Description
Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a comforting and nutritious dish combining tender broccoli and cauliflower florets baked in a rich, creamy sauce made with plant-based cheese and smoked turkey bacon, enhanced by aromatic onion and garlic. This simple yet indulgent casserole delivers wholesome flavors and a luscious texture, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein and Cheese
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, grated
Sauces and Liquids
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Thickening
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop broccoli and cauliflower into even-sized florets. Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still bright and firm. Drain well and set aside to keep them crisp.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until crispy and golden. Add diced onion and minced garlic, then sauté until fragrant and soft to build a savory base.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in plant-based milk, plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), natural gelling agent, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir constantly until the sauce bubbles gently and thickens, coating the back of a spoon smoothly.
- Combine and Assemble: Gently fold the blanched broccoli and cauliflower into the cheese sauce mixture, making sure all florets are well coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden. For a crispier topping, broil for 2 minutes while watching carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm broccoli and cauliflower for the best texture and flavor.
- Blanch vegetables just enough to retain slight crunch before baking.
- Grate plant-based cheese finely to ensure even melting in the sauce.
- Do not over-thicken the sauce on the stove as the natural gelling agent activates during baking.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: broccoli casserole, cauliflower casserole, cheesy casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, comfort food, gluten free
