Vegetable Cheese Bake
A comforting vegetable cheese bake combining mixed frozen vegetables with creamy mushroom soup and crispy fried onions. This versatile dish offers a rich, savory flavor and crispy topping, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks that appreciate hearty, cheesy comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook frozen vegetables in boiling water for 5 minutes; drain.
- Mix mushroom soup and Cheez Whiz together.
- Add cooked vegetables and half of the fried onions to the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.
- Top with the remaining fried onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a vegan cheese alternative to the mushroom soup mixture. You can also use fresh vegetables instead of frozen—just steam them lightly before mixing. If you prefer more flavor, add garlic powder or your favorite herbs to the mixture. This dish pairs beautifully with Hot Punch Cider.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Vegetable Cheese Bake hot as a main dish or as a hearty side alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad. It also pairs well with Swiss Steak Deluxe for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, enjoy it with a side of crusty bread or over quinoa for added protein.
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 (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the texture may vary slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Cheese Bake contains roughly 278 calories, with 8g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (98% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 828mg per serving (36% 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 fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables, but be sure to steam them lightly before mixing with the other ingredients to ensure they cook evenly in the bake.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the mushroom soup with a plant-based cream soup and use a vegan cheese alternative in place of Cheez Whiz to create a delicious vegan version of this bake.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bake a day in advance. Assemble it in the casserole dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).