Indulge in the ultimate plant-based comfort with this creamy and flavorful Vegan Broccoli Cheese recipe. Perfectly steamed broccoli florets are coated in a velvety cheese sauce made from soaked cashews, vibrant carrot, and nutritional yeast, creating a dairy-free dish thatβs rich, cheesy, and packed with nutrients. Infused with bold spices like turmeric, paprika, and a hint of cayenne, this recipe balances wholesome ingredients and indulgent taste without compromise. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy vegan dish is ideal as a hearty side or satisfying main, delivering a perfect blend of texture and flavor thatβs sure to please vegans and non-vegans alike. Healthy, comforting, and completely dairy-freeβit's a plant-powered twist on a classic favorite!
Soak the raw cashews in hot water for at least 15 minutes to soften them.
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 4 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain and set aside.
Peel and roughly chop the carrot. In a small pot, add the chopped carrot with enough water to cover and boil until soft, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a blender, add the soaked and drained cashews, boiled carrot, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, turmeric, paprika, optional cayenne pepper, and 2 cups of water.
Blend the mixture on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary. This will be your cheese sauce.
In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Pour in the blended cheese sauce and stir continuously for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
Add the cooked broccoli to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the broccoli evenly.
Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors are melded.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or spices as desired.
Serve the vegan broccoli cheese warm as a comforting side dish or as a main meal.
Calories |
1254 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 79.9 g | 102% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3424 mg | 149% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 96.7 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.7 g | 92% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.9 g | ||
| Protein | 48.7 g | 97% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 407 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 14.8 mg | 82% | |
| Potassium | 3318 mg | 71% | |
*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.