Vegan Cauliflower Gratin
Indulge in comfort food without compromise with this creamy and flavorful Vegan Cauliflower Gratin! This plant-based twist on a classic gratin features tender cauliflower florets smothered in a velvety cashew-based cheese sauce, bursting with the umami-rich goodness of nutritional yeast and hints of garlic, Dijon mustard, and nutmeg. Topped with golden breadcrumbs infused with fresh thyme and olive oil, this gratin bakes to crisp perfection. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a satisfying centerpiece for your table, it’s dairy-free, gluten-free (optional), and packed with wholesome ingredients. Ready in just an hour, this crowd-pleaser is ideal for holiday feasts, weeknight dinners, or whenever cravings strike for indulgent yet healthy comfort food!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and set aside.
In a high-speed blender, combine almond milk, raw cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. This will be your vegan cheese sauce.
In a large pot or steamer, steam the cauliflower florets for about 5-7 minutes, or until just tender.
Place the steamed cauliflower into a large baking dish.
Pour the vegan cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring the florets are well covered.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and fresh thyme.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the cauliflower and sauce.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1767 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 94.7 g | 121% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.2 g | 81% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5941 mg | 258% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 191.8 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.3 g | 105% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.0 g | ||
| Protein | 65.4 g | 131% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.4 mcg | 22% | |
| Calcium | 1150 mg | 88% | |
| Iron | 19.8 mg | 110% | |
| Potassium | 3829 mg | 81% | |
*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.
