Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of Dairy-Free Broccoli Cheese—a plant-based twist on the classic favorite that's perfect for vegan and dairy-sensitive diets. Featuring tender broccoli florets coated in a velvety "cheese" sauce made with soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, and unsweetened almond milk, this recipe delivers all the richness without the dairy. Enhanced with savory spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and turmeric, and thickened naturally with tapioca starch, the sauce achieves a luscious, gooey texture that's irresistibly satisfying. Quick to prepare in under 35 minutes, this wholesome dish is ideal as a side or light main course. Whether you're seeking healthy comfort food or a creative broccoli recipe, Dairy-Free Broccoli Cheese is sure to delight your taste buds and nourish your body.
Soak the raw cashews in hot water for at least 10 minutes to soften them. While the cashews are soaking, prepare the broccoli by chopping it into bite-sized florets.
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes. Drain them and set aside.
In a blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, tapioca starch, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Blend until smooth and creamy.
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Pour the blended sauce mixture into the saucepan.
Stir the sauce continuously over medium heat until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring to avoid sticking or clumping.
Once the sauce has reached a desired 'cheese' consistency, add the blanched broccoli to the saucepan and mix until the florets are well-coated with the sauce.
Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the broccoli to be heated through and fully absorb the flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy your dairy-free broccoli cheese.
Calories |
1076 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 69.8 g | 89% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.7 g | 58% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2757 mg | 120% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 85.4 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.0 g | 64% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.7 g | ||
| Protein | 47.6 g | 95% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.4 mcg | 22% | |
| Calcium | 1082 mg | 83% | |
| Iron | 15.4 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 1401 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.