Broccoli Cheddar Bake Recipe

Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli cut into small, bite-sized pieces.

Vegan cheddar cheese: A dairy-free alternative to traditional cheddar, providing a cheesy flavor.

Unsweetened almond milk: A plant-based milk that adds creaminess without sweetness.

Nutritional yeast: A deactivated yeast that adds a cheesy, nutty flavor and is often used in vegan cooking.

Olive oil: Used to create the base of the sauce, adding richness and depth.

All-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the sauce, creating a creamy texture.

Garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the sauce.

Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle onion taste.

Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors of the dish.

When making the cheese sauce, ensure you whisk the flour and olive oil mixture continuously to avoid lumps. Gradually adding the almond milk while whisking helps create a smooth, creamy base. For an extra depth of flavor, you can lightly toast the nutritional yeast in the saucepan before adding it to the sauce.

• Broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can be roasted or steamed just like broccoli.

• Vegan cheddar cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast and cashew cream: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor, and cashew cream adds creaminess.

• Unsweetened almond milk - Substitute with unsweetened soy milk: Soy milk has a similar consistency and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative.

• Nutritional yeast - Substitute with vegan parmesan: Vegan parmesan can provide a similar cheesy and umami flavor.

• Olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for its similar fat content and cooking properties.

• All-purpose flour - Substitute with chickpea flour: Chickpea flour is a good thickening agent and is gluten-free.

• Garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor.

• Onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Fresh onions can add a more robust and natural onion flavor.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

• Pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar heat and flavor profile but with a slightly different taste.

• Allow the broccoli cheddar bake to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the bake to an airtight container. If you don’t have a container large enough, you can also cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

• Store the broccoli cheddar bake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s kept at a consistent, cool temperature to maintain its freshness.

• For freezing, portion the bake into individual servings. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need and helps the dish freeze more evenly.

• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of its storage time.

• The broccoli cheddar bake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Beyond this, the texture and flavor may start to degrade.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the bake in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the dish’s texture.

• Reheat the broccoli cheddar bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.

• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Broccoli Cheddar Bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.

• Microwave Method: Transfer a portion of the Broccoli Cheddar Bake to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add an extra minute if needed.

• Stovetop Method: Place the Broccoli Cheddar Bake in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of unsweetened almond milk or vegetable broth to prevent sticking. Cover and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the Broccoli Cheddar Bake in an air fryer-safe dish. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook. This method will give you a crispy top similar to the oven method.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Broccoli Cheddar Bake in a toaster oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil and heat for 10-15 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 3-5 minutes for a golden, bubbly top.

• Oven: Used to bake the broccoli cheddar bake at the specified temperature until it becomes bubbly and golden on top.

• Steamer basket: Utilized to steam the broccoli florets until they are tender.

• Saucepan: Essential for heating the olive oil and creating the cheese sauce by combining flour, almond milk, and other ingredients.

• Whisk: Necessary for ensuring the flour and olive oil mixture is smooth and for whisking in the almond milk to thicken the sauce.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the steamed broccoli and the cheese sauce before transferring the mixture to the baking dish.

• Baking dish: The container in which the broccoli cheddar mixture is baked in the oven.

• Measuring cups: Required for accurately measuring the broccoli florets, vegan cheddar cheese, almond milk, and nutritional yeast.

• Measuring spoons: Needed for measuring the olive oil, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring the cheese sauce and for transferring the broccoli and cheese mixture into the baking dish.

• Knife: Handy for cutting the broccoli into florets if not already pre-cut.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for cutting the broccoli into florets.

Pre-steam the broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, you can quickly assemble the dish when ready to bake.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Buy vegan cheddar cheese that's already shredded to save time on prep work.

Make the sauce ahead: Prepare the cheese sauce a day before and refrigerate. Reheat gently before combining with the broccoli.

Opt for frozen broccoli: Use frozen broccoli florets to skip the steaming step. Just thaw and drain well before mixing with the sauce.

One-pot method: Cook the cheese sauce in a large enough saucepan to mix in the broccoli directly, reducing the number of dishes to clean.