This vegan broccoli casserole is the ultimate comfort food, crafted from scratch with fresh broccoli florets and a creamy, savory sauce. It comes together in just over an hour, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a standout dish at potlucks. With its golden, bubbly top and wholesome ingredients, this plant-based meal proves that comfort food doesn’t need dairy to be utterly delicious.

The inspiration for this vegan broccoli casserole came to me one crisp autumn evening, a yearning for the creamy, hearty casseroles of my childhood but reimagined for my plant-based kitchen. I spent seasons perfecting the sauce, finding just the right balance of savory and creamy without a drop of dairy. Now, it’s my go-to for cozy family dinners and a beloved addition to our holiday spread, often served alongside my vegan Thanksgiving pot pie or a simple bowl of perfectly roasted broccoli. The feeling of sharing this warm, comforting dish truly turns a simple meal into a cherished ritual.

Why This Vegan Broccoli Casserole Wins

Incredibly Creamy Texture: A rich, savory sauce made from simple, wholesome ingredients creates that classic casserole comfort.
Surprisingly Easy to Make: You can have this healthy vegan recipe ready and on the table with minimal fuss.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: It’s a guaranteed hit with everyone, making it perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This easy plant-based meal reheats beautifully, making your weeknight dinners a breeze.

Ingredients for Your Perfect Vegan Broccoli Casserole

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Fresh Broccoli Florets: The star of the show, providing texture and fresh, vibrant flavor.
Raw Cashews: Soaked to create the base for a luxuriously creamy and rich sauce.
Nutritional Yeast: Adds a essential cheesy, savory depth to the vegan sauce.
Vegetable Broth: Use a high-quality broth for the best underlying flavor in your sauce.
Onion and Garlic: Freshly minced for an aromatic foundation that builds complexity.
Dijon Mustard: A secret ingredient that brightens the sauce and enhances other flavors.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Mixed with a little olive oil for that irresistible crispy, golden topping.

Vegan Broccoli Casserole

Discover this delicious vegan broccoli casserole recipe that’s perfect for family dinners. Easy to make with simple ingredients, ready in just over an hour. Healthy plant-based comfort food!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 55

Total Time 1 10

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

oven
9×5 inch loaf pan
mixing bowl
electric mixer
whisk
medium bowl
small bowl
measuring cups
measuring spoons
wire rack

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup whole milk
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 tbsp all-purpose flour for tossing blueberries

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups of flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix just until the batter is smooth with no streaks of flour remaining.
In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with the 1 tablespoon of flour to coat them lightly. Gently fold the floured blueberries into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before carefully turning it out onto the rack to cool completely.

Keyword broccoli casserole, plant-based, vegan

Creative Recipe Variations

Make It Cheesier: Stir a half cup of vegan cheddar shreds into the sauce before baking for extra richness.
Add Plant-Based Protein: Fold in a cup of cooked lentils or chickpeas to make the casserole even heartier.
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

My Pro Tips for Perfect Vegan Casserole

Soak the Cashews: For the smoothest sauce, soak raw cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes before blending.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Steam or blanch it just until bright green and tender-crisp to avoid mushiness after baking.
Get a Golden Top: For extra crunch, broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to set for 10 minutes after baking for cleaner slices, similar to letting a classic squash casserole firm up.

Cozy Serving of Vegan Broccoli Casserole

How to Store and Reheat Your Casserole

Store: Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until hot throughout.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the entire casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli for vegan broccoli casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. There is no need to thaw it completely. Simply rinse it under cool water to remove any ice crystals and pat it dry very well to avoid a watery sauce. You may need to add a minute or two to the baking time.

What can I use instead of cashews for the sauce?

For a nut-free option, raw sunflower seeds make an excellent substitute for cashews. You can also use a cup of canned white beans, like cannellini beans, though the flavor will be less rich and more bean-forward.

How do I make this vegan broccoli casserole gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your vegetable broth is certified GF and substitute the panko breadcrumbs with an equal amount of gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. It’s as simple as adapting my gluten-free green bean casserole.

Can I make vegan broccoli casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.

More Hearty Vegan Dinners to Try

Why This Vegan Broccoli Casserole Becomes a Favorite

With its creamy, satisfying texture and wholesome ingredients, this vegan broccoli casserole is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. It proves that plant-based cooking can be both comforting and incredibly flavorful. I hope it brings as much warmth and joy to your table as it does to mine.

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