting the vegetables beforehand, which intensifies their flavors and brings out their natural sweetness. I've found that a mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach works wonders, especially when complemented by a creamy cheese sauce.

One tip I swear by is to let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving it. This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to slice and serve. It's perfect for gatherings and ensures that every guest gets a generous portion of this delicious baked dish!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and satisfying, perfect for a family dinner
Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables
Cheesy goodness with a crispy topping that everyone enjoys

      

Perfecting the Vegetable Medley

Using fresh, seasonal vegetables is key to achieving the best flavor in this casserole. Zucchini and bell peppers should be firm and colorful, which indicates ripeness. For a variety of textures, consider adding other vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant. When sautéing, allow the onions to become translucent and fragrant before adding the bell peppers and zucchini. This extra few minutes of cooking enhances the overall depth of flavor.

The inclusion of spinach lends a vibrant green color and nutrients to the dish. It wilts quickly, so be mindful not to overcook it—just a couple of minutes until it is tender is sufficient. Always taste your vegetable mixture before assembling; you want the seasoning to be perfectly balanced, ensuring every bite will be satisfying.

Crafting the Creamy Sauce

The heavy cream in the sauce provides a rich base that ties the casserole together, preventing it from being dry. For a lighter option, you could substitute half of the cream with low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, though this may slightly alter the flavor and richness. Incorporating cheese into the sauce also adds to the creaminess, and using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella creates a delightful contrast in flavor and texture.

For additional flavor, consider stirring in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine into the sauce mixture. Both will enhance the savory notes and add complexity to your dish. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well-combined before pouring it over the vegetables to ensure even distribution throughout the casserole.

Baking Tips for Success

When baking, covering the casserole with foil initially is crucial as it helps steam the vegetables, ensuring they cook evenly. After 30 minutes, removing the foil allows the top to crisp up, revealing a beautiful, golden-brown crust that adds textural variety to each serving. Keep an eye on the casserole during this phase; it can go from golden to burnt in a matter of minutes, especially if your oven runs hot.

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, assembling the casserole up to the baking stage is a great option. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, and then bake as directed. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for busy weekends or gatherings.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious Sunday Baked Vegetable Casserole:

Vegetables and Sauce

2 cups diced zucchini
2 cups diced bell peppers (any color)
1 cup chopped spinach
1 cup diced onion
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Feel free to adjust the vegetable quantities based on your preference!

Instructions

Here’s how to make the Sunday Baked Vegetable Casserole:

Prepare the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add zucchini and bell peppers, cooking until slightly tender.

Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix the heavy cream with half of the shredded cheese, combining well. This will create a creamy and cheesy sauce that binds everything together.

Assemble the Casserole

In a greased baking dish, layer the sautéed vegetables, then pour the creamy sauce over them. Top with the remaining shredded cheese to create a delicious crust when baked.

Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends.

This casserole is a great way to enjoy vegetables in a delicious way!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This baked vegetable casserole can shine as a stand-alone dish or pair beautifully with a crisp side salad. A light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the casserole, making for a balanced meal. Additionally, for a heartier option, serve it alongside grilled chicken or roasted fish to complement the fresh flavors of the vegetables.

For an even more festive touch, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil just before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also brings a fresh, aromatic dimension to the dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes the casserole an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknights. To reheat, place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, approximately 20-25 minutes. If the top has lost its crispness, you can place it under the broiler for the last few minutes to restore some texture.

For longer storage, consider freezing the assembled but unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to cook it, there’s no need to thaw—simply bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 50-60 minutes, covering it with foil for the first part of the bake to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or to suit your taste. Broccoli, carrots, or even sweet potatoes can be great additions. Each different vegetable will bring its own flavor profile that can elevate the dish further. Just keep in mind that denser vegetables will require longer cooking times, so adjust the sautéing phase accordingly.

Additionally, to enhance the flavor even more, consider adding spices such as smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a little heat. A dash of nutmeg can also bring out the creaminess of the sauce beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well; just ensure they are thawed and drained.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.

→ What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

→ Is the casserole gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free cheese and ensure that your seasoning mix is gluten-free.