Description
Broccoli Spinach Casserole blends fresh broccoli florets, vibrant spinach, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese into a warm, comforting dish. This baked casserole offers a nutritious and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or festive occasions, easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (natural)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if desired)
- Additional plant-based cheese (plant-based) for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Gently sauté the baby spinach leaves in a pan with a bit of minced garlic until just wilted, preserving the vibrant color and fresh taste.
- Cook the Turkey Bacon: In a skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon slices until crispy. Retain the rendered fat for added flavor to the dish.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the plant-based milk, shredded plant-based cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Stir in the natural gelling agent and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to thicken and develop a rich sauce.
- Combine and Assemble: Mix together the broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, and crispy turkey bacon with the creamy sauce. Transfer this mixture into a baking dish. If desired, sprinkle gluten-free breadcrumbs or extra plant-based cheese on top for added texture.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli and spinach to ensure the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook broccoli; keep it slightly crunchy to preserve nutrients.
- Customize the topping by using toasted nuts or seeds instead of breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Adjust the apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to balance flavors to your liking.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and ease serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli casserole, spinach casserole, plant-based cheese casserole, turkey bacon casserole, creamy vegetable bake, gluten-free casserole
