Vegan Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Crafting this creamy cauliflower bake feels like preparing a cozy, comforting hug on a plate. The mix of smoked paprika and nutritional yeast gives it a rich, savory depth that pairs beautifully with the golden-crisp cauliflower, finished with a sprinkle of chives for a fresh touch.

I adore inventing dishes that are both wholesome and satisfying. But above all, I love devising recipes that are easy to make and even easier to clean up after.

My Vegan Cauliflower Casserole is nearly one-dish, save for using a blender to make the utterly creamy sauce (and a quick sauté of onion and mushrooms to add even more mouthwatering flavor). Once you make the sauce, the casserole is assembled in the same pot used to make that sauce.

And the flavor! Comfort food doesn’t get any better than packed-with-flavor, vitamin-rich, heart-caring cauliflower.

And what’s more, this is a dish you can eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Vegan Cauliflower Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• Cauliflower: Rich in fiber and B vitamins; low-calorie and nutrient-dense.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats; adds richness and enhances flavor.
• Almond Milk: Low-calorie; provides creamy texture and subtle nutty flavor.
• Nutritional Yeast: Adds cheesy flavor; high in protein and B vitamins.
• Turmeric Powder: Anti-inflammatory properties; adds vibrant color and warmth.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and smokiness; enhances overall flavor profile.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy topping; adds texture contrast to the dish.

Vegan Cauliflower Casserole Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chives, chopped (optional for garnish)

How to Make this Vegan Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat.

2. Spread the cauliflower florets on a baking sheet and mix them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until they are tender and slightly golden.

3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the almond milk, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth.

4. Continue to mix the ingredients without pause until the result has reached the desired consistency, which should take approximately 5-7 minutes. When you feel the mixture is thick enough, go ahead and remove your pot from the hot element.

5. Put the roasted cauliflower into a casserole dish.

6. Ensure even coverage of the cauliflower with the sauce that has been thickened. It should be poured over the dish with a coating sort of like when you’re icing a cake.

7. Spread the breadcrumbs over the surface of the mixture made up of the cauliflower and the sauces.

8. Preheat the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

9. Take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for several minutes.

10. Serve warm and garnish with chopped chives, if you like.

Vegan Cauliflower Casserole Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Medium saucepan
4. Whisk
5. Casserole dish
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Spatula or mixing spoon
8. Knife
9. Cutting board

FAQ

• Can I use another plant-based milk instead of almond milk?You can substitute with any other plant-based milk such as soy, oat, or cashew milk. Yes, you can.
• Is there a gluten-free option for this vegan cauliflower casserole?Certainly! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs or leave them out entirely for a version that has no gluten.
• What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?Nutritional yeast is essential for a flavor reminiscent of cheese, but you can use a splash of soy sauce or miso paste instead to give it a savory flavor boost.
• How do I make the casserole creamier?For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons, or blend in some soaked cashews for extra creaminess.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?Indeed, the casserole can be put together as much as a day in advance and can be baked right before serving.
• How should leftovers be stored?Leftover food should be placed in a sealed container and stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 4 days. It can then be heated in the oven or microwave before serving.
• What can I use for garnish if I don’t have chives?You can use parsley, cilantro, or green onions to garnish the dish instead.

Vegan Cauliflower Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute any other unsweetened plant-based milk, like soy milk or oat milk, for unsweetened almond milk.
Any other neutral oil such as avocado oil or canola oil may be used instead of olive oil.
Swap out nutritional yeast for a blend of 2 tablespoons of tahini and 1 tablespoon of miso paste for an umami twist.
Substitutes for cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch, used in equal amounts, serve well as thickening agents in dishes where cornstarch would typically be employed.
Crushed cornflakes or panko make good gluten-free options for breadcrumbs.

Pro Tips

1. Steam Before Roasting For an even more tender cauliflower, consider steaming the florets for a few minutes before roasting. This can help ensure that the cauliflower is cooked through and results in a creamier texture when combined with the sauce.

2. Enhance the Sauce Consider sautéing some minced onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding the other sauce ingredients to the saucepan. This will deepen the flavor of the sauce, adding another layer of complexity to the dish.

3. Breadcrumb Mix For extra flavor and a bit of crunch, mix the breadcrumbs with a teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of garlic powder before spreading them over the dish. This will help them brown more evenly and add a subtle garlic flavor.

4. Herbed Breadcrumbs Add some extra herbs like parsley or oregano to the breadcrumbs for a herby twist. This will complement the flavors of thyme and smoked paprika in the sauce.

5. Reheat Caution If you have leftovers and need to reheat this dish, cover it with foil to prevent the breadcrumbs from burning. Heat in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until warmed through, to maintain the dish’s texture and flavor.