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Cheesy Vegan Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 94 reviews

This Cheesy Vegan Cauliflower Casserole offers a creamy, flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish using a rich cashew-based cheese sauce, tender steamed cauliflower, and crispy panko breadcrumbs for a delightful vegan and gluten-free meal option. Perfect for cozy dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets (about 2.5 pounds)

Breadcrumb Topping

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted (+ more for greasing dish)
  • Pinch of granulated garlic for breadcrumbs

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in very hot water
  • 2 cups unsweetened soy milk
  • 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup tapioca flour/starch
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon granulated onion
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons sea salt (more to taste)

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh-cut parsley
  • Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 3-quart casserole dish with vegan butter and set it aside for later assembly.
  2. Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted vegan butter, panko breadcrumbs, and a pinch of granulated garlic. Set this mixture aside to top the casserole later.
  3. Soak Cashews: Bring water to a boil in a small pot, then remove from heat. Add the raw cashews and cover, allowing them to soak for 15-20 minutes until softened. This softens the nuts for smooth blending.
  4. Steam Cauliflower: While cashews are soaking, place about 1 inch of water into a medium to large pot fitted with a steamer basket. Cover with lid, bring water to a boil on high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Add cauliflower florets to the basket, cover, and steam for 7-10 minutes until just tender. Remove from heat and uncover.
  5. Drain and Rinse Cashews: After soaking, drain and rinse the cashews thoroughly, discarding the soaking water to remove any bitterness.
  6. Blend Cheese Sauce: Place soaked cashews, soy milk, vegetable broth, lemon juice, tapioca flour, nutritional yeast, dijon mustard, granulated garlic, granulated onion, and sea salt into a high-speed blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.
  7. Cook Cheese Sauce: Pour the blended sauce into a medium skillet or pot over medium heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the sauce thickens and becomes slightly stretchy. Adjust thickness by adding a little soy milk or broth if necessary, and taste to adjust seasoning.
  8. Assemble Casserole: Pour half of the cheese sauce into the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Layer the steamed cauliflower evenly over the sauce. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the cauliflower and spread evenly.
  9. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese sauce is hot and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs turn light golden brown and crispy.
  10. Finish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Optionally sprinkle with fresh-cut parsley and crushed red pepper flakes for added color and a spicy kick. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting cheesy vegan cauliflower casserole!

Notes

  • Soaking cashews in very hot water softens them for a smoother, creamier cheese sauce—don’t skip this step.
  • Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs if you want a gluten-free version.
  • Adjust seasoning in the cheese sauce to your taste, adding more salt or mustard as preferred.
  • The tapioca flour helps create a stretchy, melty texture in the cheese sauce.
  • Steaming cauliflower retains its nutrients and keeps it tender without making it mushy.
  • You can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and reheat gently before assembling the casserole.

Keywords: Vegan cauliflower casserole, dairy-free cheese sauce, cashew cheese, healthy vegan casserole, gluten-free casserole option

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/cheesy-vegan-cauliflower-casserole-recipe/