Description
Creamed Broccoli Casserole is a rich, comforting, and easy-to-make dish featuring tender broccoli florets enveloped in a creamy plant-based cheese sauce with smoky turkey bacon and aromatic onions and garlic. This dairy-free casserole balances savory and creamy flavors perfectly and can be served as a hearty side or a warming main dish paired with grains or salads.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- Fresh broccoli florets, bite-sized – 4 cups
- Onion, finely chopped – 1 medium
- Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
Protein and Flavor
- Smoked turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces – 6 slices
Sauces and Dairy Substitutes
- Plant-based cheese, shredded – 1 cup
- Plant-based milk – 1 cup
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) – 2 teaspoons
Thickening and Seasoning
- Natural gelling agent – 1 teaspoon (adjust as needed)
- Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
- Sea salt – 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Blanch the florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender, then drain and set aside to cool slightly. This step locks in color and softens the broccoli without making it mushy.
- Cook the Bacon and Aromatics: Chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook them in a hot pan until crisp. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, absorbing the smoky bacon flavor left behind.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, combine plant-based milk, plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and a pinch of black pepper and sea salt. Heat gently while stirring to melt the cheese smoothly. Gradually sprinkle in the natural gelling agent, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency that can coat a spoon.
- Combine All Ingredients: Mix the blanched broccoli, cooked bacon, and sautéed onions with the cream sauce in a large bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every broccoli floret is enveloped in velvety cream.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and bubbling. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and vibrant color.
- Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent to achieve your preferred sauce thickness.
- Sauté onions and garlic in the bacon fat for added smoky flavor.
- Cut broccoli into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and enhance flavor fusion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: creamed broccoli casserole, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, dairy-free casserole, creamy broccoli bake, vegetarian side dish
