Get ready to transform your dinner table with the ultimate comfort food that proves vegan cuisine can be absolutely decadent! This Cozy Vegan Cauliflower Gratin is about to become your new obsession - a creamy, dreamy French-inspired dish that will make even the most dedicated cheese lovers forget all about dairy. Imagine tender cauliflower florets bathed in a luxurious cashew cream sauce, topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust that'll have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds)!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup cashew cream
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or vegan butter.
- Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and cut it into evenly sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for consistent cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cashew cream, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.
- Place the cauliflower florets in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out in an even layer.
- Pour the cashew cream mixture over the cauliflower, making sure to coat each floret evenly. Use a spatula to distribute the sauce thoroughly.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly across the top of the cauliflower, creating a light, crispy topping.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let the gratin rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
- Serve hot as a comforting main dish or side, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- For the creamiest sauce, ensure your cashew cream is silky smooth by blending the cashews thoroughly before mixing with other ingredients.
- Cut your cauliflower florets into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don't skip the aluminum foil in the first baking stage - this helps steam the cauliflower and create a tender base.
- For extra flavor, try toasting your breadcrumbs with a little dried herbs like thyme or rosemary before sprinkling on top.
- If you want a bit more crunch, broil the gratin for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking (watch carefully to prevent burning).
- This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is hot and the breadcrumb topping is crisp.
- For a protein boost, consider adding nutritional yeast or some crumbled plant-based "parmesan" to the topping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
