Description
Broccoli Cheese Casserole with smoked turkey bacon and plant-based cheese offers a creamy, smoky, and nutritious comfort food perfect for family meals or special occasions. This wholesome dish combines tender broccoli florets with a luscious plant-based cheese sauce and crispy smoked turkey bacon, baked to a golden bubbly finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
Protein and Cheese
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 2 cups shredded plant-based cheese
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli and Bacon: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are just tender but still vibrant green and crisp. While the broccoli is cooking, fry the smoked turkey bacon until crisp, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the plant-based milk and flour until smooth. Add the shredded plant-based cheese, onion powder (natural), garlic powder (natural), and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Cook gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the cooked broccoli and chopped smoked turkey bacon into the cheese sauce. Stir in the natural gelling agent thoroughly to ensure the casserole will set well and not be too runny.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs or your preferred crunchy topping if desired. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Let It Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the casserole to set further and the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm broccoli for best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook broccoli to avoid mushiness.
- Choose a good melting plant-based cheese for a luscious sauce.
- Crispy smoked turkey bacon contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
- Season gradually and taste while cooking, especially when adding salt and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: broccoli casserole, plant-based cheese casserole, smoked turkey bacon casserole, creamy broccoli bake, vegetarian casserole