Description
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a comforting and vibrant dish featuring creamy plant-based cheese, crunchy fresh broccoli florets, and savory smoked turkey bacon. Combined with a natural gelling agent, this casserole offers a luscious texture and rich flavor, perfect for a satisfying, family-friendly meal that is easy to prepare and full of nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Proteins
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Dairy & Alternatives
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese (creamy and melty)
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based milk
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Natural Gelling Agent
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli and smoked turkey bacon: Wash and chop fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. Cook smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then set aside to cool.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, building a flavorful base.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together plant-based milk, plant-based cheese, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and the natural gelling agent. Heat gently, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens evenly and becomes velvety smooth.
- Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, sautéed onions and garlic, crumbled smoked turkey bacon, and the creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently to keep the broccoli intact and ensure even flavor distribution.
- Bake to perfection: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the casserole rest briefly before serving to allow flavors to meld and for easy slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli florets as they hold texture better than frozen, keeping the casserole crisp.
- Thicken the sauce gradually with the natural gelling agent to prevent separation and ensure creaminess.
- Mix ingredients gently to avoid mushiness and maintain even texture.
- Allow casserole to rest before serving for optimal flavor and slicing ease.
- The smoky flavor of smoked turkey bacon elevates the dish without overpowering subtler ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy casserole, gluten free casserole
