Vegan Broccoli Casserole Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals

If you’re searching for a comforting, wholesome dish that’s both delicious and vegan-friendly, look no further than vegan broccoli casseroles. These recipes transform simple, nutrient-packed broccoli into hearty, flavorful meals perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based options, broccoli casseroles offer a creamy, savory experience without any dairy or animal products. Packed with vibrant vegetables, creamy sauces, and crispy toppings, these casseroles make vegetables exciting and satisfying.

In this blog post, we’ll explore several mouthwatering vegan broccoli casserole recipes that are easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and sure to please every palate. From classic creamy versions to casseroles bursting with herbs and spices, these recipes prove that vegan cooking can be both simple and indulgent.

Ready to add a new favorite to your recipe box? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan broccoli casseroles combine the best of both worlds: nutritious vegetables and indulgent comfort food. Broccoli is rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy meal.

These casseroles are designed to maximize flavor, featuring creamy vegan sauces made from cashews, tofu, or plant-based milk, with crunchy toppings like breadcrumbs or nuts.

Plus, these recipes are highly adaptable. Whether you want to add mushrooms, vegan cheese, or swap out ingredients to suit your dietary needs, the versatility makes this dish a weeknight winner.

It’s also a fantastic way to sneak more greens into your diet while enjoying a satisfying, warm dish that feels like a treat.

And best of all? These casseroles can be made ahead, frozen, or customized, making them perfect for busy lifestyles and meal planning.

If you enjoy comforting vegan dishes, you’ll definitely want to bookmark these recipes!

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (for added texture)
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or soy)
• ½ cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours)
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup vegan breadcrumbs or crushed nuts (for topping)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Food processor or high-speed blender (for creamy sauce)
• Large skillet or frying pan
• 9×13 inch casserole dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your casserole dish with vegan butter or oil.
2. Steam the broccoli florets for about 5 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms (if using) to the skillet. Cook until mushrooms soften and release their moisture, about 5 minutes.
5. While vegetables are cooking, prepare the creamy sauce: Drain the soaked cashews and blend them with plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, flour, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
6. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the cooked onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the steamed broccoli and cooked quinoa or rice, mixing until everything is well coated with the sauce.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
9. Sprinkle the vegan breadcrumbs or crushed nuts evenly over the top for a crunchy finish.
10. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, substitute the cashew cream with a sauce made from blended silken tofu or a thickened plant-based milk with tahini.

Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or zucchini for extra color and flavor. Using cooked brown rice or barley instead of quinoa is also delicious and adds a chewy texture.

If you want to enhance the “cheesy” flavor, increasing nutritional yeast or adding vegan cheese shreds on top before baking works wonderfully. For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the sauce.

To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. You can also swap breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or toasted seeds for a crunchy topping.

This recipe freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Simply assemble the casserole and freeze before baking, then bake straight from frozen (add 10-15 minutes to baking time).

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan broccoli casserole is a satisfying main dish, but it also pairs wonderfully with fresh salads or crusty vegan bread. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a crisp mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

It can also complement other vegan comfort foods, such as a warm lentil soup or roasted root vegetables. For holiday dinners or special occasions, garnish with toasted nuts or fresh herbs to elevate the presentation.

If you enjoy this recipe, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes which makes a fantastic addition to creamy casseroles and pasta bakes. Another great side to try alongside your casserole is from our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals collection.

And for a sweet finish to your meal, you might love our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Delicious Vegan Broccoli Casserole Recipes to Try

Classic Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole

This recipe follows the steps above, featuring a smooth cashew cream base and crispy breadcrumbs topping. It’s perfect for a comforting family meal or potluck.

Vegan Broccoli and Mushroom Rice Casserole

• Substitute quinoa with cooked brown rice
• Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor
• Use vegan sour cream or plain plant-based yogurt in the sauce for tang

Spicy Vegan Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole

• Combine broccoli with steamed cauliflower florets
• Add smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder to the sauce for a smoky, spicy kick
• Top with crushed chili-seasoned peanuts or vegan cheese shreds

Vegan Broccoli and Cheese Casserole with Nutritional Yeast Sauce

Utilize a thick sauce made from nutritional yeast, plant-based milk, and a pinch of garlic powder for a cheesy flavor. Top with toasted almond slices for extra crunch.

Gluten-Free Vegan Broccoli and Sweet Potato Casserole

• Add roasted sweet potato cubes for sweetness and texture
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs
• Enhance with fresh rosemary and thyme

Each of these variations brings something unique to the table, allowing you to customize based on your preferences and what’s in season. Give them a try and discover your favorite!

Conclusion

Vegan broccoli casseroles are a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, creamy dish that’s packed with nutrition and flavor. These recipes showcase how plant-based ingredients can come together to create a satisfying meal that appeals to vegans and non-vegans alike.

With multiple variations, you can keep this classic dish fresh and exciting, whether you prefer it spicy, cheesy, or loaded with additional vegetables.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, vegan broccoli casseroles are versatile, easy to make, and can be adapted for many dietary needs. Plus, they’re a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet without compromising on taste.

We hope these recipes inspire you to embrace the delicious possibilities of vegan cooking!

For more creative and tasty vegan recipes, be sure to explore our other offerings like Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and Air Fryer Frozen Vegetable Recipes for Quick Healthy Meals.

Happy cooking!

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