Description
A warm and comforting Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole featuring tender broccoli and cauliflower florets coated in a creamy plant-based cheese sauce. This easy-to-make dish is packed with wholesome vegetables and topped with a crispy seasoned breadcrumb crust, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cups fresh cauliflower florets
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups plain plant-based milk
- 1 1/4 cups shredded plant-based cheese (plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the broccoli and cauliflower thoroughly, then cut into bite-sized florets. Lightly steam or blanch them until just tender to preserve their color and texture.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in plant-based milk, shredded plant-based cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Stir continuously while heating until the cheese melts smoothly into a creamy sauce. Add the natural gelling agent and keep stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Combine Vegetables and Sauce: Transfer the steamed broccoli and cauliflower into a large mixing bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables and toss gently to coat every floret evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a baking dish and spread the cheesy vegetables evenly. Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs on top to create a crispy golden crust when baked.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is browned and the sauce bubbles gently around the edges.
Notes
- Do not overcook the vegetables to keep them crisp-tender and vibrant.
- Use shredded plant-based cheese for a smoother, clump-free sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning of the cheese sauce before combining with vegetables.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly after baking to help it set for neat slicing.
- For extra crunch, toast the breadcrumbs lightly before topping the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli casserole, cauliflower casserole, cheesy casserole, plant-based cheese recipe, vegetarian casserole, family dinner, healthy comfort food
