Baked Lentils And Cheese
Hearty baked lentils combined with cheese and vegetables create a flavorful, nutritious dish perfect for family dinners or vegetarian meals, offering a comforting taste of home.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups lentils ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon marjoram ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon sage ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 2 large onions ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 cups canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 large carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley ⓘ
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine lentils, water, bay leaf, salt, pepper, marjoram, sage, thyme, chopped onions, minced garlic, and canned tomatoes in a shallow 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Cover tightly and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. If you don't have lentils on hand, you can substitute them with quinoa or chickpeas. For a vegan version, replace the Cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Lentils and Cheese dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, covering with foil to prevent drying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Lentils And Cheese contains roughly 644 calories, with 25g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (319% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (178% of the Daily Value), and iron (174% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1852mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a blend of cheeses for varied flavors. Just ensure they melt well to maintain the creamy texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it primarily uses lentils and vegetables. Just ensure that any canned tomatoes or cheese you use are labeled gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free meal.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lentil mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the cheese before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes it a convenient option for busy days.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).