Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole

This Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole is a delightful dish that combines creamy textures with the wholesome goodness of potatoes and broccoli. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this casserole stands out with its rich flavors and comforting qualities. With just a few simple plant-based ingredients, you can create this easy cheesy veggie potato bake that will please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of dairy-free cooking cream and vegan cheese creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this casserole in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish; it pairs well with various meals.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with potatoes and broccoli, this casserole is not only delicious but also healthy.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its cheesy flavor makes it a hit among both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: Essential for holding all the ingredients together while baking to perfection.
• Saucepan: Used for making the creamy sauce that binds the casserole components.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Helps to achieve a smooth consistency in your sauce by blending well.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole:

For the Casserole

• 2.2 lbs potatoes
• 17.6 oz broccoli
• 1 cup dairy-free cooking cream
• 1 tsp rosemary (dried)
• 1 tsp oregano (dried)
• 1 tsp thyme (dried)
• 2 tsp paprika powder
• 1 clove of garlic (pressed)
• salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Sauce

• 3.5 oz vegan butter (or margarine)
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 6 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes
• salt and pepper (to taste)

Topping

• 1 cup vegan grated cheese

How to Make Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your casserole is assembled.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin rounds.
2. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter.
2. Add flour gradually while whisking until a paste forms.
3. Slowly pour in vegetable broth while continuing to whisk until smooth.
4. Stir in dairy-free cooking cream, nutritional yeast flakes, spices, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. In a baking dish, layer half of the potato slices at the bottom.
2. Spread half of the broccoli over them.
3. Pour half of the creamy sauce on top.
4. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, broccoli, and sauce.

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle vegan grated cheese evenly over the top layer.

Step 6: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Serve warm, enjoy your Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole!

How to Serve Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole

This Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole is not only creamy and delicious but also versatile in how it can be served. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

As a Main Dish

• Serve the casserole hot as the main attraction of your lunch or dinner. Its rich flavors make it filling on its own.

With Fresh Salad

• Pair with a green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad complements the creamy casserole perfectly.

Alongside Grains

• Serve with quinoa or brown rice for added texture and nutrition. These grains can soak up any extra sauce from the casserole.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each serving with chopped parsley or chives. This adds a fresh taste and bright color to your dish.

With Garlic Bread

• Enjoy with slices of warm garlic bread for a delightful crunch. The buttery flavor matches well with the creamy casserole.

How to Perfect Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole

Achieving the perfect Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for an even better dish.

• Choose the Right Potatoes – Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamier texture that breaks down beautifully during cooking.
• Don’t Overcook Broccoli – Steam or blanch broccoli just until tender before adding it to the casserole. This preserves its vibrant color and nutrients.
• Adjust Seasonings – Taste your sauce before baking, and add more herbs, salt, or pepper if desired for enhanced flavor.
• Use Quality Nutritional Yeast – For a cheesy flavor, opt for high-quality nutritional yeast flakes; they provide depth and richness in taste.
• Let It Rest Before Serving – Allow the casserole to sit for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps it set up nicely for easier serving.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole

Complement your Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole with these delightful side dishes that will elevate your meal.

1. Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds color and flavor contrast.
2. Simple Green Beans – Steamed green beans tossed in olive oil bring freshness and balance to the meal.
3. Herbed Couscous – Fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs creates a light, fragrant side that pairs well with the casserole.
4. Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots provides a refreshing crunch against the creaminess of the casserole.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices offer a hearty complement to your main dish.
6. Vegetable Soup – A light vegetable soup can serve as an appetizer that warms up your palate before enjoying the casserole.
7. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower – Creamy mashed cauliflower infused with garlic makes for a low-carb alternative that’s flavorful and satisfying.
8. Quinoa Salad – A cold quinoa salad mixed with diced vegetables brings texture and nutrients, making it a great accompaniment to this main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect your final dish.

• Skipping the seasonings: Don’t forget to add herbs and spices for flavor. Seasoning enhances the overall taste of your casserole.
• Overcooking the broccoli: Be careful not to overcook the broccoli before adding it to the casserole. Slightly undercooked broccoli retains its texture and flavor during baking.
• Using low-quality vegan cheese: Not all vegan cheeses melt well. Choose a high-quality brand that will give you that creamy texture you desire.
• Neglecting the sauce thickness: If your sauce is too thin, your casserole may end up soggy. Ensure you let it thicken properly before mixing it with the potatoes and broccoli.
• Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This helps ensure even cooking and browning of your casserole.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium for about 3-5 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of vegetable broth if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole creamy?

The combination of dairy-free cooking cream, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast creates a rich and creamy sauce that binds everything together.

Can I customize my Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, or swap seasonings based on your preference.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply replace regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch while preparing the sauce.

How long does it take to prepare the Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole?

Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, followed by an additional 45 minutes of cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Potato Broccoli Casserole is not only creamy and delicious but also versatile enough for any meal. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a hearty dish that’s perfect for sharing!