Gluten-Free Broccoli Casserole (Dairy-Free, Vegan)

Colder Weather Means Comfort Food Season!

As we move from fall to winter, it’s only natural that our bodies crave warmth and food that fills us in the most satisfying way.

There’s a need to push the cold away and top up with hot, delicious food. But not just any food; I’m referring to food that is homemade and cooked with healthy, wholesome ingredients. Food that is fresh and full of taste.

Favorite Gluten-Free Comfort Food Recipes:

• Gluten-Free Beef Stew (Dairy-Free)
• Easy One-Pot Chili Con Carne (Dairy-Free)
• Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Creamy Pumpkin Risotto (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Easy Slow Cooker Lentil Curry (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

What are Casseroles?

In general, casseroles refer to any dish that is first placed in a casserole dish (a deep, wide oven-safe baking dish) and then baked in the oven.

Some popular casseroles include chicken casseroles, pasta casseroles, rice casseroles.

Casseroles are a big thing in the US, and I’m starting to understand why. Casseroles are symbols of undeniable comfort and warmth.

They are easy to bring to together, and often require very little hands-on cooking time. Plus, they involve baking in the oven, which means that the house gets warmed up even if it’s cold outside, and they are always welcome at the dinner table.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple Ingredients: The ingredients required for this gluten-free broccoli casserole recipe are easily accessible at the local grocery stores (nothing fancy required!).
• Easy to Prepare and Assemble: You can prepare the ingredients for this easy dinner separately ahead of time, and then assemble the casserole on the day you plan to bake it. Alternatively, you can bake it beforehand and reheat it before serving. Perfect for busy nights or whenever you need a quick but nutritious meal!
• Feeds a Crowd: It’s filling, comforting (think of the rice!), delicious and most importantly, healthy (broccoli!). Plus, it’s such an economical dish that you can easily whip up for a crowd without breaking the bank. This great recipe is sure to be a family favorite and is the perfect weeknight dinner!
• Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan: The best part is that this healthy broccoli casserole recipe is 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten and lactose intolerances, or those simply on a gluten-free or vegan diet can enjoy it! The whole family is going to love it!

Ingredients Notes + Substitutions:

• Broccoli: I used fresh broccoli florets, but you can also use frozen broccoli florets instead. Simply rinse the frozen broccoli before using.
• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: I recommend using a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes lighter flours/starches (such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch or potato starch). I do NOT recommend using a gluten-free flour blend that uses heavier flours (such as garbanzo bean flour).
• Almond Milk: I like using an unsweetened version of my homemade almond milk, but you can also use other non-dairy milks (such as cashew milk, rice milk, tigernut milk, soy milk, coconut milk or oat milk). Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use normal milk instead.
• Dairy-Free Yogurt: I used dairy-free yogurt to keep this recipe dairy-free and vegan. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use plain unsweetened Greek yogurt instead.
• Dairy-Free Cheddar Cheese: To keep this recipe dairy-free and vegan, I used shredded dairy-free cheddar cheese. However, you can use nutritional yeast if you prefer. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use normal cheddar cheese or white cheddar cheese instead.
• Rice: I used cooked white rice, but you can also use cooked brown rice or cooked quinoa if you prefer.
• Spring Onions: I like to garnish this vegan broccoli casserole with chopped fresh spring onions. You may also use chives or parsley if you prefer.

How to Make Gluten-Free Broccoli Casserole

1. Bring Water to Boil

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2. Blanch Broccoli Florets

When the water starts boiling, blanch the broccoli florets in water for 2 to 3 minutes or until the florets are knife-tender.

(Alternatively, you may also use steamed broccoli instead of blanched broccoli).

3. Heat Up Milk and Flour

As broccoli florets are being blanched, place a small pot over medium heat and mix the flour with 1/2 cup of milk until combined.

4. Add in Other Ingredients

Bring heat down to low and add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of milk, dairy-free yogurt and 6 ounces of shredded dairy-free cheddar cheese and mix well until you get a homogeneous mixture.

5. Preheat and Grease

Preheat the broiler and grease a 1.5 quart casserole dish.

6. Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cooked broccoli florets with the cooked rice and the liquid cheese mixture until ingredients are evenly distributed.

7. Place in Casserole Dish

Place mixture in prepared casserole dish and sprinkle with rest of the cheese.

8. Broil Until Ready

Broil for 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

9. Garnish and Serve

Serve the gluten-free broccoli casserole warm and sprinkled with fresh chopped spring onions. You may also drizzle a bit of olive oil and sprinkle some black pepper on top.

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

• Prepping Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients separately (and store them in the refrigerator for 2 days until ready to assemble) and then assemble and bake the casserole on the day you want to serve it.
• Add Protein: If you wish to add some animal protein, feel free to add cooked pieces of chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken to this easy broccoli casserole before broiling it.
• Optional Condiments: Feel free to add more condiments such as garlic powder or onion powder if you prefer.
• Optional Toppings: You may also drizzle a bit of olive oil and sprinkle some ground black pepper on top of the casserole. Garnishing it with gluten-free breadcrumbs will also give it a nice crunchy contrast.
• Make it Low-Carb: If you prefer to keep this broccoli casserole low carb, feel free to swap out the cooked white rice with cauliflower rice instead.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Main Dishes You’ll Enjoy: