Cauliflower-Broccoli Cheese Bake
Submitted by CMBonneville
Cauliflower broccoli cheese bake with sauteed vegetables layered in cheesy gravy, topped with nutritional yeast and paprika. A vegan-friendly casserole with a savory, golden crust.
YIELD
6 servingsPREP
20 minCOOK
40 minREADY
60 minCauliflower, broccoli, carrots, onions, and garlic get sauteed with tamari until just tender, then layered in a casserole with cheesy gravy and baked until bubbly. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast and paprika on top gives the whole thing a golden, savory crust.
The saute step before baking is what separates this from the usual dump-and-bake casserole. Ten minutes in a hot skillet caramelizes the edges of the vegetables and concentrates their flavor. Raw florets baked in gravy taste steamed and bland by comparison.
Finishing with a gravy layer on top protects the vegetables from drying out in the high-heat oven while the nutritional yeast crisps into a cheesy-tasting lid.
Kitchen Tips
- Cut the florets into similar sizes so everything cooks at the same rate in the skillet.
- Slice the carrots thin. They’re the densest vegetable here and need a head start on tenderness.
- Layering matters. Alternate gravy and vegetables so every bite has sauce, and always end with gravy on top.
- The tamari adds salty umami depth. If using soy sauce instead, taste before adding extra salt.
Variations
- Add sliced mushrooms to the saute for extra meatiness.
- Stir a spoonful of Dijon mustard into the gravy for a sharper, tangier sauce.
- Top with toasted breadcrumbs alongside the nutritional yeast for extra crunch.
Ingredients
Directions
Heat oil in large skillet, add the vegetables and sauté for 7 minutes.
Add tamari, salt and garlic powder.
Cook for another 3 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400℉ (200℃).
In an 8 X 12 inch casserole dish, place alternating layers of gravy and sauté mixture, finishing with a layer of gravy.
Sprinkle with nutritional yeast and paprika.
Bake for 30 minutes.2
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