Left Over Vegetables
A versatile and flavorful vegetable medley sautéed with crispy croutons, tomatoes, and cheese, perfect for using up leftovers and satisfying a variety of tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet or fry bacon until cooked, then remove bacon if used and set aside.
- Add croutons to the skillet and brown them, seasoning as desired.
- Pour in the tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
- Add leftover vegetables to the skillet and heat thoroughly.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the mixture and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or onion when melting the butter. You can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika for a vegetarian option. Any leftover vegetables work well, such as roasted carrots or steamed broccoli. If you have any fresh herbs like basil or parsley, sprinkle them in for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad, such as Cherry Chill Salad, for a refreshing contrast. Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious juices. For a complete meal, consider adding a protein like grilled chicken or a fried egg on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent uneven heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Left Over Vegetables contains roughly 209 calories, with 9g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (80% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 637mg per serving (28% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a great time-saver! Just thaw them beforehand and add them to the skillet with the tomatoes. Make sure to drain any excess water to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
What type of cheese works best with this dish?
Popular choices for this dish include shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan. Each adds a different flavor profile; cheddar provides sharpness, mozzarella offers creaminess, and parmesan brings a nutty taste. Feel free to mix them for a more complex flavor.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the butter and bacon, using olive oil or vegan butter instead. Replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This dish can easily fit into vegetarian recipes with these substitutions.
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).