Food Recipes

Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower: Step-By-Step Recipe

Name: Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower: Step-By-Step Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large cauliflower; 1 tsp granulated garlic; 1 tsp granulated onion; ¼ cup almond milk; ½ cup nutritional yeast; 1 cup Vegetable Broth; 2 tbsp vegan butter; 1 cup cashews; 1 tbsp cornstarch; ½ tsp red flakes; freshly-cut parsley; salt and pepper (to taste)

September 22, 2023June 17, 2023 by Dipti Tharwani

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Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower is a delicious and healthy plant-based dish. It offers a nutritious and flavourful alternative to traditional cheesy dishes.

This dish contains cauliflower, which is a low-carb and high-fiber vegetable. This dish is also rich in vitamins and minerals. The cauliflower coat with a creamy and cheesy sauce. The sauce also has a combination of plant-based ingredients, for instance, cashews, nutritional yeast, and plant milk.

In addition, this combination creates a rich and creamy texture. It is reminiscent of traditional cheese sauce but without dairy products. The addition of garlic and onion powder, as well as paprika, gives this dish an extra depth of flavour. It also gives a mild smoky taste.

In conclusion, it is a good option for anyone who wants more plant-based meals in their diet. And for anyone they are vegan, vegetarian, or looking for healthier meal options. This dish is tasty and satisfying. It is also a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any meal plan.

What Is Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower?

Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower is a plant-based dish. It has cauliflower as the main ingredient and a vegan cheese sauce to create a savoury and flavourful dish.

People make the dish by coating the cauliflower florets in a creamy and cheesy sauce. The sauce contains a blend of plant-based ingredients, for instance, cashews, and nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavour to the sauce without the use of dairy products.

This dish often seasons with garlic and onion powder and paprika to add extra flavour and depth. It is a healthy and delicious option for anyone looking for plant-based meal options. In addition, if you are seeking to reduce their consumption of animal products.

In addition, Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It makes the dish more nutritious and satisfying dish. It is also relatively easy to prepare, making it a popular choice for vegans and non-vegans alike.

Why This Recipe Works

There are several reasons why this Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower recipe works so well:

Health Benefits: Firstly, cauliflower is a nutrient-rich vegetable. It is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This makes it an excellent ingredient for anyone looking to eat healthier. The vegan cheese sauce has nutritious ingredients, for example, cashews. Cashews are rich in healthy fats, protein, minerals, and nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is a good source of B vitamins.

Flavourful: Secondly, the combination of cauliflower and vegan cheese sauce creates a delicious dish. This dish is rich, creamy, and full of flavour. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavour to the sauce. And the garlic and onion powder and paprika give it a smoky, savoury taste.

Easy to Make: Thirdly, this recipe is relatively simple to prepare and requires only a few ingredients. The cauliflower can roast in the oven or boil on the stovetop. You can make the cheese sauce in a blender or food processor.

Versatile: Finally, Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower can serve as a side dish or as a main course, and it pairs well with a variety of other foods. It can also customize by adding different spices or herbs to the cheese sauce. You can also use different types of plant-based milk or nuts to create variations of the sauce.

Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower is a healthy, flavourful, and easy-to-make dish. It offers a great alternative to traditional cheesy dishes. It’s versatility and customizable nature make it a popular choice. It is a great choice for anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals.

Ingredients Required to Make Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower

1 cup Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs can help in vegan cauliflower dishes as a coating for a crispy. And also for a crunchy texture.

2 tablespoons olive oil: Use good quality olive oil to roast the cauliflower florets. It helps to give them a nice crispy texture.

1 large cauliflower: You will need a large head of cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized florets. Choose a fresh cauliflower with tightly-packed florets and no discolouration or spots.

1 teaspoon granulated garlic: This will add a delicious savoury flavour to the cauliflower. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.

1 teaspoon granulated onion: To add a mild onion flavour to the dish. It’s a great substitute for fresh onions if you don’t have them on hand.

¼ cup almond milk: Almond milk adds a creamy texture to the cheese sauce. You can also use soy milk or any other non-dairy milk.

½ cup nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast is a common ingredient that helps in vegan cheese sauces. It adds a cheesy, nutty flavour to the cauliflower.

1 cup Vegetable Broth: Vegetable broth can be useful in vegan cauliflower dishes to add flavour and moisture to the dish.

2 tablespoons vegan butter: Use vegan butter to make the cheese sauce rich and flavourful. You can also use coconut oil or olive oil as a substitute.

1 cup cashews: Cashews can be useful to create a creamy and rich cheese sauce for vegan cauliflower.

1 tablespoon cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to thicken the cheese sauce and give it a smooth consistency.

½ teaspoon red flakes: To add a smoky flavour to the dish. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.

Freshly-cut parsley: Freshly-cut parsley can be useful as a garnish in Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower to add a pop of colour and fresh flavour to the dish.

Salt and pepper to taste: Use salt and pepper to season the cauliflower and the cheese sauce to taste.

Tools Required To Make Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower

To make Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower, you will need a few kitchen tools:

Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board is essential for chopping the cauliflower into florets.

Chef’s knife: A sharp chef’s knife is necessary for cutting cauliflower florets and slicing garlic.

Large pot or baking sheet: A large pot or baking sheet helps to cook the cauliflower either on the stovetop or in the oven.

Blender or food processor: A blender or food processor helps to make the vegan cheese sauce. Use a high-powered blender, such as a Vitamix or Blendtec. It will help to make the creamiest texture.

Measuring cups and spoons: These are essential for measuring the ingredients for both cauliflower and cheese sauce.

Spatula: A spatula helps to scrape the cheese sauce from the blender or food processor.

Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl helps to combine the cooked cauliflower and cheese sauce.

Oven mitts: If you choose to roast the cauliflower in the oven, oven mitts will be necessary to handle the hot baking sheet.

Serving dish: A serving dish or platter helps to serve the finished dish.

These kitchen tools are basic and can be found in most kitchens. They are necessary for making Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower. They will make the preparation process much more comfortable and efficient.

Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower Recipe

Our Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower recipe contains ooey-gooey cheese and is topped with buttery breadcrumbs and then it’s baked to perfection!

Servings: 8 Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 45 minutes Course: Side Cuisine: American Vegan Calories: 187 kcal

Firstly, preheat oven to 400° F (200° C). Grease a 3-quart casserole dish and set aside.

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and a dash of garlic powder. Set aside.

To soak cashews, boil water in a small pot and remove from heat. Add cashews and cover for 15-20 minutes, until softened.

After that, you can steam the cauliflower while the cashews are soaking. In a large saucepan that will accommodate your steamer basket. Add approximately 1″ of water. Put your basket on the bottom, and then put a lid on the pot. Turn up the heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle boil. Then add cauliflower florets to the basket. Cover and steam for 7-10 minutes, until tender. Uncover and remove from heat.

Rinse and drain the cashews (discard soaking water). Now combine all the ingredients for the cheese sauce in a powerful blender. After around 1-2 minutes of blending, time will get the sauce smooth and the cashews are broken down.

Over medium heat, add cheese sauce to a medium skillet or pot (I used the same pot for steaming the cauliflower). Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until it thickens and starts to stretch a bit. To avoid burning, stir it in a frequent way. You can thin out the sauce if it is too thick for your taste by adding more soy milk or broth. If more seasoning is required, taste the food first.

In addition, fill the bottom of the casserole dish with grease and then add half the cheese sauce. At this point, stack the cauliflower on top. On top of the cauliflower, drizzle the leftover cheese sauce. In the following step, top with foil and sprinkle with prepared breadcrumbs. The cheese should be hot and bubbling after 15 to 20 minutes in the oven. When the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the foil is removed, bake for 10 more minutes. Remove from the oven.

Lastly, sprinkle red pepper flakes and fresh, chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Tips To Make The Best Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower

Here are some tips to make the best Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower:

Choose the right cauliflower: Firstly, choose a fresh, firm cauliflower head that is not too big or too small. Look for a cauliflower head that is bright white in colour and has tightly packed florets.

Clean and prep the cauliflower: Secondly, clean the cauliflower and cut it into bite-size florets. Make sure to remove the stem and leaves.

Season the cauliflower: Thirdly, season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other seasonings you prefer.

Make the cheese sauce: Next, use Nutritional yeast, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese shreds to make the cheese sauce. You can use cornstarch as well. Blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Coat the cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets in the cheese sauce until they are well-coated.

Bake the cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the coated cauliflower florets in a baking dish. Then bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the cheese sauce is golden and bubbly.

Optional toppings: Top the cheesy cauliflower with fresh parsley, green onions, or toasted bread crumbs. It will add extra texture and flavour to the dish.

Serve and enjoy: Lastly, once the cauliflower cooks, remove it from the oven and serve immediately. It tastes good when you serve it hot and fresh out of the oven.

Follow these tips, you can make a delicious and healthy Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower. It is sure to impress your friends and family!

Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower: Nutritional Information

Calories: 187 kcal

Carbohydrates: 16 g

Protein: 7 g

Fat: 11 g

Saturated Fat: 2 g

Sodium: 343 mg

Potassium: 264 mg

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 1 g

Vitamin A: 260 IU

Vitamin C: 3 mg

Calcium: 97 mg

Iron: 2 mg

Storing & Freezing

Storing:

If you have leftover Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To store it, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge. When you’re ready to reheat it, you can do so in the oven or microwave until it’s heated through.

Freezing:

If you want to freeze the Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower, it’s best to freeze it before baking. To freeze, transfer the cauliflower coated in the cheese sauce to a safe container. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to cook it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then bake it in the oven according to the recipe instructions.

Moreover, It’s important to note that once the Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower has baked. It may not freeze well and the texture may change. You can freeze the leftover baked cheesy cauliflower. And try freezing it in individual portions. But be aware that the texture may not be as good as when it was fresh.

FAQs

Can You Make Cauliflower Cheese The Day Before And Reheat?

Yes, you can make cauliflower cheese the day before and reheat it. To make cauliflower cheese ahead of time, cook the cauliflower until it is tender but still firm. Then, prepare the cheese sauce by melting butter in a pan and stirring in flour to make a roux. Add milk to the pan and whisk until the sauce thickens. Add grated cheese and seasonings to the sauce, and stir until the cheese has melted.

Furthermore, Once the cauliflower and cheese sauce is ready, combine them in an oven-safe dish and allow the dish to cool. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Reheating cauliflower cheese is a great option if you want to save time on the day of your event.

How Long Does Cauliflower Cheese Stay Fresh?

The shelf life of cauliflower cheese depends on how stored. And also the ingredients used in the recipe. Cooked cauliflower cheese will stay fresh for about 3-5 days if stored in the refrigerator.

In addition, to store leftover cauliflower cheese, transfer it to an airtight container. Then refrigerate it as soon as possible after it has cooled down. Make sure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in. It can cause the cheese sauce to dry out and the cauliflower to become rubbery.

Reheat the leftover cauliflower cheese. Make sure that it is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F. It will help to kill any bacteria that may have grown during storage. I recommend reheating leftovers in the oven or on the stovetop rather than in the microwave. After all, this will help to ensure that the dish heats in a proper way.

How Do You Keep Cauliflower Cheese From Being Watery?

One of the most common problems when making cauliflower cheese is that it can turn out watery or runny. This can happen when too much liquid is added to the cheese sauce. It can also happen when the cauliflower is not drained in a proper way before adding it to the sauce. Here are some tips to help keep cauliflower cheese from being watery:

Cook the cauliflower until it is tender, but still firm. Overcooked cauliflower can release more water.

Drain the cooked cauliflower well before adding it to the cheese sauce.

Use a thick, creamy cheese sauce. A thin, watery sauce will only make the dish more runny.

Add a thickening agent to the sauce, such as cornstarch or flour.

Don’t overdo it with the milk or cream

What Goes Well With Cauliflower Cheese?

Cauliflower cheese is a classic dish that you can serve as a main course or a side dish. To make it a complete meal, serve it with some roasted vegetables. Vegetables, for example, carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. The combination of flavours and textures will complement the creamy and cheesy cauliflower dish. Another option is to serve it with a fresh salad. It will provide a contrasting crunch and a burst of freshness. You could also pair it with some crusty bread or garlic bread. It would be perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. With its rich and great flavour, cauliflower cheese is a comforting and hearty dish. It is perfect for a cosy dinner or a special occasion.

Why Is Cauliflower Cheese Not Suitable For Freezing?

Cauliflower cheese is not suitable for freezing due to the nature of the dish. The cheese sauce can become grainy and separate when it’s frozen and reheated. It can affect the texture and flavour of the dish. The cauliflower can become mushy and lose its texture when it’s frozen and reheated.

When you freeze cauliflower cheese, moisture from cheese sauce can cause ice crystals. It can affect the whole quality of the dish. As a result, when you thaw and reheat the dish, the texture and flavour may not be the same as when it was freshly made.

Can You Freeze Cauliflower Cheese After Cooking?

It is possible to freeze cauliflower cheese after cooking. I will generally not recommend it due to the potential for changes in texture and flavour. As cauliflower cheese contains a creamy cheese sauce. The sauce can become grainy and separate when it’s frozen and then thawed and reheated. Additionally, the cauliflower can become mushy and lose its texture.

If you do decide to freeze cauliflower cheese, it’s best to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Then label it with the date. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven or microwave. The quality of the dish may not be as good as it was when it was freshly made.

Further, to enjoy cauliflower cheese at its best, it’s recommended to consume it within a few days of cooking.

In Conclusion

Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable. It is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in various ways, for example, roasting, grilling, sautéing, or steaming.

In addition, Vegan cheese, on the other side, is a non-dairy alternative to traditional cheese. It has plant-based ingredients, for example, nuts, soy, or coconut oil. It comes in different varieties and flavours.

When combined, vegan cheese and cauliflower make a delicious and healthy dish. It is suitable for vegan, vegetarian, or lactose-intolerant diets.

In conclusion, vegan cheese cauliflower is a great alternative to traditional cheese dishes. It provides a healthy and flavourful option for those who choose to follow a plant-based diet.

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