Healthy Vegan Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy Broccoli and Cauliflower, then this Vegan Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole is the dish for you. Whether you’re new to veganism or an experienced plant-based foodie, this casserole recipe will surely be a hit on your dinner table.
This dish is not only easy to make, but also packed with hearty veggies that offer a variety of health benefits. Broccoli and cauliflower are rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and prevent chronic diseases. And with the addition of vegan cheese and nutritional yeast flakes, this casserole has a rich and creamy flavor that is sure to impress your taste buds.
Whether you’re serving this dish as a main course or side dish, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So why not give it a try the next time you’re looking for a satisfying and nourishing meal?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Friends, let me tell you why this vegan broccoli and cauliflower casserole recipe is going to steal your heart. First of all, it packed with mouth-watering flavor that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. From the cheesy vegan sauce made with tangy nutritional yeast flakes to the satisfying crunch of panko breadcrumbs, every bite of this casserole is sure to satisfy.
Not only the flavors but the texture and colors of this dish are inviting. The combination of tender and roasted broccoli and cauliflower florets creates a visually appealing texture when baked in a creamy cheese sauce. When your loved ones see this dish approaching on the table, they’ll know they’re in for a real treat.
The best part? This nutrient-rich vegetable casserole is completely plant-based! There’s no need for any animal products in your diet when you have flavorful recipes like this one. So, gather around the table with your family and friends and enjoy this irresistible vegan broccoli and cauliflower casserole together – it’s sure to become a crowd favorite!
Ingredient List
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need to make this tasty Vegan Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole. Here is what you will need:
Casserole Ingredients
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1 head of cauliflower, cut into small florets (about 4 cups)
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1 head of broccoli, cut into small florets (about 3 cups)
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¼ cup of nutritional yeast flakes
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½ tsp. of nutmeg
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1 cup of flour
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½ tsp. of paprika
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2 cups of plant-based milk (such as almond milk)
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Salt to taste
Cauliflower Bechamel Ingredients
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5 cups roughly chopped cauliflower (about 1 medium-sized head)
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3 tbsp. canola oil
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2 cups of plant-based milk
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1/4 cup nutritional yeast
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1 tsp. dried parsley
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Salt to taste
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
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1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 4 hours or overnight
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2 cups of plant-based milk
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1/4 cup of vegan cheese (cheddar or parmesan)
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1 tbsp. nutritional yeast
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Salt to taste
Topping Ingredients
- Panko breadcrumbs (enough to cover the casserole)
You can find all these ingredients in your local grocery store or online. If you want to replace any ingredient with something else, just make sure it has similar properties and will not change the texture or flavor too much.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have the ingredient list ready, let’s start making this delicious vegan broccoli and cauliflower casserole.
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. While your oven is heating up, prepare 1 medium cauliflower and 1 small broccoli head. Cut them into bite-sized florets.
Pro tip: If you prefer a finer texture for your veggies, you can use a food processor to pulse them into cauliflower rice or broccoli rice for even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesy Vegan Sauce
To make the cheesy vegan sauce, you will need a blender. Combine 1 cup raw cashews, 2 cups almond milk, 3 tbsp flour, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp paprika, and 1/8 tsp nutmeg until smooth.
Pro tip: Nutritional yeast is the key ingredient in this recipe since it gives the vegan cheese a cheesy flavor. It’s a great source of vitamin B12 and plant-based protein.
Step 3: Assemble Your Casserole Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine vegetables with vegan cheese sauce until all vegetables are coated evenly. Fold in 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs and mix gently.
Step 4: Bechamel Bake
Spread vegetable mixture into a casserole dish that is big enough to fit everything. Sprinkle with 1 cup of vegan cheese and (optional) 1/4 cup of vegan parmesan on top. Then, drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of canola oil.
Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until vegetables are fork-tender and golden brown on top.
Pro tip: If you like extra crunch or texture to your casserole, try adding more breadcrumbs or roasted chickpeas on top before baking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Let cool for several minutes before serving. Garnish with additional herbs like fresh parsley or basil if desired. This vegan broccoli cauliflower casserole makes a perfect side dish that pairs well with anything from roasted chicken to grilled tofu.
Enjoy every single bite!
Substitutions and Variations
As a vegan chef, I am always exploring new ways to spice up my recipes and make them more accessible to different tastes and dietary requirements. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try with this Vegan Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole Recipe:
1. Gluten-free: If you have a gluten intolerance, you can easily substitute the flour for a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or chickpea flour. For the panko breadcrumbs, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
2. Nut-free: For those who have nut allergies or sensitivities, simply swap the raw cashews for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, which will give the same creamy texture without the nuts.
3. Low-carb: If you’re following a low-carb diet, replace the flour with coconut flour or almond flour and use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
4. Cheesy Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole: This variation uses brown rice instead of cauliflower rice and adds cheddar cheese shreds to make it even more decadent.
5. Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole: Roast your veggies in the oven first for extra flavor and texture before assembling your casserole.
6. Dairy-Free Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole: Swap out store-bought vegan cheese with a homemade cheesy sauce made from nutritional yeast flakes, almond milk, garlic powder, and paprika.
7. Chickpea Vegetable Bake: Add canned chickpeas to your casserole for extra protein and fiber, making it a complete meal in one dish.
Remember that substitutions work best when made incrementally, so start with one substitution at a time and gradually integrate other changes as needed. Play around with spices and seasonings to create a unique variation that is tailored specifically for you!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have prepared this delicious Vegan Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole, you’re probably wondering how best to serve and pair it. This casserole recipe packs a lot of flavor with the combination of vegan cheese, broccoli, and cauliflower. It is perfect as a main dish for lunch or dinner or accompaniment to any hearty meal.
One great idea for pairing is to serve it along with some fresh greens, such as kale or spinach, drizzled with a light dressing. The fresh greens will provide a crunchy texture that complements the creaminess of the casserole. Additionally, the dressing will add another layer of flavor.
Cauliflower and broccoli are often paired with dishes that contain chickpeas, nuts, or legumes. I suggest serving this dish alongside some creamy hummus or falafel. These dishes share similar taste profiles and textures, which will make for a perfect match.
Another great option is to pair your casserole with roasted veggies or potatoes. The crispy outside and tender inside of roasted vegetables are balanced by the creaminess of the casserole, making for an excellent combo. For roasting vegetables, add some garlic powder and dried parsley for extra flavor.
This vegan broccoli & cauliflower casserole recipe also goes well with rice or quinoa on the side. The neutral flavor of these grains allows the rich flavors of your casserole to be fully appreciated. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over your grains for added richness.
Finally, you can enjoy this vegan recipe simply on its own! Veggies combined with the cheesy sauce in one dish make an ideal complete meal the entire family can enjoy any season of the year! Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, let’s talk about make-ahead, storing, and reheating this vegan broccoli and cauliflower casserole. If you’re planning to serve this dish at a dinner party or just want to meal prep for the week, you’ll be happy to know that it can easily be made ahead of time.
To make ahead, simply prepare the casserole ingredients according to the recipe instructions but hold off on baking it. Instead, cover the unbaked casserole with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in advance. This will also give time for the flavors to develop further.
When ready to bake the casserole, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before putting it in the oven. Follow the recipe instructions as usual and bake until golden brown.
Once cooked, the vegan broccoli and cauliflower casserole should last in the fridge for up to 4-5 days when stored properly. To store it correctly, simply transfer any leftover portions to an airtight container or a covered dish and place them in your fridge.
Reheating this delicious casserole is also easy! You can reheat individual servings in a microwave-safe dish or reheat the whole casserole in the oven. To reheat individual portions, simply put them into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
If you prefer to reheat the entire casserole in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Just be sure to keep an eye on your dish so as not to overcook it.
Now that you know how to make-ahead, store and reheat this vegan broccoli and cauliflower casserole, you’ll be able to enjoy its delicious flavor anytime without worrying about spending too much time in the kitchen!
Tips for Perfect Results
Creating the perfect bowl of vegan broccoli and cauliflower casserole is no easy feat, but with a few helpful tips and tricks up your sleeve, you will be on your way to a masterpiece in no time! Here are five tips to ensure that your casserole comes out perfect every time:
Firstly, the freshness of the ingredients should not be overlooked. When making this recipe or any other dish, use fresh vegetables and herbs whenever possible. When using fresh broccoli and cauliflower, the flavors come together much better making it tasty and savory.
Secondly, seasoning is key. To really bring out the flavors of the dish you need to season it just right. Use a blend of your favorite herbs and spices for an extra burst of flavor.
Thirdly, make your own cauliflower cheese sauce from scratch. This may seem like extra work but it’s totally worth it for an amazing melt-in-your-mouth result. Using vegan cheese or any other store-bought sauces might not give you the final touch you are looking for.
Fourthly, consistency is important when chopping the vegetables so they cook evenly. Chop them all to roughly the same size so that nothing becomes overcooked or undercooked in the final product.
Finally, be generous with your toppings as this adds additional flavors and textures to your casserole. Sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs and paprika over the top for a crunchy texture that will perfectly complement the creamy sauce. This makes sure that if anyone takes a bite of your dish they can enjoy every single texture available in it.
Remember to follow these tips for amazing results everytime!
Bottom Line
As a vegan chef, I have tested and tasted countless recipes throughout my career. And without a doubt, this vegan broccoli and cauliflower casserole recipe is one of the best vegetable casseroles I have ever made.
What makes this recipe stand out is how it incorporates familiar flavors and textures that everyone knows and loves, such as panko breadcrumbs, vegan cheese, and savory spices like paprika and nutmeg. Additionally, the use of nutritional yeast flakes bring a cheesy umami flavor to the dish that is bound to leave you wanting more.
Furthermore, this casserole is versatile enough to accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences. Whether you are looking for a vegetarian-friendly option or gluten-free alternatives for flour or breadcrumbs, this recipe has got you covered.
So if you’re looking for the perfect flavorful and comforting vegetable bake that is healthy, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd or batch cooking for meal prep purposes, look no further than this vegan broccoli and cauliflower casserole recipe!
Give it a try today and experience one of the tastiest ways to enjoy these nutritious green vegetables.
Vegan Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped into bite sized pieces
- 2 cups cauliflower, chopped into bite size pieces
- 2 cups rice milk
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (dried bread crumbs)
- 1/2 cup vegan cheese, shredded
- 3/4 tablespoon paprika
- 3/4 tablespoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cook broccoli and cauliflower in boiling water for 3 minutes.
- Drain and set aside.
- Blend together milk, oil, flour, nutritional yeast flakes, salt, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Cook, stirring well, over medium heat in a saucepan until thickened.
- Turn off heat.
- Add broccoli and cauliflower to saucepan and stir until combined.
- Pour mixture into a greased 8x8-inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle panko bread crumbs, cheese, paprika, and then parsley over the top.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.