This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is a completely dairy free version of the classic comfort food side dish! It is also Whole30 (depending on the topping) and Keto-friendly!
I’ve always loved anything that involves broccoli and cheese. Especially the creamy broccoli casseroles I had growing up that were made with cream of mushroom soup. However, regular cow’s milk dairy doesn’t agree with me much anymore, and I’ve since learned that those canned soups are ANYTHING but good for us! So… I wanted to create a healthier, dairy free version of the creamy casserole I grew up loving, and I think this turned out really great.
The sauce is made from a mixture of cashews, coconut milk, chicken broth, nutritional yeast to give it a nice cheesy flavor, lemon juice and a few other spices. Even my husband (who eats ALL the dairy normally) said it was amazing!
What the heck is Nutritional Yeast?!
Nutritional yeast is basically deactivated yeast and it comes in the form of flakes or powder. Nutritional yeast has a lot of nutritional value and it is Whole30 compliant- click here to learn more about it and its benefits! I usually get mine from Trader Joe’s or this brand on Thrive Market. Same with coconut milk – my favorite brand is Native Forest! You can also use unsweetened almond milk.
I also get my cashews from Trader Joe’s – they have raw, unsalted ones for a great price.
I usually get chicken broth from Costco – just make sure to read ingredients if you’re doing a Whole30!
For the topping, I used Pork Panko, which is just made from pork skin and salt. It’s a great alternative to regular bread crumbs and it’s also Keto and Whole30 friendly. If you don’t have this or don’t want to use it, you can use crushed up regular bread crumbs (if you tolerate gluten), crushed up paleo crackers (I like Simple Mills), or other gluten free bread crumbs. Or just omit the topping completely (unless it’s the pork panko) for Whole30!
I feel like this casserole would make a really great Thanksgiving side dish, or would be delicious just paired alongside some grilled steaks!
Looking for some other side dish ideas? Check out this Mexican Street Corn and Tomato Salad, Sheet Pan Southwest Breakfast Potatoes, or Fool Proof Roasted Sweet Potatoes!
Ok, time to make this cheesy broccoli casserole!
Dairy-Free Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 heads broccoli, chopped into florets about 8 cups
- 2 cups raw unsalted cashews no need to soak if you have a high-powered blender
- 1 cup chicken broth sub vegetable broth for vegan
- 1 cup full fat coconut milk make sure you mix it together before measuring - it separates in the can!
- 2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1.5 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
Topping
- 1 cup Pork Panko or regular panko if not gluten free, crushed up paleo crackers, Siete chips, etc.
- 1 tbsp ghee sub coconut oil or vegan butter for 100% dairy free
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add chopped broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
- Make the sauce. Combine cashews, coconut milk, chicken broth, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic, mustard, and spices into a high powered blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds until the sauce is very creamy.
- Spray a casserole dish (I used 9x9 but you can also use a 9x13 - it will just be a little thinner) with cooking oil. Add broccoli to the casserole dish and pour the sauce overtop. Mix well until combined.
- Make the topping. Heat the ghee over medium high heat and add in the pork panko (or breadcrumbs/crackers/chips of choice). Saute for 1-2 minutes until combined and slightly toasted. Spread the topping evenly on top of the broccoli mixture.
- Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes until cooked through and bubbling on the edges. Serve and enjoy!
Could this be made in an instant pot or slow cooker?
I haven’t tried it and I worry the broccoli would get mushy – I need to test it out and can get back to you!
Can I sub Almond milk for the coconut milk?
I haven’t tested it but it should work!
I’m confused with the ghee, which is clarified butter, though the recipe states it is dairy free. I will try this with dairy free buttery spread; perhaps a cultured one. The recipe looks delicious!
Hi Amy – you can substitute coconut oil or another vegan butter for the ghee! Very pure ghee (99 -99.5% pure butter oil) may have trace amounts of casein and lactose remaining, but unless a person is extremely sensitive, it will normally not cause problems, even if other dairy does. If you are vegan or have a dairy allergy then definitely avoid the ghee! Thanks!
This was delicious! I bought way too much broccoli recently and have been working my way through it – it was great to have broccoli cooked some way other than steamed or roasted. The pork panko is new to me and is MONEY!
Hi Katie! Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it <3
We had this for supper tonight and it was so good!!! If someone had told me a year ago I’d be eating (and loving) a sauce made out of cashews I wouldn’t have believed them. Thank you for another delicious and healthy recipe!!
I think I am going to amp up the seasonings as it was a bit bland when we had it last night. This morning though, it was cheesier tasting. Thoughts?
Totally up to you if you’d like to up the seasonings – Myself and others like it the way it is…so it’s your call:)
Thanks…. will ponder a bit. Maybe more paprika on the top.
Do you have the macros for this?
I don’t track macros for my recipes (yet) on here! Hopefully some day!
Can this be made ahead of time and reheated before the meal?
Yes – it can!
Loved this! I used curry instead of Tumeric, just because it was what I had on hand and it was so delicious! Next time instead of it being a side, I’m adding chicken and serving over cauliflower rice!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! That sounds delicious 🙂
Have you tried this using almond meal as topping? Or other nut flour?
I have only tried it with pork Panko!
This was just what I needed for comfort during this Coronavirus pandemic. A friend across the hall gave us 8 head of fresh broccoli from his son’s restaurant. It seems almost all broccoli casseroles are loaded with cheese. This recipe satisfied my love of cheesy casseroles and kept my digestive system happy and calm.
I used oatmilk because that is what I had and I added caramelized onion and mushrooms just because I like them. It is that kind of recipe that you can do so much with.
I live in New York City and I needed this culinary break.
Thank you Mary.
Thank you SO much Jerie! I am so glad you enjoyed it!!
This looks phenomenal! Like above ^ we have been gifted ALOT of broccoli from neighbors! — but i don’t have any cashews… Any replacement options? Almond Or almond flour? Omit?
Hi- You could try just coconut milk! It may not be quite as creamy but I think it should work!
Hello! This recipe sounds delicious!
I have 4 heads of broccoli + all ingredients listed, besides cashews.
Should I use extra coconut milk (to make up for cashews) or still the 1 Cup coconut milk?
Wonder if coconut cream in can would be maybe substitution for cashews?
Thank you for healthy Whole30 recipes.
Happy Easter!! 🙏
Hi Angela! I haven’t tested it without the cashews. I think a tad bit more coconut milk should work (or cream) – but it may not be as creamy. Let me know if you try it and it works out!