Description
Enjoy a creamy and comforting Broccoli Cheese Casserole made with fresh broccoli, plant-based cheese, and natural ingredients. This easy-to-make casserole features a luscious cheesy sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect as a hearty main or side dish for any family meal or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 500g fresh broccoli florets
Sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Topping
- 3/4 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli: Wash and cut fresh broccoli into small florets. Lightly steam or blanch them just until bright green and slightly tender to retain a nice texture in the casserole.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, sauté finely chopped onions and garlic in oil until soft and fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for one minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in plant-based milk and cook over medium heat until thickened. Add plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything melts together into a creamy, smooth sauce.
- Combine broccoli and sauce: Mix the steamed broccoli with the cheese sauce in a large bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated. If the sauce seems too loose, add a pinch of natural gelling agent to help it set perfectly in the oven.
- Assemble and top: Transfer the broccoli mixture into a greased casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle gluten-free breadcrumbs on top to create a golden, crunchy crust when baked.
- Bake until bubbly: Bake the casserole at 180°C (350°F) for 25 to 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through with bubbling edges.
Notes
- Choose fresh broccoli for better flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook broccoli; slightly undercooked broccoli holds up well after baking.
- Whisk constantly when making the sauce to avoid lumps.
- Use plant-based cheese with good meltability for a creamy, smooth sauce.
- Allow the casserole to rest a few minutes before serving to thicken further.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Broccoli casserole, plant-based cheese, gluten-free casserole, creamy broccoli bake, vegetarian casserole
