Enjoy homemade vegan creamy baked broccoli with a velvety plant-based sauce. A nutritious and comforting dish everyone will love.
🥦 Vegan Creamy Baked Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based cream (cashew, oat, or coconut cream)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika or smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for topping (optional)
Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Meanwhile, steam or blanch broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes to soften slightly. Then, arrange the broccoli evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Next, prepare the creamy sauce by combining plant-based cream, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. After that, pour the sauce evenly over the broccoli.
Meanwhile, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed nuts on top if using for added texture. Then, bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until broccoli is tender and the top is golden.
Finally, remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm as a nutritious, creamy side dish.
💡 Tips for Perfect Vegan Creamy Baked Broccoli
- First of all, lightly steam broccoli before baking to ensure tenderness.
- Additionally, use cashew or oat cream for a richer, creamier texture.
- Moreover, mix nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor without dairy.
- For extra crunch, add breadcrumbs, crushed almonds, or walnuts on top.
- Lastly, bake uncovered to allow the top to brown and crisp slightly.
🔄 Delicious Variations
- Cheesy Vegan Broccoli: Add extra nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. As a result, it tastes indulgent without dairy.
- Spicy Creamy Broccoli: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika. Consequently, it has a mild, warming kick.
- Lemon Garlic Broccoli: Stir in lemon juice and zest before baking. Then, it becomes tangy and refreshing.
- Herb-Infused Broccoli: Add thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the cream sauce. In this way, the dish becomes aromatic and flavorful.
- Broccoli Casserole: Mix in cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or tofu. Therefore, it becomes a complete, protein-rich meal.
🌱 Health Benefits
- Broccoli is rich in vitamins C, K, and fiber.
- Nutritional yeast adds plant-based protein and B vitamins.
- Dairy-free cream keeps the dish low in saturated fat.
- Supports heart health, digestion, and overall immunity.
- Overall, this dish is a nutritious, wholesome, and comforting side.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
- Use mild seasoning without chili or paprika.
- Ensure broccoli florets are small and tender for easy eating.
- Sprinkle a little vegan cheese or nutritional yeast on top for fun flavor.
- Consequently, kids enjoy a creamy, tasty, and healthy side dish.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
(Values may vary depending on exact ingredients used)
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm as a side with rice, quinoa, pasta, or a main vegan dish.
- Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or holiday meals.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
- Can be reheated gently for leftovers without losing creaminess.
