Best Vegan Cauliflower Cheese Recipe for Easy Comfort Food

If you’re looking for a comforting and indulgent dish that’s completely plant-based, look no further than this best vegan cauliflower cheese recipe. This classic British comfort food gets a delicious vegan makeover, combining tender cauliflower florets smothered in a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce made from wholesome ingredients.

It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or as a hearty side dish that everyone at the table will love.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just trying to eat more plant-based meals, this recipe offers all the cheesy goodness without any dairy. The sauce is made with cashews and nutritional yeast, giving it a velvety texture and that unmistakable cheesy flavor.

Plus, it’s simple to make with pantry staples and comes together in under an hour. Let’s dive into why this vegan cauliflower cheese will quickly become your go-to comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan cauliflower cheese recipe ticks all the boxes for a satisfying and wholesome meal. First, it’s incredibly creamy and cheesy without using any dairy products, making it suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies.

The sauce is crafted from soaked cashews blended with nutritional yeast, garlic, and a hint of mustard, delivering a perfect balance of flavor and richness.

Secondly, cauliflower is a wonderful vegetable packed with vitamins and fiber, making this dish nutritious as well as delicious. It’s also versatile—you can bake it until golden and bubbly or serve it straight from the stovetop for a quicker option.

Plus, it freezes beautifully so you can enjoy leftovers later on.

Finally, this recipe is easy to customize. Add some smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note or sprinkle fresh herbs on top for brightness.

It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser, ideal for family dinners or potlucks. Looking for more vegan comfort food?

Check out our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for another hearty plant-based option.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower (about 800g), cut into florets
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes and drained
• 1 1/4 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk)
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup vegan Parmesan cheese or more nutritional yeast for topping (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large saucepan or pot
• Blender or food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish (about 8×8 inches or similar)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and chopping board

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease your baking dish with vegan butter or oil.
2. Prepare the cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and blanch for 5 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the vegan cheese sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Whisk in the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux.
5. Blend the cashew cheese base: While the roux cooks, combine the soaked cashews, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper in a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
6. Combine sauce and roux: Slowly pour the cashew mixture into the saucepan with the roux, whisking continuously. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Assemble the dish: Place the blanched cauliflower florets evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour the vegan cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
8. Add toppings: Sprinkle the vegan Parmesan or extra nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy crust.
9. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
10. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the cheese sauce.”

Feel free to swap out cashews for soaked sunflower seeds or silken tofu if you have nut allergies. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove before assembling.

Want a crispy topping? Mix breadcrumbs with a little olive oil and sprinkle over before baking.

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the sauce.

To boost the nutritional profile, toss in some steamed broccoli or kale with the cauliflower. You can also serve this vegan cauliflower cheese alongside your favorite vegan mains like our Julie Marie Eats Recipes for a full plant-based feast.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan cauliflower cheese is wonderfully versatile. Serve it as a main dish with a simple green salad or steamed greens for a light lunch or dinner.

It also makes a fantastic side for vegan roasts or grilled vegetables.

For a more indulgent meal, pair it with crusty bread or garlic mashed potatoes. If you’re hosting guests, this creamy vegan cauliflower cheese is sure to impress even non-vegans at the table.

Looking for more delicious vegan recipes to complement this dish? Try our Magic Dough Recipe for homemade vegan bread, or our Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe for a fresh, light bite on the side.

Conclusion

This vegan cauliflower cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. With its creamy, cheesy sauce made from wholesome ingredients and tender cauliflower florets, it proves plant-based meals can be just as satisfying as traditional dairy versions.

Easy to prepare, customizable, and packed with nutrients, this dish will quickly become a family favorite whether you’re vegan or simply looking to enjoy more plant-based dishes. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and share your creations with friends and family.

For more creative vegan recipes and culinary inspiration, explore our extensive collection of plant-based dishes that bring joy and deliciousness to your table.

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