🥦 Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Casserole – Comfort Food Made Healthy

This Vegan Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy, cozy, and nutrient-packed twist on classic comfort food. Made with a velvety cashew-based sauce, hearty cauliflower, and fresh kale, it’s the perfect dairy-free casserole for family dinners, holiday spreads, or weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Cauliflower Casserole

• 100% Plant-Based – Creamy without cheese or dairy.

• Comforting & Satisfying – Rich, hearty, and perfect for cold-weather meals.

• Nutrient-Packed – Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from cauliflower and kale.

• Crowd-Pleasing – A wholesome casserole everyone will enjoy.

🥬 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 1 head of cauliflower (about 1.5 lbs), cut into medium florets

• 2 large handfuls of kale, chopped

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup raw cashews

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast

• 2 cups vegetable stock

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil

• 2 teaspoons tapioca flour (or 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch)

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 Tablespoon parsley

• Salt & pepper, to taste

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Cauliflower

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook for about 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry.

2. Make the Cashew Cream Sauce

In a blender, combine cashews, garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast, and vegetable stock. Blend until smooth.

3. Create the Roux

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Stir in tapioca flour and cook until slightly darkened. Slowly whisk in the cashew cream mixture, stirring quickly to prevent clumping. Bring to a boil, then add thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let thicken for about 5 minutes.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Spray a baking dish with oil. Spread cauliflower florets on the bottom, top with chopped kale, and pour the creamy sauce evenly over everything.

5. Bake & Serve

Bake for 20 minutes until bubbling and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

🌱 Serving Suggestions for Vegan Cauliflower Casserole

• Serve as a main dish with a side salad or roasted veggies.

• Pair as a holiday side dish alongside roasted potatoes and vegan meatballs.

• Add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for extra crunch.

• Enjoy leftovers reheated for lunch or dinner.

💡 Pro Tips

• Soak cashews in hot water for a creamier sauce if your blender isn’t high-speed.

• Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth.

• For a baked “cheesy” finish, sprinkle with extra nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.