Description
This easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole combines tender broccoli florets with creamy plant-based cheese, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and a smooth natural gelling agent sauce. Perfectly seasoned and baked until golden and bubbly, this comforting casserole is ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that please both children and adults.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Cheese (Plant-Based)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded plant-based cheddar-style cheese
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based milk (such as almond or soy)
Proteins
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
Flavorings and Sauces (Natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Thickeners and Toppings
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
- 1/2 cup plant-based bread crumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting bread crumbs, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli: Wash the broccoli and cut it into bite-sized florets. Steam or blanch them until tender but still vibrant green and slightly crisp. Set aside and drain any excess moisture thoroughly.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet, let drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
- Make the creamy cheese sauce: Using the same skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic in a splash of plant-based milk until fragrant and softened. Add shredded plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and the measured natural gelling agent. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens into a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Combine broccoli and sauce: Gently fold the cooked broccoli florets and crumbled turkey bacon into the cheese sauce. Mix carefully to ensure every piece of broccoli is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. If desired, toss plant-based bread crumbs with olive oil and sprinkle evenly on top for added crunch. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
Notes
- Steam broccoli just until tender to avoid a mushy texture after baking.
- Choose plant-based cheese varieties that melt smoothly for best creamy texture.
- Toast bread crumbs in olive oil before topping to enhance crunch and flavor.
- Drain broccoli well to prevent watery casserole.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier slicing and better flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: broccoli casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy casserole, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, gluten free casserole
