Description
This Creamed Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring fresh broccoli florets in a creamy plant-based cheese sauce with a smoky hint of smoked turkey bacon. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers a rich texture, vibrant colors, and versatile customization options for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, washed and chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein
- 4 ounces smoked turkey bacon, diced (or plant-based bacon)
Cheese and Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese blend
- 1 1/4 cups plant-based milk alternative (such as unsweetened almond, oat, or cashew milk)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli: Wash and chop fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. Steam the broccoli for 4 to 5 minutes until tender yet slightly crisp to maintain a nice texture in the casserole.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: In a skillet, cook diced smoked turkey bacon until crisp to release the smoky flavor. Drain excess fat by placing the bacon on a paper towel and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Using the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, enhancing the base flavors of the casserole.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the plant-based milk alternative with the plant-based cheese blend. Stir continuously and add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Gradually incorporate the natural gelling agent until the sauce reaches a luxuriously creamy consistency.
- Combine and bake: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the steamed broccoli, cooked smoked turkey bacon, sautéed onions, and garlic. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and mix until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased casserole dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for better texture and color.
- Do not overcook broccoli during steaming to avoid mushy texture.
- Choose a quality plant-based cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Fold ingredients gently to keep broccoli florets intact.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: creamed broccoli casserole, plant-based cheese casserole, smoked turkey bacon casserole, creamy broccoli bake, gluten free casserole
