Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Who knew cozy comfort food could feel so indulgent and still fit perfectly into your vegan lifestyle without dairy drama?
This cheesy broccoli rice casserole swaps dairy for creamy cashew-based sauce and vegan shreds, delivering ooey-gooey goodness guilt-free.
It layers tender broccoli florets, fluffy rice, and melty plant-based cheese, then bakes until golden brown and bubbling.
This effortless, one-dish marvel frees you from kitchen chaos while ensuring your inner domestic goddess gets all the credit.
Ready to upgrade weeknight dinners with minimal fuss and maximum flavor? Let’s dive into this ultimate vegan comfort classic.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
A one-dish vegan casserole featuring tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy, dairy-free “cheddar” sauce that bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice cooked
- 4 cups broccoli florets lightly steamed
- 1½ cups raw cashews soaked 2 hours and drained
- 1¼ cups unsweetened plant milk soy or oat
- ½ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded vegan cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp vegan Parmesan for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare sauce: Blend cashews, milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until silky.
- Combine cooked rice and broccoli in a large bowl; pour in creamy sauce and fold gently to coat.
- Assemble mixture in casserole dish; sprinkle shredded vegan cheddar evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until edges bubble and cheese turns golden.
- Optional finish: Sprinkle vegan Parmesan and return to oven 3 more minutes for extra crust.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving so the gooeyness sets.
Notes
Nutritional values (per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
Vitamins and minerals (per serving)
- Vitamin A: 20%
- Vitamin C: 60%
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 18%
- Vitamin K: 25%
Additional notes/tips to enhance flavor
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for sass.
- Herb hit: Stir in chopped fresh thyme or rosemary for depth.
- Crunch factor: Top with panko breadcrumbs for texture.
- Leftover hack: Reheat with a splash of plant milk to revive creaminess.
