If you’re after the ultimate comfort food but want to keep it plant-based, this vegan cauliflower cheese recipe is going to be your new obsession. It’s gooey, creamy, satisfying, and somehow still feels a little healthy. Think your classic British cauliflower cheese recipe UK-style dish, but without the dairy—and absolutely none of the flavor sacrifice. It’s one of those easy cauliflower cheese recipes that’ll impress at Sunday roasts, weeknight dinners, or holiday spreads. Whether you're deep into a vegan lifestyle or just looking for healthy cauliflower recipes to mix things up, this one’s a keeper.
Vegan Cauliflower Cheese
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine British
Baking dish or casserole dish A medium-sized one, about 9x9 inches, works well for even layering.
saucepan For making the creamy vegan cheese sauce.
Whisk Helps get the sauce smooth and lump-free.
Oven This is a classic oven baked cauliflower recipe, so preheat and get it ready.
Blender (optional) If you want a super smooth sauce, blend all cheese sauce ingredients before heating.
For the cauliflower
- 1 large head of cauliflower chopped into large florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the vegan cheese sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened plant-based milk soy or oat milk work best
- ½ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric for color and slight earthiness
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice for tang
For topping
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs use gluten-free if needed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter
- A sprinkle of smoked paprika or thyme optional but recommended
Roast the cauliflower
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a lined baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes until lightly golden and tender. This step amps up the flavor and is a must for any oven baked cauliflower dish.
Make the vegan cheese sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt vegan butter and stir in flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the plant milk until smooth. Add nutritional yeast, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens—this is your creamy cauliflower cheese sauce that’ll remind you of traditional cheese recipes, without the dairy.
Assemble the casserole
Transfer the roasted cauliflower into a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the florets, making sure everything is nicely coated. It should look indulgent—this is the heart of any cauliflower cheese casserole.
Add the topping and bake
Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil or vegan butter, then sprinkle on top. Add a dash of smoked paprika or herbs if you like. Bake for another 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
Serve hot
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It firms up slightly as it sits, making it ideal for slicing into neat portions.
Perfect Pairings
This dish works wonders as a star side or even a main course with the right additions. Serve it alongside a nut roast or vegan sausages for a cozy dinner. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted root veggies if you’re leaning into roasted cauliflower recipes. Want a more filling meal? Spoon it over quinoa or rice, or enjoy it with a crusty hunk of sourdough bread.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it well. Roasting from frozen won’t give the same caramelized texture as fresh.
2. What kind of plant milk works best?
Unsweetened soy or oat milk are best for savory dishes like this. Avoid anything with vanilla or added sugar.
3. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, it can be frozen and reheated for up to 2 months. Just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
4. What’s the best cauliflower to use?
Any standard white cauliflower head will work. You want it firm and fresh. This recipe doesn't require fancy varieties—just solid ingredients for a solid dish.
5. Is this the same as cauliflower with cheese or baked cauliflower with cheese?
Yes and no! This vegan version captures the essence of those classic cauliflower with cheese sauce dishes, but skips the dairy. It's perfect if you're looking for easy cauliflower recipes that still hit all the cheesy, comforting notes.
