Cauliflower Casserole Recipes Vegan and Delicious Ideas

Cauliflower casserole is a wonderfully comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or potluck gatherings. What makes it even better?

Going vegan! This plant-based twist on a classic casserole is creamy, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients that everyone will love.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more veggies to your meals, these cauliflower casserole recipes offer hearty satisfaction without any dairy or animal products. Plus, they’re easy to customize, so you can make them your own with different veggies, spices, or toppings.

In this post, you’ll find multiple vegan cauliflower casserole recipes that are simple to prepare, nourishing, and delicious. From cheesy cashew-based sauces to savory herb blends, these casseroles are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ready to dive into the world of creamy, dreamy, plant-powered casseroles? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan cauliflower casseroles combine the best of nutrition and comfort food in one dish. Cauliflower is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a fantastic base ingredient.

The vegan cheese and creamy sauces used here provide all the indulgence of a traditional casserole without any animal products or lactose.

These casseroles are also incredibly versatile, easy to make ahead, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you want to keep it simple or jazz it up with extra veggies and spices, this recipe adapts beautifully.

It’s a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a rich, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 4 hours or overnight
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, or your favorite)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Food processor or high-speed blender
• Medium saucepan
• Baking dish (9×13 inch works well)
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil or vegan butter.
2. Steam the cauliflower florets for about 8-10 minutes, until just tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the cashew sauce: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a food processor along with plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stirring constantly to form a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
6. Slowly whisk the cashew sauce into the roux, stirring continuously until thickened and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Combine the cauliflower with the cashew sauce in the mixing bowl, folding gently to coat all pieces evenly.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly on top, if using, to create a crunchy topping.
9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10. Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For an extra boost of flavor and nutrition, try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers to the cauliflower mixture before baking.

To make this casserole gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with chickpea flour or a gluten-free blend, and use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed nuts for the topping. For a nut-free version, swap the cashew sauce with a creamy coconut milk and tahini blend or a vegan béchamel made from oat milk.

Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce.

For a smoky depth, smoked sea salt or chipotle powder works wonders.

If you prefer a cheesier casserole, you can mix in some vegan shredded cheese or sprinkle it on top before baking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan cauliflower casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. You can also serve it alongside quinoa, brown rice, or vegan garlic bread for a more filling meal.

For festive occasions, add it as a side dish to your holiday spread with other vegan delights. It’s especially great with roasted root vegetables or a fresh tomato salsa for added brightness.

Looking for more cozy dish ideas? Check out our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or experiment with a tangy twist by trying the Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe.

Delicious Vegan Cauliflower Casserole Variations

Vegan Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole

Boost your casserole by adding steamed broccoli florets alongside the cauliflower. Use the same cashew cheese sauce, and top with vegan shredded cheese and breadcrumbs for extra texture.

Spicy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Casserole

For a spicy kick, toss steamed cauliflower in vegan buffalo sauce before mixing with the cashew cheese sauce. Add sliced celery and green onions for crunch, and top with chopped pecans or walnuts.

Mushroom & Herb Vegan Cauliflower Bake

Sauté mushrooms with garlic and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. Mix into the cauliflower and cashew sauce blend for a deep earthy flavor.

Finish with toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley.

Vegan Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Gratin

Layer thinly sliced sweet potatoes beneath the cauliflower mixture. Use the cashew cheese sauce liberally and sprinkle with vegan Parmesan.

This variation is heartier and sweet-savory balanced.

Mediterranean Vegan Cauliflower Casserole

Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and artichoke hearts into the mix. Season with oregano and basil, and top with a sprinkle of pine nuts and vegan feta cheese.

For more vegan comfort food ideas, try our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes or explore the flavors of Cajun cooking with our Cajun Ranch Wing Sauce Recipe.

Conclusion

Vegan cauliflower casseroles are a fantastic way to enjoy a creamy, comforting dish while keeping it healthy and plant-based. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a casserole that’s full of flavor, texture, and nutrients.

The versatility of cauliflower combined with a rich cashew-based sauce means you can customize this recipe endlessly to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving some cozy comfort food, these vegan cauliflower casseroles will not disappoint. Don’t forget to experiment with different veggies, spices, and toppings to make the recipe your own.

Happy cooking and enjoy this nourishing, delicious meal!

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