Description
This Broccoli Spinach Casserole is a quick and wholesome dinner featuring vibrant broccoli and fresh spinach combined with smoky turkey bacon and creamy plant-based cheese. Enhanced with natural seasonings and a natural gelling agent for perfect texture, this comforting casserole is ideal for meal prep and versatile enough as a main or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein and Dairy Alternatives
- 4 ounces smoked turkey bacon, cut into bite-sized strips
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar-style)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Turkey Bacon: Chop the broccoli into small florets and roughly chop the spinach. Cut smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized strips. Sauté the turkey bacon in olive oil over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside, keeping the flavored oil in the pan for the next step.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the reserved turkey bacon oil, gently sauté the minced onions and garlic until they become soft and fragrant but do not brown. This creates a flavorful base for the casserole sauce.
- Combine Ingredients and Make Sauce: Add the broccoli florets and a splash of plant-based milk to the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, stirring to warm the vegetables. Stir in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), black pepper, and sea salt. Sprinkle the natural gelling agent over the mixture and stir thoroughly to begin thickening the sauce.
- Add Spinach, Cheese, and Turkey Bacon: Once the sauce starts to thicken, gently fold in the fresh spinach, crisp turkey bacon pieces, and shredded plant-based cheese. The spinach will wilt in the warm mixture.
- Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased casserole dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly around the edges. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli and spinach for the best texture and flavor.
- When sautéing, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and better flavor.
- Adjust the amount of plant-based milk or natural gelling agent to achieve a creamy but firm casserole texture.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set and be sliceable.
- For added crunch, consider topping with toasted nuts or plant-based breadcrumbs before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: broccoli casserole, spinach casserole, plant-based casserole, turkey bacon casserole, gluten free casserole, creamy casserole, healthy dinner
