Baked Lentils With Cheese
A hearty, cheesy baked lentil dish packed with vegetables and herbs, perfect for vegetarians seeking a flavorful, protein-rich meal that appeals to all tastes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. lentils, rinsed ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 whole bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. whole sage, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. whole thyme, crumbled ⓘ
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 large carrots, sliced 1/8-inch thick ⓘ
- 1/2 c. thinly sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley ⓘ
- 3 c. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a shallow baking dish (about 9 x 3 inches), mix the lentils, water, bay leaf, salt, pepper, marjoram, sage, thyme, onions, garlic, and tomatoes.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake in a 375°F oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and stir in carrots and celery.
- Bake, covered, for 40 minutes more or until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in green pepper and parsley.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and bake, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the lentils. You can also substitute the bay leaf with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary if desired. If you want a spicier kick, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes will enhance the taste. This dish is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different vegetables or replace the Cheddar with mozzarella for a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
This baked lentils with cheese dish makes a hearty main course, perfect for pairing with a side salad or crusty bread. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables would complement it nicely, enhancing the overall meal. For a complete vegetarian experience, consider serving it alongside My Momma'S Fruit Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave or transfer to a saucepan and heat over low until warmed through. If it appears dry, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Lentils With Cheese contains roughly 627 calories, with 25g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (301% of the Daily Value), iron (173% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (173% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1832mg per serving (80% 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 add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible, and adding more vegetables can enhance flavor and nutrition. Consider incorporating zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if adding denser vegetables to ensure everything cooks evenly.
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).