The Ultimate Creamy & Cheesy Vegan Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole: A Plant-Based Comfort Food Masterpiece

Broccoli cheese rice casserole is a timeless comfort food, cherished for its rich, creamy, and undeniably cheesy appeal. This remarkable vegan rendition captures all that beloved goodness in every single bite, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing for a festive holiday gathering, a casual potluck, or simply seeking a satisfying weeknight dinner, this plant-based casserole is guaranteed to impress and delight.

For many embracing a vegan lifestyle, transitioning away from cheese can be one of the most significant challenges. However, the culinary landscape has transformed dramatically in recent years, offering an incredible array of plant-based alternatives that mimic the taste and meltability of traditional dairy cheese with surprising accuracy. This vegan broccoli cheese rice casserole stands as a shining example of just how delicious and satisfying these modern swaps can be.

Our recipe thoughtfully combines the best of both worlds to achieve its signature creamy and cheesy texture. It utilizes shredded vegan cheddar cheese, which provides that familiar sharp flavor and delightful melt, beautifully complementing the tender broccoli. Beyond this, the recipe leans on a time-honored vegan secret to create an exceptionally silky and rich sauce: cashews. When blended, cashews transform into a luxuriously smooth cream, offering an unparalleled depth of body and flavor to the casserole.

The harmonious combination of a velvety cashew cream and savory plant-based cheddar results in a truly rich and comforting casserole. This dairy-free delight is packed with flavor and texture, promising to satisfy even the most discerning palates and making it a staple in any vegan kitchen.

Why You’ll Adore This Vegan Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

This cheesy vegan broccoli casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are compelling reasons why this recipe is destined to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire:

• The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole. Few dishes evoke the same sense of warmth and contentment as a well-made casserole. This vegan broccoli cheese rice casserole ranks right up there with classics like Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese. It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying dish that instantly wraps you in a cozy embrace, making any day feel a little more like home. The harmonious blend of soft rice, tender broccoli, and a luscious cheesy sauce creates a texture and flavor profile that truly nourishes the soul.
• Perfect for Any Occasion. Its versatility is unmatched. Whether you’re planning an elaborate holiday feast, contributing a dish to a lively potluck, hosting a casual get-together, or simply seeking a comforting family dinner on a busy weeknight, this casserole effortlessly fits the bill. Its universal appeal ensures it will be a resounding success, satisfying a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.
• Incredibly Creamy and Cheesy. This is where the magic truly happens! Despite being entirely free of traditional dairy, this recipe achieves an astonishingly creamy and cheesy character. The ingenious combination of blended raw cashews creates an ultra-smooth, rich base, while quality shredded vegan cheddar cheese provides that essential savory, umami kick and delightful melt. You’ll be amazed at how authentically rich and decadent this plant-based version tastes.
• Fantastic Leftovers for Days. A truly great casserole often tastes even better the next day, and this vegan broccoli cheddar rice casserole is no exception. The flavors meld and deepen over time, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. You can easily enjoy delicious, comforting meals throughout the week with minimal effort, saving you time and ensuring you always have a wholesome option on hand.

Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

Crafting this flavorful and creamy vegan broccoli cheese rice casserole begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the rich taste and satisfying texture. You’ll find the precise quantities and detailed recipe instructions further down in the recipe card.

• Raw Cashews: These are the secret to our incredibly creamy, dairy-free sauce. It’s crucial to use raw cashews, as they blend far smoother and create a more neutral, velvety base compared to roasted varieties.
• Boiling Water: Used for soaking the cashews, this step is essential for softening them quickly, ensuring they achieve that perfectly smooth consistency when blended.
• Olive Oil: A foundational ingredient for sautéing. Extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle fruity depth and helps to build the initial layers of flavor.
• Onion: A standard yellow onion works perfectly here. Finely chopped, it provides a sweet, aromatic base that enhances the overall savory profile of the casserole.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for its pungent, savory kick. You can mince it finely with a knife or use a garlic press for convenience.
• Long Grain Rice: We use uncooked long-grain white rice. This type of rice cooks beautifully directly in the casserole, absorbing all the rich flavors of the broth and seasonings, resulting in a tender and aromatic grain.
• Italian Seasoning: A versatile blend of dried herbs that brings a warm, fragrant, and slightly earthy flavor to the dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Basic but essential seasonings. I highly recommend freshly ground black pepper for a more vibrant and pungent flavor that truly stands out. Adjust to your taste preferences.
• Garlic Powder: Provides an additional layer of mild, sweet garlic flavor that complements the fresh garlic without being overpowering.
• Vegetable Broth: The liquid base for cooking the rice and creating the sauce. Using a high-quality homemade vegetable broth or a good store-bought option is key to a deeply flavorful casserole.
• Broccoli: The star vegetable! Cut into uniform, bite-sized florets, the broccoli adds vibrant color, nutritional value, and a delightful texture. Approximately two medium heads should yield enough florets.
• Grated Vegan Cheddar Cheese: This is where the cheesy magic happens. Choose a good quality vegan cheddar that melts well. I personally had excellent results using Violife mature cheddar, known for its superb flavor and melting properties. Divided usage ensures cheese is integrated into the sauce and provides a delicious topping.
• Vegan Butter: Essential for richness in the sauce and for creating that irresistible crispy topping. You can opt for a store-bought brand or make your own homemade vegan butter.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, making them ideal for a golden, crunchy topping that adds wonderful texture contrast.
• Paprika: Sweet paprika offers a mild, warm color and a subtle peppery note. For a deeper, smoky flavor, consider swapping it with smoked paprika.
• Dried Thyme: A classic herb that pairs beautifully with broccoli and cheese, adding an earthy, slightly minty aroma to the breadcrumb topping.

Crafting Your Creamy Vegan Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this hearty and delicious vegan broccoli cheese rice casserole is straightforward, combining simple techniques to create a wonderfully flavorful dish. Follow these steps for a perfect result:

• Step 1: Get Ready. Begin by preheating your oven to 375ºF (190°C). While the oven heats, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with vegan butter or a cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures a beautiful, easy release of your finished casserole.
• Step 2: Soften the Cashews. In a small, heatproof bowl, place your raw cashews. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them soak for about 15 minutes. This softens the cashews, making them easier to blend into a perfectly smooth and creamy sauce later.
• Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step builds the foundational flavor of your casserole.
• Step 4: Toast the Rice and Seasonings. Stir in the minced garlic, uncooked long-grain rice, and Italian seasoning to the pan. Continue to stir and cook for an additional minute. Toasting the rice slightly before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and helps it absorb the seasonings more deeply.

• Step 5: Simmer the Rice. Pour in the vegetable broth, then stir in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (you’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges). Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cook for exactly 5 minutes. The rice will begin to absorb the liquid and flavors.
• Step 6: Add the Broccoli. Carefully lift the lid and add the broccoli florets to the pan. Stir gently to combine them with the partially cooked rice. Replace the lid and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. This brief cooking time allows the broccoli to become tender-crisp, maintaining its vibrant color and texture.
• Step 7: Blend the Cashew Cream. While the rice and broccoli are simmering, transfer the soaked cashews along with their soaking water to a high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and resembles a thick, velvety cream. This step is crucial for achieving the desired silky texture of the sauce.

• Step 8: Incorporate Cream and Cheese. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the freshly blended cashew cream and 1 cup of the grated vegan cheddar cheese. Mix everything until thoroughly combined and the cheese begins to melt into the warm rice and broccoli mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings (salt and pepper) if needed, ensuring the flavor is perfectly balanced.
• Step 9: Prepare the Topping. In a separate medium bowl, combine the melted vegan butter, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir these ingredients together until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. This mixture will form your deliciously crispy, golden-brown topping.

• Step 10: Assemble the Casserole. Transfer the creamy rice and broccoli mixture from the pan into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining vegan cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. This creates a beautiful, crusty finish.
• Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the panko topping has turned a lovely golden brown and is wonderfully crispy. Once baked, remove from the oven, let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes (this allows the sauce to thicken slightly), then serve and enjoy your incredible vegan comfort food!

Tips for a Perfect Vegan Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

Achieving the perfect creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying vegan broccoli cheese rice casserole is simple with a few key considerations. These tips will help ensure your dish is a resounding success every time:

• Uniformly Cut Onions and Broccoli. The secret to even cooking lies in consistency. Make sure to cut your onions and broccoli into roughly the same size pieces. This precision ensures that everything finishes cooking at the same time, preventing the disappointment of finding hard broccoli florets or crunchy onions in your otherwise perfectly cooked casserole.
• Don’t Skip Soaking the Cashews. This step is absolutely non-negotiable for the creamiest results. Soaking raw cashews, especially in boiling water, helps to thoroughly soften them. This makes it significantly easier for your blender to process them into an incredibly smooth, lump-free cream that forms the luxurious base of your cheese sauce.
• Blend the Cashews Thoroughly. After soaking, blend the cashews for a full 2 minutes, or even longer if necessary, until the mixture is completely silken. You want to ensure there are no grainy bits of nuts remaining. A high-speed blender is ideal for this task, but a regular blender will also work with sufficient blending time and occasional scraping down of the sides.
• Allow for Cooling Before Serving. Patience is a virtue when it comes to casseroles. While it might be tempting to dig in immediately, letting the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven is crucial. During this cooling period, the sauce will thicken and set beautifully, improving both its texture and overall stability when serving. The flavors also have a chance to meld and deepen.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning. Always taste your sauce before transferring it to the baking dish. Different vegetable broths and vegan cheeses can vary in their salt content, so adjusting the salt and pepper to your personal preference is key to a perfectly flavored casserole.
• Choose a Good Melting Vegan Cheese. The quality of your vegan cheddar cheese can significantly impact the outcome. Look for brands known for their excellent meltability and flavor, as this will contribute to the rich, gooey texture we all love in a cheesy casserole.

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Casserole

This vegan broccoli cheese rice casserole is wonderfully versatile, providing a fantastic base for creativity. Feel free to experiment with these variations to tailor the dish to your preferences and pantry staples:

• Switch Up the Topping. While panko breadcrumbs create a superb crispy crust, there are many other delightful options. You can substitute panko with crushed crackers (such as Ritz-style crackers for a buttery flavor), coarse breadcrumbs for a heartier crunch, crushed corn flakes for a lighter, crispy texture, or even store-bought French fried onions for an extra layer of savory, umami flavor.
• Add in Plant-Based Protein for a Heartier Meal. To transform this side dish into a more substantial main course, consider adding a protein element. Cooked and shredded vegan chicken or vegan turkey pieces can be stirred in before baking. Alternatively, for a whole-food plant-based boost, add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans (like cannellini or great northern beans) to the mixture. These additions will make the casserole even more filling and satisfying.
• Use Another Vegetable. If broccoli isn’t your favorite, or if you simply want to try something new, feel free to substitute it with other vegetables. Cauliflower florets work beautifully and offer a similar texture. Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy, umami depth, while frozen peas (added during the last few minutes of simmering the rice) provide a pop of sweetness and vibrant color. You could also try spinach (wilted and squeezed dry) or diced carrots for different flavor and nutritional profiles.

Delightful Serving Suggestions

This versatile vegan broccoli cheese rice casserole can shine as a satisfying main course or an incredible side dish. Here are a few ways to pair it to create a complete and balanced meal:

• Simple Side Salad: For a lighter meal, pair a generous serving of this rich casserole with a crisp, refreshing green salad. A vinaigrette dressing with a tangy note will cut through the richness of the casserole beautifully, creating a harmonious balance.
• Crusty Roasted Garlic Bread: Indulge in classic comfort by serving your casserole alongside some warm, crusty Roasted Garlic Bread. The garlicky, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce and adds an extra layer of savory goodness.
• Hearty Plant-Based Main: This casserole makes an exceptional side dish for more substantial vegan mains. It pairs wonderfully with a flavorful Vegan Meatloaf or roasted plant-based sausages, offering a comforting and wholesome accompaniment that rounds out the meal.
• Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: To add another vegetable component, a side of simply steamed green beans or roasted asparagus spears provides freshness and a slight crunch that complements the creamy casserole.

How to Store Leftovers

This cheesy vegan broccoli rice casserole makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld. To properly store your leftovers, transfer any remaining casserole into an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply cover the dish and reheat it in an oven preheated to 350ºF (175°C) until thoroughly warmed through. For individual servings, the microwave works perfectly, reheating in short intervals until hot.

Can I Freeze This Recipe?

Absolutely! This creamy and cheesy vegan broccoli rice casserole freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for future meal planning. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. You can then wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for extra protection, or divide individual portions into freezer-safe airtight containers. It can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as described above.

More Irresistible Cheesy Vegan Recipes

If you loved this vegan broccoli cheese rice casserole, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delightful plant-based cheesy recipes that deliver incredible flavor without any dairy:

• Chopped Cheese Sandwich
• Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
• Cheesy Baked Ziti (5 Ingredients)
• Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
• Cheesy Cauliflower Pizza Casserole

Enjoy, friends! There’s so much joy to be found in plant-based cooking. If you try your hand at this creamy and cheesy vegan broccoli cheese rice casserole, we would absolutely love to see your creation! Please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram. Your feedback is incredibly valuable, so please consider leaving a comment below and giving the recipe a rating. Thank you so much for being a part of our culinary journey!

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

Servings: 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 25 minutes mins

Total Time: 40 minutes mins

This vegan broccoli cheese rice casserole is a comforting and creamy favorite, packed with cheesy goodness in every bite. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion, offering a plant-based twist on a classic!

5 (from 9 ratings)

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Ingredients

• ⅓ cup raw cashews, 50g
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ¼ cup long grain white rice, uncooked (230g)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
• 6 cups broccoli, cut into small florets, from approximately 2 heads; 16 ounce total – 450g
• 2 cups grated vegan cheddar cheese, divided (I used Violife mature cheddar) (8 ounces – 220g)
• 4 tablespoons melted vegan butter
• ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions 

• Preheat the oven to 375ºF/190°C and grease a 9×13 baking dish with vegan butter or cooking spray.
• Place cashews in a small bowl with 1 cup of boiling water and soak for 15 minutes.
• In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir often.
• Add minced garlic, rice, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
• Add vegetable broth, salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Stir and cover the pan with a lid. Bring to a simmer (essentially to a heat just below boiling until small bubbles form around the edges) and then turn the heat to low (so the liquid is still moving). Cook for 5 minutes.
• Add broccoli florets. Stir and cook covered with a lid for 5 more minutes.
• While rice and broccoli are cooking, place soaked cashews into a blender along with the water they were in. Blend until smooth, about 2 minutes.
• Remove the pan from heat. Add blended cashew cream and 1 cup grated vegan cheddar, then mix until combined. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
• In a medium bowl, mix the melted vegan butter, panko breadcrumbs, paprika and dried thyme.
• Transfer the rice and broccoli mixture to the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
• Bake until bubbly and golden on top, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve and enjoy!

Notes

To store: Store leftover broccoli cheese rice casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply cover it and place it in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through or heat individual servings in the microwave.

To freeze: This cheesy broccoli rice casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in the baking dish or place leftovers in an airtight container.

Calories: 356kcal, Carbohydrates: 42g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 1g, Sodium: 819mg, Potassium: 319mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 605IU, Vitamin C: 60mg, Calcium: 79mg, Iron: 2mg

Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

Cuisine: American

Course: Dinner, Sides

Author: Jessica Hylton