Quick & Easy Mixed Vegetable Au Gratin Recipe

Last Minute Mixed Vegetable Au Gratin

Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Category: Vegetable
Servings: 6

Description
Sometimes, the best recipes come out of necessity. When I found myself with an unexpected guest and a very limited ingredient list, I came up with this Last Minute Mixed Vegetable Au Gratin. It turned out so delicious that not only did my guest come back for seconds, but he was also thrilled to take home the leftovers! If you’re looking to use fresh vegetables, feel free to chop them into smaller pieces for a quicker cook time. This dish is both creamy and cheesy, with the perfect amount of crunch on top—perfect for any meal or as a side dish to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish
   Spray a 2-quart baking dish generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the gratin from sticking.

3. Cook the Vegetables
   Take your mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen) and cook them until just barely done. This ensures they won’t overcook during the baking process. Once they’re cooked, drain and set them aside to cool slightly while you continue with the next steps.

4. Make the Bread Crumbs
   If you’re using bread for the topping, take a slice of bread and use a blender or food processor to turn it into crumbs. Set the crumbs aside for later.

5. Prepare the Sauce
   In a medium saucepan, combine 1 tablespoon of butter (or margarine) and 2 tablespoons of light olive oil. Heat the mixture over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

6. Cook the Sauce
   Once the onions are done, add in the soup, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture frequently and cook until it thickens and becomes bubbly. Once thickened, remove it from the heat.

7. Combine the Vegetables and Sauce
   In a large mixing bowl, place your cooked vegetables. Stir in the prepared sauce mixture, about 2 tablespoons of the bread crumbs, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together well until the vegetables are fully coated.

8. Transfer to Baking Dish
   Spoon the vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

9. Make the Topping
   Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and combine it with the remaining bread crumbs. Mix in the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the vegetables in the baking dish.

10. Bake the Au Gratin
    Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through and the top is golden and crispy.

11. Serve and Enjoy
    Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, and it’s a perfect side for a variety of main courses.

Tips for Success

• If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream for an extra indulgent dish.
• For a slightly sharper flavor, consider adding a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese to the topping mixture.
• You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to enhance the flavor further. Broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers work wonderfully in this recipe.
• To make it even quicker, use frozen vegetables that are already pre-cooked or steamed.

This Last Minute Mixed Vegetable Au Gratin is a great recipe to keep in your back pocket for when you need a quick, satisfying, and delicious side dish. It’s cheesy, comforting, and perfectly complements any main meal you’re serving. Whether you’re hosting guests or just cooking for yourself, this dish is bound to impress.