Celery Gratin Recipe Vegan: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious

Celery might often be overlooked as just a crunchy snack or a base for soups, but it has so much more to offer, especially in a comforting dish like a gratin. This vegan celery gratin recipe transforms humble celery stalks into a creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressive holiday sides.

Using plant-based ingredients, this gratin captures the rich, golden goodness of traditional versions without any dairy or animal products. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy celery in a whole new light.

The combination of tender, slightly sweet celery layered with a luscious cashew cream and topped with a crispy, golden crust is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and can be adapted to fit your taste preferences.

If you’re curious about vegan comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture, keep reading to discover why this celery gratin might become your new favorite dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan celery gratin offers a unique twist on a classic French dish by using wholesome, plant-based ingredients that bring out celery’s natural flavor.

First, it’s incredibly creamy thanks to a homemade cashew sauce that stands in for traditional cheese sauce, delivering richness without dairy. The gratin is baked until bubbly and golden, creating a delightful contrast between the tender celery and crunchy topping.

It’s also a versatile recipe that can be served as a main or side dish, ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday celebrations. Plus, it’s gluten-free and packed with fiber and vitamins, making it a healthier alternative to traditional gratins.

Ingredients

• 8 large celery stalks, trimmed and sliced diagonally
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk)
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Food processor or high-speed blender
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• 9×9 inch baking dish
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with a bit of olive oil or vegan butter.
2. Prepare the celery: Wash and trim the celery stalks, then slice them diagonally into approximately 1/2-inch pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This will help thicken your cashew sauce.
5. Blend the cashew sauce: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a food processor or blender. Pour in the almond milk, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
6. Combine sauce and roux: Slowly pour the blended cashew sauce into the saucepan with the roux while whisking continuously. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Mix celery and sauce: Pour the thickened cashew sauce over the celery pieces in the mixing bowl. Toss gently to coat all the celery evenly.
8. Transfer to baking dish: Spread the celery and sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
9. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with melted vegan butter. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the celery and sauce.
10. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy and the celery is tender.
11. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Soaking cashews is essential to achieve a smooth and creamy sauce. If you’re short on time, soaking in boiling water for 20 minutes works best.

Variation: Add sautéed mushrooms or thinly sliced potatoes to the gratin layers for extra texture and flavor.

Tip: For a nut-free version, substitute the cashew sauce with a creamy cauliflower sauce made by blending steamed cauliflower with plant milk and nutritional yeast.

Feel free to experiment by adding fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for a more aromatic dish. You can also swap out panko breadcrumbs for crushed nuts or seeds to vary the crunchy topping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan celery gratin pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or farro for a balanced meal.

It also complements roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad beautifully.

For a festive touch, try it with vegan lentil loaf or mushroom Wellington. If you love exploring vegan recipes, you might also enjoy our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes or the vibrant Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe.

Conclusion

This vegan celery gratin recipe is a fantastic way to elevate a simple vegetable into a decadent, comforting dish. With its creamy cashew-based sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping, it offers all the satisfying qualities of a traditional gratin without any animal products.

Whether you’re cooking for a vegan household, looking to add more plant-based meals to your menu, or just want to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress.

Celery’s subtle sweetness shines through when baked in this luscious sauce, making it a perfect side or even a light main course. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite herbs, veggies, or toppings.

For more wholesome and delicious recipes, check out our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or explore other creative dishes on the blog. Happy cooking!

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