This cheesy broccoli casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the wholesome goodness of broccoli florets with a creamy vegan cheese sauce. It's topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and a hint of nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a potluck, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.
If you're not familiar with nutritional yeast, it's a deactivated yeast that adds a cheesy, nutty flavor to dishes and is often used in vegan cooking. You can find it in the health food section of most supermarkets. Vegan cheese sauce can be store-bought or homemade, and it serves as a dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese sauce. Make sure to check the ingredients to ensure it meets your dietary preferences.
Ingredients For Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, these are the main vegetable component of the casserole.
Vegan cheese sauce: A dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese sauce, adding creaminess and flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy topping for the casserole.
Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy, nutty flavor and is often used in vegan cooking.
Garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of garlic.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the broccoli florets, make sure to steam them just until they are tender but still vibrant green. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture and loss of nutrients. For an extra layer of flavor, you can lightly toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet with a touch of olive oil before sprinkling them on top of the casserole. This will give your dish a delightful crunch and a richer taste.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can be used as a low-carb alternative.
Vegan cheese sauce - Substitute with cashew cream sauce: Cashew cream sauce provides a creamy texture and can be flavored to mimic cheese.
Breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes add a similar crunch and are gluten-free.
Nutritional yeast - Substitute with ground sunflower seeds: Ground sunflower seeds can add a nutty flavor and some nutritional benefits.
Garlic powder - Substitute with minced fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic provides a more intense and fresh garlic flavor.
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How to Store or Freeze This Casserole
Allow the cheesy broccoli casserole to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the dish soggy.
Transfer the casserole to an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures the broccoli stays fresh and the vegan cheese sauce maintains its flavor.
For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. First, portion the casserole into individual servings. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need.
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 freshness.
The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Beyond this, the texture of the broccoli and breadcrumbs may degrade.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the dish's texture.
Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it may take a bit longer.
For a quicker option, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Cover the dish to retain moisture and heat on medium power until warmed through.
To refresh the topping, consider adding a fresh sprinkle of breadcrumbs before reheating. This will help restore the crispy texture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cheesy broccoli casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's warmed through and the vegan cheese sauce is bubbly again.
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. If it's not hot enough, continue heating in 30-second intervals.
Stovetop Method: Place the leftover casserole in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent sticking. Cover the skillet and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an air fryer-safe dish. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook. This method will help retain the crispiness of the breadcrumbs topping.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole in a toaster oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it's warmed through and the vegan cheese sauce is bubbly.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Steamer basket: Utilized to steam the broccoli until it becomes tender.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to mix the vegan cheese sauce, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Baking dish: A dish to transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture into before baking.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the broccoli florets, vegan cheese sauce, and breadcrumbs.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the nutritional yeast and garlic powder.
Spatula: Handy for mixing the ingredients together and transferring the mixture to the baking dish.
Knife: Needed to cut the broccoli into florets if not pre-cut.
Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the broccoli florets.
Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Pre-steam the broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, you can quickly assemble the casserole when you're ready to bake.
Use store-bought vegan cheese sauce: Opt for a pre-made vegan cheese sauce to save time on preparation. Many delicious options are available in stores.
Prepare breadcrumbs ahead: Toast and season your breadcrumbs in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and ready to use.
Batch cook: Make a larger batch of the cheese mixture and freeze portions for future use. This reduces prep time for subsequent meals.
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup vegan cheese sauce
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Steam broccoli until tender.
- In a bowl, mix vegan cheese sauce, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine broccoli with the cheese mixture and transfer to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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