Cheese Vegetable Broil
A flavorful broiled vegetable dish featuring tender cauliflower and carrots topped with melted Cheddar cheese, perfect as a healthy side or comforting vegetarian main.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break apart cauliflower into small pieces.
- Wash cauliflower under cold water.
- Skin, wash, and slice carrots into 1/4-inch discs.
- Place vegetables in a steamer with cauliflower on the bottom and steam until tender but still crunchy.
- Transfer steamed vegetables to an ovenproof dish and drizzle with olive oil.
- Sprinkle with basil and toss to combine.
- Top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Place under the broiler until cheese melts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a different flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or red pepper flakes to the vegetables before broiling. If you want to incorporate more greens, try adding steamed broccoli or spinach. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with Gouda or mozzarella for a unique twist. Always ensure the vegetables are cut evenly for consistent cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheese Vegetable Broil as a delicious side dish alongside grilled meats or as a vegetarian main course. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Hot Tuna & Cheddar Sandwiches. Add a simple green salad to complete the meal, or serve with crusty bread to soak up any melted cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, or quickly microwave in short intervals. If reheating in the oven, you may want to cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Vegetable Broil contains roughly 156 calories, with 8g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 743mg per serving (32% 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 frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables for this recipe. However, be sure to thaw and drain them before steaming to avoid excess water. Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on them to ensure they are tender yet crunchy.
What can I substitute for olive oil?
If you don't have olive oil, grapeseed oil or melted butter can be used as substitutes. Both will add a nice flavor to the dish. For a lighter option, you could use a spray oil to lightly coat the vegetables.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper before broiling. You can also serve the dish with a side of your favorite hot sauce to allow individuals to customize their heat level.
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).