Description
Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a warm, creamy, and comforting plant-based dish loaded with fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets. Smothered in a rich, creamy plant-based cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection, this casserole offers a wholesome and satisfying meal suitable for family dinners or cozy meals for one. It balances bold flavors and delightful texture that makes vegetables irresistible.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups fresh cauliflower florets
- 1 small onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded plant-based cheese
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Spices and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and cutting fresh broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Lightly steam or blanch them until just tender to ensure they retain their crunch and vibrant color.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, gently warm plant-based milk with minced garlic and onion until fragrant. Whisk in shredded plant-based cheese and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), then add apple cider vinegar (natural) to brighten the flavor. Stir in the natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce, seasoning with black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Combine and Assemble: Mix the steamed vegetables into the cheese sauce, folding carefully so all the florets are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, smoothing the top for even baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden with a slight crust forming from the melted plant-based cheese.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking so it firms up slightly, making serving easier and enhancing the creamy texture. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives just before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcook veggies: Slightly undercook the broccoli and cauliflower to keep them tender-crisp in the finished dish.
- Use freshly shredded plant-based cheese: It melts more smoothly and adds better flavor than pre-shredded.
- Mix sauce well: Whisk the cheese sauce continuously to prevent lumps and get a silky texture.
- Add herbs last: Stir fresh herbs in after removing from heat to keep their bright flavor intact.
- Let it rest: Wait 5 to 10 minutes before serving to let the casserole set properly and make slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli casserole, cauliflower casserole, plant-based cheese, vegetarian casserole, creamy vegetable bake
