Jamie Oliver Cheesy Vegetable Bake Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Cheesy Vegetable Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together a medley of roasted vegetables, creamy cheese and savory goodness. It’s simple yet incredibly satisfying. The dish is all about layering fresh vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and zucchini with a rich, cheesy sauce. Then it’s baked until the cheese turns golden and bubbly. It’s perfect as a side dish or even a main course if you want something lighter but still filling.

The beauty of this bake is how flexible it is. You can tweak the vegetables according to what’s in season or what you have in your fridge. The cheese adds this irresistible richness, making it hard to resist. This one’s a winner.

Jamie Oliver Cheesy Vegetable Bake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make this cheesy vegetable bake, you’ll need:

1. Mixed Vegetables – Think sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini and any other seasonal veg you like.
2. Cheese – A blend of cheese works best, often a sharp cheddar for flavor and something creamier, like mozzarella, for meltiness.
3. Cream or Milk – For that rich, velvety sauce.
4. Butter – To give the sauce extra richness and a smooth finish.
5. Garlic – Adds a nice depth of flavor.
6. Herbs – Fresh thyme, rosemary or a sprinkle of mixed dried herbs to elevate the taste.
7. Salt and Pepper – To season everything perfectly.
8. Flour – To thicken the sauce. Some recipes might call for a little flour or cornstarch to make the base nice and creamy.
9. Olive Oil – For roasting the veggies and adding flavor.

You can also throw in a handful of breadcrumbs on top for a crispy golden finish or add some grated Parmesan for an extra hit of flavor.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment for this. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Baking Dish – A medium to large baking dish, depending on how much you’re making.
2. Roasting Tray – To roast your veggies first and bring out all their natural sweetness.
3. Saucepan – For making that creamy cheese sauce.
4. Knife & Chopping Board. For prepping your vegetables.
5. Whisk – To make sure your sauce stays smooth and lump-free.
6. Grater – If you’re grating your cheese fresh (which I highly recommend).
7. Oven – You’ll need a preheated oven to bake everything to perfection.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheesy Vegetable Bake

Making this dish isn’t hard at all. Here’s how you do it:

1. Preheat your oven to around 200°C (or 180°C fan). Get your baking dish ready and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
2. Prepare the vegetables: Peel and chop your veggies into bite-sized pieces. Arrange them on a roasting tray, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 25-30 minutes or until they’re tender and starting to caramelize.
3. Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt some butter, then add in flour to make a roux (this helps thicken the sauce). Slowly whisk in the milk or cream, making sure there are no lumps. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes until it thickens up.
4. Add the cheese: Grate your chosen cheese and stir it into the sauce until it melts completely. You can also add some garlic and herbs here for extra flavor.
5. Combine everything: Once the vegetables are roasted, layer them in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and mix it gently so the veggies are coated.
6. Bake: Sprinkle some breadcrumbs or extra cheese on top, then pop it in the oven for around 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let it cool for a minute before diving in. It’s rich, cheesy and absolutely comforting.

What I Learnt

One of the key things I learned making this dish is the importance of roasting the vegetables first. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and when combined with the cheesy sauce, the flavors meld together beautifully. The sauce itself is also something you can play around with-swap the cream for milk if you want a lighter version or add some mustard or spices to change up the flavor.

I also loved how versatile this recipe is. You can literally throw any veggies in there and it still turns out great. It’s a perfect way to clean out the fridge if you have leftover veggies and you can mix and match depending on your preferences or what’s in season.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Cheesy Vegetable Bake

Jamie Oliver’s Cheesy Vegetable Bake is a cozy, comforting dish but there’s always room to make it more exciting or fit your personal tastes. Here are a few ideas to shake it up:

1. Add Protein: If you want a more filling meal, consider adding some chicken, sausage or even lentils. Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonders or for a veggie option, chickpeas can give you a hearty texture without the meat.
2. Spice It Up: Experiment with spices to give the dish more kick. A bit of smoked paprika or some chili flakes can introduce a mild heat. Alternatively, toss in a pinch of cumin or turmeric for an earthy depth.
3. Swap the Cheese: Jamie’s recipe usually calls for a melty cheddar but you can play around with different cheese combinations. Gruyère adds a nutty flavor while goat cheese gives it a tangy richness. Or why not try a mixture of mozzarella and parmesan for that perfect golden crust?
4. Veggie Variations: The beauty of this bake lies in its versatility. If you’re not a fan of certain vegetables, you can easily swap them. Swap broccoli for kale, zucchini for eggplant or sweet potatoes for butternut squash. You can even throw in some mushrooms for an earthy, meaty vibe.
5. Herb Twist: Adding fresh herbs can elevate the flavors. Rosemary and thyme pair wonderfully with the earthy vegetables. Or, sprinkle in some fresh basil before serving for a fragrant finish.
6. Make It Gluten-Free: If you’re avoiding gluten, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also replace any flour used in the sauce with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

This cheesy veggie bake can last a few days in the fridge but there are a few tricks to keeping it fresh and tasty:

1. Cool Before Storing: Always allow the bake to cool to room temperature before packing it away. Storing it while still warm can cause condensation which makes it soggy.
2. Airtight Containers: Store the leftovers in airtight containers to preserve freshness. This prevents the dish from drying out or absorbing other odors in the fridge.
3. Freezing Option: You can freeze the leftovers for up to a month. For best results, cut the bake into individual portions before freezing so you can easily reheat just what you need. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight and then bake or microwave until piping hot.
4. Reheat Gently: When reheating, don’t rush it! Use a low heat to avoid drying out the dish. If reheating in the oven, cover the bake with foil for the first 10 minutes, then uncover to crisp the top.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Cheesy Vegetable Bake?

While this dish is hearty on its own, pairing it with some sides can take it to the next level. Here are a few ideas:

1. A Simple Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the richness of the cheesy bake. Go for a mix of arugula, baby spinach and maybe some rocket for a peppery bite. Add a squeeze of lemon or balsamic dressing to cut through the richness.
2. Garlic Bread or Crusty Loaf: You can’t go wrong with bread to scoop up those cheesy, creamy bits. A warm loaf of crusty bread or homemade garlic bread adds a comforting touch. The crunch is the perfect complement to the soft bake.
3. Roasted Veggies: If you want to add more vegetables to your meal, roasted root veggies like carrots, parsnips or sweet potatoes bring out a deep, caramelized sweetness that pairs nicely with the cheesy, creamy bake.
4. A Lighter Side Dish: If you want to balance things out, a side of lightly sautéed greens-like spinach, kale or chard. adds some freshness and nutrition. Toss them with a bit of olive oil, garlic and a squeeze of lemon.
5. A Protein Side: If you’re craving something meatier, roasted chicken or even grilled steak could pair well. You want something hearty enough to match the richness of the bake but not overshadow it.

FAQs

What Vegetables Are Best For Jamie Oliver’s Cheesy Vegetable Bake?

You can use a mix of your favorites like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and potatoes. Just make sure to chop them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheesy Vegetable Bake Ahead Of Time?

Yes! You can prepare it the day before, then just cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven and cook as usual.

How Do I Make The Cheesy Topping Extra Crispy?

To get that perfect crispy top, sprinkle some extra cheese on top towards the end of baking and turn the heat up to give it a golden crunch!