Are you ready to indulge in a comforting dish that’s not only delicious but also entirely gluten-free and vegan? This Gluten Free Vegan Broccoli Cheese Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the rich, creamy flavors of cashew cheese with the wholesome goodness of broccoli and gluten-free pasta. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this casserole is quick to make and packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence you’ll want to savor. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a cheesy, satisfying dish that everyone will love!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup gluten-free pasta
- 1 cup cashew cheese sauce
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with olive oil or vegan butter.
- Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pot, steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the cashew cheese sauce by combining cashew cheese, almond milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked pasta and steamed broccoli florets evenly.
- Pour the cashew cheese sauce over the pasta and broccoli, ensuring everything is well-coated and distributed.
- Sprinkle gluten-free breadcrumbs evenly across the top of the casserole for a crispy texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
- Serve hot as a main dish or side, garnishing with additional nutritional yeast or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the cashew cheese sauce and steam the broccoli in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the casserole.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Make It Extra Cheesy: If you want a cheesier flavor, increase the amount of nutritional yeast or mix in some vegan cheese shreds before baking.
- Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy topping, consider mixing in some crushed gluten-free crackers or nuts with the breadcrumbs before sprinkling them on top.
- Serve with Fresh Herbs: Garnish your casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Perfect Leftovers: This casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep. Just reheat in the oven for best results!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
