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**Cheesy Vegetable Bake with Courgettes, Carrots, and Cheddar: A Comforting and Healthy Dish**
Whether you’re looking for a new side dish to complement your main course or a meatless option for a light dinner, this cheesy vegetable bake will surely impress. Let’s explore how to make this delightful recipe!
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#### **1. Packed with Vegetables**
This dish includes a healthy dose of **courgettes** and **carrots**, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Courgettes are rich in vitamin C, while carrots are known for their high beta-carotene content, which supports eye health. The combination of these two vegetables creates a nutrient-dense base for this comforting bake.
#### **2. Rich and Cheesy**
The addition of **cheddar cheese** makes this dish irresistibly creamy and indulgent. It melts beautifully, creating a rich, gooey texture that pairs perfectly with the crisp-tender vegetables. The cheddar also adds a deliciously sharp flavor, making every bite satisfying.
#### **4. Versatile**
You can easily customize this recipe to your tastes. Add in extra veggies like bell peppers, onions, or spinach, or swap out the cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan for different flavor profiles.
### **Ingredients for Cheesy Vegetable Bake with Courgettes, Carrots, and Cheddar**
#### **For the Vegetable Bake:**
– **2 medium courgettes (zucchini)**, sliced
– **2 medium carrots**, peeled and sliced
– **1 tablespoon olive oil**
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
#### **For the Cheese Sauce:**
– **1 cup grated cheddar cheese** (plus extra for topping)
– **1/2 cup milk** (whole, skim, or plant-based)
– **1 tablespoon butter**
– **1 tablespoon all-purpose flour**
– **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder** (optional)
– **1/4 teaspoon mustard powder** (optional)
### **How to Make Cheesy Vegetable Bake with Courgettes, Carrots, and Cheddar**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**
1. Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
2. Slice the **courgettes** (zucchini) and **carrots** into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
3. In a large skillet, heat the **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the sliced vegetables and sauté them for 4-5 minutes, just until they begin to soften. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Once the vegetables are lightly cooked, transfer them to a greased baking dish.
**Step 3: Bake the Dish**
1. Sprinkle a little extra **cheddar cheese** on top of the vegetable mixture for an extra cheesy finish.
2. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for **20-25 minutes**, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
3. Remove the bake from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.