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Vegan Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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This Vegan Broccoli Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting plant-based dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Made with a rich cashew-based cheese sauce, tender broccoli florets, and a crispy buttery cracker topping, it’s both delicious and nourishing, showcasing how vibrant vegan cooking can be.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Broccoli

  • 8 cups broccoli florets

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups raw cashews*
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Topping and Add-ins

  • 2 cups shredded vegan cheddar cheese (optional but good)
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz-style crackers*

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
  2. Quick Cook Broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the broccoli florets. Let them cook for 3 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain thoroughly. Transfer the broccoli to a 9×13 inch casserole dish or a large oval dish and set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: Boil 3-4 cups of water and pour over the raw cashews to soak for at least 5 minutes, up to an hour to soften. Drain and discard the soaking water. Place the soaked cashews in a high-powered blender with the vegetable broth, onion powder, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, and salt. Blend until the mixture is very smooth and creamy, forming a rich vegan cheese sauce.
  4. Make Buttery Cracker Topping: Melt the vegan butter in a small microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds. Stir in the crushed Ritz-style crackers until they are well coated with the melted butter, creating a flavorful crunchy topping.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the broccoli in the casserole dish. Toss gently to coat all the florets, then spread the mixture evenly. Fold in half of the shredded vegan cheddar cheese into the broccoli mixture for extra cheesiness. Sprinkle the remaining vegan cheese over the top, followed by the buttery cracker crumbs, covering the casserole surface.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Bake until the cheese sauce thickens and the topping turns golden and crisp. Serve warm for a comforting and hearty vegan casserole.

Notes

  • Soaking cashews for at least 5 minutes makes blending easier and results in a smoother sauce. For best texture, soak longer if time permits.
  • The shredded vegan cheddar cheese is optional but adds a melty, cheesy depth to the casserole.
  • Use crushed Ritz-style crackers or any buttery vegan cracker for a tasty crunchy topping.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
  • Ensure broccoli is drained very well after boiling to prevent a watery casserole.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/vegan-broccoli-casserole-recipe/