Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, these are the main vegetable component of the casserole.

Vegan cheese: A dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well and adds a creamy texture.

Unsweetened almond milk: A plant-based milk that keeps the dish dairy-free while adding creaminess.

Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor and is a great source of vitamins, especially B12.

Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor to the dish.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor profile.

When preparing this broccoli cheese casserole, ensure that the broccoli florets are evenly sized to promote uniform cooking. If using fresh broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture. This step helps to soften the broccoli slightly, ensuring it cooks perfectly in the oven.

• Broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can be used as a low-carb alternative.

• Shredded vegan cheese - Substitute with cashew cheese: Cashew cheese provides a creamy texture and rich flavor similar to vegan cheese.

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

• Nutritional yeast - Substitute with miso paste: Miso paste adds a savory, umami flavor that can mimic the cheesy taste of nutritional yeast.

• 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 offer a stronger and more natural onion flavor.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, offering a milder taste.

• Allow the broccoli cheese casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also use a resealable plastic bag, but make sure to remove as much air as possible.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn.
• Label the wrapped casserole with the date so you can keep track of its freshness.
• Place the wrapped casserole in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap and foil, then transfer the casserole to a baking dish.
• Cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from drying out, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the broccoli cheese casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Microwave Method: Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe dish. Cover it 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. Continue heating in 1-minute increments if needed until it’s hot.

• Stovetop Method: Place the leftover casserole in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of almond milk or vegetable broth to keep it from drying out. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s thoroughly warmed.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an air fryer-safe dish. Heat for 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it’s not overcooking. 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 cheese casserole in a toaster oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Large mixing bowl: Utilized to combine all the ingredients thoroughly before transferring them to the baking dish.

• Baking dish: The container in which the casserole mixture is spread out evenly and baked.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the broccoli florets, vegan cheese, and almond milk.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Spatula: Handy for mixing the ingredients together in the large mixing bowl and for spreading the mixture evenly in the baking dish.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

• Cooling rack: Useful for placing the baking dish on after it comes out of the oven to allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Use pre-chopped broccoli: Save time by using pre-chopped broccoli florets from the store instead of chopping fresh ones yourself.

Shred cheese in advance: Shred your vegan cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge to cut down on prep time.

Mix ingredients in the baking dish: Combine all ingredients directly in the baking dish to avoid extra dishes.

Microwave broccoli: Quickly steam broccoli florets in the microwave for a few minutes before mixing to reduce oven time.