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Easy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole (Gratin) With Vegan Cheese

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Healthy broccoli quinoa casserole recipe! A delicious soufflé which is vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, easy to make and ready in less than 45 minutes. This broccoli bake contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as healthy carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Ready to up your dinner game?!

cooked quinoa bake (soufflé) in a white panQuinoa Casserole

I thought it was time to publish a recipe with quinoa on my blog. Until today, I’ve created some tasty vegan recipes with rice, potatoes, and pasta. However, in my opinion, quinoa deserves to be used more often. This pseudo-grain is very healthy, delicious and protein-rich, furthermore, it’s not a real grain. Quinoa is also gluten-free and can, therefore, be eaten by people suffering from celiac disease. I also love the fact that quinoa contains plenty of healthy, plant-based protein.

Since I adore casseroles, I decided to make a broccoli quinoa casserole with vegan cheese. This savory broccoli soufflé can be prepared in less than 45 minutes and it tastes amazing. Especially in the evening, when you want to enjoy a hearty comfort meal, there is nothing better than a cheesy broccoli casserole. Don’t you think so?

cheesy broccoli quinoa casserole (gratin) in a white panQuinoa Or Rice?

Of course, you can also prepare this easy broccoli casserole with rice instead of quinoa. So if you don’t have quinoa in your pantry or doesn’t like the taste of it, no problem! You can just cook rice and use it instead of quinoa in the recipe. I am sure a broccoli rice casserole will taste delicious as well! Another alternative would be to use potatoes to enjoy a delicious broccoli potato gratin!

cooked quinoa bake (hearty soufflé) with vegan cheeseIngredients Of This Healthy Broccoli Casserole

Instead of cheddar, I used my easy vegan cheese sauce because it only takes 3 minutes to prepare it. Of course, you can also use store-bought cheese from the supermarket. You can make this quinoa broccoli casserole with any kind of plant-based milk. For example, you could use almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, etc., depending on your taste. The higher the fat content of the milk, the better the casserole will taste!

In addition, I also added chickpeas, because they are another great source of plant-based protein and taste very delicious!

I topped the broccoli quinoa bake with homemade “breadcrumbs“. The ingredients are oats, nutritional yeast flakes, and a few spices. In my opinion, breadcrumbs make a gratin even more delicious.

broccoli cheese casserole recipe with quinoa (vegan)How To Make A Broccoli Quinoa Casserole?

It really isn’t complicated to make this cheesy broccoli casserole. First, prepare the quinoa by rinsing it under running water for about a minute. Then cook the quinoa in salted water or vegetable broth for about 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, you can already roast the broccoli in the oven.

Once both quinoa and broccoli are done, mix the quinoa with plant-based milk, chickpeas, vegan cheese, and spices. Pour the quinoa mixture into a greased casserole dish, add the roasted broccoli. Finally, put vegan cheese and breadcrumbs on top of the broccoli, and bake the gratin in the oven for about 20 minutes.

gluten-free vegan vegetable gratin in a white baking panHow To Store Leftovers?

This broccoli bake tastes best when it’s still warm. You can put leftovers in the refrigerator and enjoy them either cold the next day, or reheat in the microwave or in the oven.

It is also possible to freeze leftovers in zip-lock bags. Simply defrost at room temperature or in the fridge and reheat either in the oven or in the microwave.

vegan broccoli cheddar casserole with quinoaThis Quinoa Broccoli Cheese Casserole Is:

  • Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
  • Gluten-Free
  • Grain-Free
  • Flavorful
  • Hearty
  • Comforting
  • Healthy
  • Easy to make
  • A delicious dinner

Should you recreate this creamy broccoli quinoa casserole, please leave a comment below and don’t forget to tag me in your Instagram or Facebook post with @elavegan and #elavegan because I love to see how your broccoli gratin turned out!

easy broccoli casserole recipe with quinoa and vegan cheese

broccoli casserole with quinoa and vegan cheese sauce
Print Recipe
4.93 from 14 votes

Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

Healthy broccoli quinoa casserole which is vegan, gluten-free, grain-free and easy to make. This creamy cheesy broccoli bake is perfect for dinner, especially on weekends.
Prep Time22 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time42 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bake, broccoli, casserole, cheese, gluten-free, grain-free, quinoa, vegan
Servings: 4
Calories: 443kcal
Author: Ela

Ingredients

Quinoa

  • 1 cup (170 g) quinoa
  • 2 cups (480 ml) salt water or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) dairy-free milk
  • 1 15 oz can chickpeas
  • Spice mix: 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp ground oregano, 3/4 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, pepper to taste

Broccoli

  • 1 medium-sized head of broccoli
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • A pinch of salt

Homemade "breadcrumbs":

  • 3 tbsp oats (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, a pinch of turmeric, 1 tsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed), a pinch of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp oil

Cheese

Instructions

Prepare quinoa

  • Bring a pot with 2 cups of salt water or vegetable broth to a boil and preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  • Rinse quinoa thoroughly under running water and put it into the water/broth as soon as it boils. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until no water is left and the quinoa is cooked.

Prepare broccoli

  • Cut the broccoli into florets, spread on a baking tray (lined with parchment paper) and drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil and a little salt. Toss with your hands and bake the broccoli in the oven for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the vegan cheese sauce according to this recipe (CLICK). Skip this step if you use store-bought cheese).

"Breadcrumbs"

  • Put all ingredients for the "breadcrumbs" (except the oil) into a small bowl and stir with a spoon.
  • Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add "breadcrumbs" and fry on low/medium heat for about 30-60 seconds.

Assemble Casserole

  • Add 1 cup of dairy-free milk, the spice mixture, the chickpeas and half of the cheese sauce (or store-bought cheese) to the quinoa and stir.
  • Transfer the quinoa mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish, add the broccoli florets and spread the rest of the cheese on top. Sprinkle with the "breadcrumbs".
  • Reduce the heat of the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) and bake the casserole for about 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Recipe serves 4. Nutrition facts are for one serving.
Nutrition Facts
Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
Amount Per Serving
Calories 443 Calories from Fat 140
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15.6g 24%
Total Carbohydrates 47g 16%
Dietary Fiber 12.6g 50%
Sugars 9g
Protein 19g 38%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition

Calories: 443kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 15.6g | Fiber: 12.6g | Sugar: 9g

If you are using Pinterest, feel free to pin the following photo:

easy gluten-free broccoli quinoa casserole recipe with vegan cheese

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Jeannette says

    March 25, 2019 at 8:31 am

    This was delicious, a really warming & comforting meal. I substituted wild rice for quinoa as I had none left and it was delicious. Just shows how adaptable this meal is!!

    Reply

  3. Erin says

    March 25, 2019 at 1:35 pm

    Made this last night! So easy! So good! This will definitely become a regular staple in our home! Keep the yummy recipes coming!

    Reply

  4. Joelle says

    March 25, 2019 at 7:41 pm

    This looks delicious! I was wondering if it’s possinle to substitute the quinoa for rice? Some people in my house aren’t quinoa fans lol.

    Reply

  8. Melanie says

    March 27, 2019 at 2:37 am

    Saw this recipe and since I had all the ingredients at home I just HAD to try it right away. Super easy to make and so so so very delicious!

    Reply

  12. Marissa says

    March 30, 2019 at 10:13 am

    This dish is beautiful well executed bold flavor packed with protein. Also kid friendly my entire family loved this dish 100% will be making this beauty again thanks so much!!

    Reply

  17. Donna says

    April 3, 2019 at 2:49 pm

    Husband and I loved this dish, however, mine did not have as much cheese as your pic displays. Since I’m on WW and need to watch my points, I used light coconut milk and would leave off the oat/oil topping. I don’t think it added much and would have cut the points down for me.Otherwise, as my husband said, “it’s a keeper”.

    Reply

  20. Tracy McDaniel says

    June 11, 2019 at 2:43 am

    I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed it. My husband was speechless. I am still in awe of how delicious it was. The breadcrumbs and cheese sauce are game changers. I can’t wait to use them in other dishes. Thank you!!!!

    Reply

  21. Ana says

    June 14, 2019 at 6:58 pm

    This recipe was so easy, and it was my first time cooking quinoa, it came out grate. I added shrimp because I am not fully vegetarian, but mainly they discovered all these new allergies I now have and I am working with substitutes to get my carbs in every day. Thanks so much for all the cool ideas 🙂

    Reply

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