Vegan Broccoli Casserole

This cheesy, comforting vegan broccoli casserole is easy to make and topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It makes for a delicious fall/winter side dish (especially for the holidays) and it will definitely fulfill your comfort food cravings!

This vegan cheesy broccoli casserole may not be the most aesthetically pleasing dish you'll ever make, but it sure is good! A creamy, cheesy sauce, broccoli, onions and garlic and a crispy, buttery breadcrumb topping...what's not to love?

As a young millennial (almost Gen Z 🤫), casseroles aren't really in my wheelhouse. Though they feel a bit...outdated...there's certainly something to be said for the simplicity of a casserole. They're basically the OG one-pan meal!

This broccoli casserole is what comfort food dreams are made of. Plus, hey, it's broccoli! So basically a salad, right? 😉

All jokes aside, consider adding this to your Thanksgiving or holiday menu as a side dish this year! Even your non-vegan family members might go back for seconds.

Ingredients

• Broccoli: fresh is best for this recipe. Cut into small, evenly-sized florets to ensure even cooking.
  • If using frozen: most frozen vegetables are pre-cooked. You don't want to overcook the broccoli, so just blanch it in hot water for a minute or two until completely defrosted.
• Vegan butter
• All purpose flour: use gluten free if needed.
• Onion & garlic
• Nondairy milk: make sure to look for a plain, unsweetened nondairy milk. We prefer oat or cashew in this recipe.
• Salt & pepper
• Vegan cheddar cheese: shredded parmesan or mozzarella will work, too.
• Italian style breadcrumbs: use gluten free if needed.

Instructions

Blanch the broccoli. Bring 8 cups of water and 2 teaspoon of salt to a boil, add broccoli, then reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Immediately transfer broccoli to an ice bath to stop cooking process and let sit for a minute or two until cooled.

Make the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then add onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional few minutes. Stir in flour, then slowly pour in the milk, whisking well to prevent the flour from clumping.

Once all of the milk is added, whisk in salt, pepper, and cheese. Simmer until cheese is completely melted and sauce is thickened.

Assemble and bake. Add broccoli to a large casserole dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli and stir well to coat. Bake on the bottom rack of the oven for 15 minutes at 375˚F.

While the casserole is baking, make topping. Stir together the melted butter and breadcrumbs. After 15 minutes of baking, remove casserole from oven and top evenly with breadcrumbs and cheese.

Return to oven for 10-15 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. Serve hot!

Recipe variations

• Substitute broccoli with cauliflower, or use half broccoli/half cauliflower.
• Add cooked quinoa or brown or white rice for a more filling casserole.
• Sub breadcrumbs with buttery Ritz-style crackers.
• Add in a batch of tofu bacon bits for extra salty, umami deliciousness.

More vegan comfort food recipes

• Scalloped Potatoes
• The Best Mashed Potatoes
• Easy Mac & Cheese
• Creamy Cauliflower Potato Soup
• Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole
• Mushroom Stew over Mashed Potatoes

If you make this cheesy vegan broccoli casserole, we’d love for you to leave a comment and rating below! We also love to see your creations on Instagram – tag us at @crowded_kitchen so we can see what you’ve been cooking.

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