My vegan cauliflower cheese doesn't need cashews or a blender
I love cauliflower cheese. When I first went vegan I thought that I'd never be able to eat it again, but then I found out about nutritional yeast and how to use spices to make a cheesy flavour. I had a go playing around, until I got my recipe down. I made my recipe without cashew nut cream, so no nuts or blender needed!
Ingredients
1 medium cauliflower (about 800 g), cut into florets
500 ml unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., soy or oat)
3 tbsp nutritional yeast
2 tbsp plain flour
2 tbsp vegan margarine or sunflower oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp turmeric (for colour, optional)
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
50 g vegan cheese, grated (optional, for extra cheesiness)
2 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
Instructions
Prepare the Cauliflower:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6).
Steam or boil the cauliflower florets for 6–8 minutes, until just tender. Drain well and set aside in a baking dish.
Make the Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the margarine (or heat the oil) over medium heat.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly, to make a roux.
Gradually add the plant-based milk, a little at a time, whisking to avoid lumps.
Once all the milk is added, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the nutritional yeast, mustard, turmeric, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Assemble the Dish:
Pour the sauce over the cauliflower florets, ensuring they're evenly coated.
If using vegan cheese, sprinkle it on top.
Optional Topping:
Mix the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of smoked paprika. Sprinkle over the dish for a crispy finish.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbling on top.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy vegan cauliflower dish!
Health Benefits
Cauliflower cheese seems like a really unhealthy meal, but it isn't, there's loads of fibre and vitamins in my recipe and no cholesterol from dairy.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Cauliflower:
High in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
Provides vitamin K for bone health and proper blood clotting.
Contains folate, essential for cell growth and repair.
Plant-Based Milk (e.g., soy or oat):
Often fortified with calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health.
Soy milk is rich in high-quality plant protein.
High in Fibre
Cauliflower:
A good source of dietary fibre, promoting healthy digestion and helping maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Breadcrumbs (if used):
Adds additional fibre, especially if whole-grain breadcrumbs are chosen.
Low in Saturated Fat
The recipe uses plant-based margarine or oil instead of butter, making it lower in saturated fats compared to traditional cheese-based recipes.
Nutrient-Dense Cheese Sauce
Nutritional Yeast:
A great source of B vitamins, including B12 (if fortified), which is vital for energy production and nerve health.
Contains protein and fibre while adding a cheesy flavour without cholesterol.
Turmeric:
Contains curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Garlic and Onion Powder:
Contribute antioxidants and compounds that support immune health.
Low Cholesterol
This dish is free of animal-based ingredients, making it naturally cholesterol-free, which is beneficial for heart health.
Supports Healthy Weight Management
Cauliflower:
Low in calories but filling due to its fibre and water content.
The recipe is nutrient-dense without being calorie-dense, supporting healthy weight management.
Allergy-Friendly and Suitable for Dietary Restrictions
Free of nuts, making it suitable for those with nut allergies.
Can be gluten-free if gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs are used.
Balanced Nutritional Profile
Combines protein from the plant-based milk and nutritional yeast with fibre and vitamins from the cauliflower and spices.
A lower-fat alternative to traditional cheese-based recipes, supporting cardiovascular health.
If you prefer loads of cheese you can add more, but I like to have my cauliflower cheese with homemade garlic bread, but store bought garlic bread (vegan of course) is great too. If not, try some crusty bread, it's awesome.
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