Baked Vegetable Medley with Cheese Sauce

### Directions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Vegetables**:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin by washing and cutting your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Place the broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers (if using) onto a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss the vegetables to ensure they’re evenly coated.

Roast the vegetables in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re tender but still slightly crisp. Stir once halfway through the cooking time for even roasting.

#### 2. **Make the Cheese Sauce**:
While the vegetables are roasting, make the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux (this will help thicken the sauce). Be careful not to let it brown.

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook the sauce, whisking frequently, until it begins to thicken, about 4-5 minutes.

Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of paprika.

#### 3. **Assemble the Dish**:
After the vegetables have roasted, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables, stirring gently to coat the veggies in the creamy sauce.

#### 4. **Bake the Medley**:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbly and slightly golden on top. If you want a more golden, crispy top, you can broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes—just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy**:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for added color and freshness, if desired.

### Tips for Success:
– **Vegetable Variations**: Feel free to customize the vegetable medley based on what you have available. Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or green beans are great additions to the mix.
– **Cheese Options**: While cheddar is the most popular choice, you can experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, gouda, or Parmesan for a unique flavor.
– **Make it Lighter**: If you want a lighter version of this dish, you can use skim milk or a dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond milk, and opt for a lower-fat cheese. For a dairy-free sauce, try a vegan cheese or a cashew-based sauce.
– **Pre-Roast the Vegetables**: Roasting the vegetables beforehand ensures they retain their texture and flavors while cooking evenly with the cheese sauce.
– **Add Crunch**: For extra texture, you can top the dish with some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking, which will add a crispy, golden topping to contrast with the creamy cheese sauce.

### Why This Dish is a Crowd-Pleaser:
This **Baked Vegetable Medley with Cheese Sauce** is a perfect combination of rich, savory flavors and healthy, nutritious ingredients. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while the creamy cheese sauce ties everything together in a deliciously comforting way. It’s the ideal side dish for nearly any main course, from roasted meats to pasta dishes, and even works beautifully as a vegetarian meal on its own.

The dish is also highly adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. With just a few simple changes, you can make it lighter, vegan, or even spice it up with extra herbs and seasonings. Whether served on a weeknight or at a festive family gathering, this baked vegetable medley is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

### Conclusion:
The **Baked Vegetable Medley with Cheese Sauce** is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of tender roasted vegetables and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a comfort food classic that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s easy to make, versatile, and can be enjoyed as a side or a main course, making it an excellent addition to your meal planning. So, next time you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying vegetable dish, give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did!