Description
Broccoli Spinach Casserole combines fresh broccoli, vibrant spinach, and smoked turkey bacon with creamy plant-based cheese for a comforting, nutritious, and quick-to-make family meal with a smoky and luscious flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein and Cheese
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded plant-based cheese (e.g., mozzarella-style or gouda-style)
Sauces and Liquids
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for sautéing
Thickening and Texture
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop broccoli into bite-sized florets. Roughly chop the baby spinach. Dice the onion and mince the garlic to prepare for cooking.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy and fragrant. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and translucent. Add broccoli and cook for a few minutes to slightly soften while retaining crunch. Stir in spinach last and cook until wilted.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a separate saucepan, whisk together flour and olive oil over medium heat to make a roux. Gradually add plant-based milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir well to combine.
- Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and creamy sauce. Mix in shredded plant-based cheese so it melts evenly into the mixture. Add natural gelling agent and stir well to integrate.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Allow the casserole to rest a few minutes before serving for better slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli and spinach for better texture and vibrant colors.
- Cook smoked turkey bacon well to keep it crispy and prevent sogginess.
- Season each layer carefully to enhance the overall flavor.
- Combine melt-friendly and sharper plant-based cheeses for creaminess and depth.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to allow it to set and slice cleanly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli spinach casserole, plant-based cheese casserole, smoked turkey bacon bake, creamy vegetable casserole, gluten-free casserole
