Vegetable Bake with Zucchini, Peppers, and Cheese

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar sized casserole dish with a light layer of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the vegetables from sticking.

#### 2. **Prepare the Vegetables:**
– Wash and slice the zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and cherry tomatoes. The key to a perfectly cooked vegetable bake is slicing the veggies thinly so they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the seasoning.
– In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the vegetables are well coated with the oil and seasonings.

#### 3. **Assemble the Vegetable Bake:**
– Layer the seasoned vegetables evenly in the prepared baking dish. Start with the zucchini, then add the bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. This layering will ensure that each bite has a mix of different textures and flavors.
– Spread the vegetables out evenly in the dish to ensure even cooking and melting of the cheese.

#### 4. **Add the Cheese Topping:**
– Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the vegetable mixture. Follow with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese for extra richness and flavor.
– For a bit of crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese layer. This step is optional but adds a delightful texture contrast when baked.

#### 5. **Bake the Vegetable Dish:**
– Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown. If you want the top to be extra crispy, you can broil the dish for an additional 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning the cheese.

#### 6. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
– Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for an added burst of freshness and color.
– Serve hot as a side dish or as a main for a lighter meal. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or crusty bread.

### Why This Vegetable Bake is Special:

1. **Packed with Veggies:**
This dish is a powerhouse of healthy vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Not only do they taste great, but they provide a variety of nutrients that are essential for overall health. This makes it a fantastic option for anyone looking to increase their vegetable intake in a delicious way.

2. **Cheesy Goodness:**
The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses gives this bake a wonderfully creamy, savory, and rich flavor. The melted cheese binds the vegetables together while adding that gooey, comforting element that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

3. **Versatile and Customizable:**
This vegetable bake is highly versatile. You can swap out the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your kitchen. Try adding eggplant, mushrooms, spinach, or even sweet potatoes for added variety. The recipe also works well with different cheeses, so feel free to experiment with sharp cheddar, feta, or goat cheese for a unique twist.

4. **Easy to Make and Family-Friendly:**
This vegetable bake is simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal with minimal effort. Kids will love the cheesy topping and the vibrant, tender vegetables. It’s also an excellent way to sneak in a variety of veggies for picky eaters.

5. **Health-Conscious:**
By using fresh, wholesome ingredients and controlling the amount of cheese and oil, this recipe can easily fit into a healthy, balanced diet. You can even lighten it up further by using reduced-fat cheese or skipping the breadcrumbs for a lower-carb version.

### Tips for the Perfect Vegetable Bake:

– **Slice the Veggies Evenly:** For consistent cooking, try to slice the vegetables into uniform thickness. This ensures that they cook at the same rate, so you don’t end up with overcooked or undercooked veggies.
– **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano elevate the flavor profile of the dish. Add them just before serving for the best burst of freshness.
– **Add Protein:** If you want to turn this into a more filling meal, you can easily add cooked chicken, sausage, or even beans for a boost of protein.
– **Make It Ahead:** This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days before baking. You can even freeze it before baking if you want to prepare it in advance for a later date.

### Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Bake:

This **Vegetable Bake with Zucchini, Peppers, and Cheese** is a perfect combination of flavor, texture, and nourishment. It’s a dish that brings out the best in fresh vegetables, combining them with melted cheese to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish to complement a main course or as a light vegetarian main, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, it’s simple enough to make on a busy weeknight but special enough to serve at a family gathering or dinner party.

The best part? You can feel good about enjoying it because it’s loaded with healthy ingredients and packed with flavor. Give this vegetable bake a try — it’s a dish that will become a regular favorite in your kitchen.