Easy Vegan Cauliflower Cheese with Creamy Cashew Sauce

Vegan cauliflower cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender roasted cauliflower with a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from cashews and nutritional yeast. Unlike traditional cauliflower cheese that often uses boiled cauliflower and dairy, this recipe roasts the cauliflower first to boost flavor and uses a smooth vegan cheese sauce that bakes into a golden, bubbly casserole.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special holiday gathering, this 6-ingredient recipe is simple to prepare, packed with plant-based goodness, and sure to satisfy cheese cravings without any dairy.

Why This Vegan Cauliflower Cheese Is a Family Favorite

This vegan cauliflower cheese brings all the comfort and cheesiness of the classic British dish without the dairy. Roasting the cauliflower enhances its natural sweetness and adds a touch of caramelization that boiling can’t match.

The creamy cashew cheese sauce provides a luscious texture and cheesy flavor, thanks to nutritional yeast and perfect seasoning. Plus, it’s incredibly easy — roast the cauliflower, blend the sauce, combine, and bake.

This recipe is flexible and crowd-pleasing, suitable for holiday tables or simple weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses just six simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, cheesy casserole. You’ll need fresh cauliflower florets, raw cashews soaked for creaminess, vegetable broth, unsweetened plant milk (soy or oat works well), nutritional yeast for cheesiness, and basic seasonings like olive oil, salt, and pepper.

These wholesome ingredients deliver a plant-powered cheesy sauce that’s naturally gluten-free and vegan.

How to Make Vegan Cauliflower Cheese Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until they’re lightly golden and caramelized.
2. While the cauliflower roasts, soak the cashews in boiling water for at least 5 minutes to soften.
3. Drain the cashews, then blend them in a high-powered blender with vegetable broth, plant milk, nutritional yeast, and salt until completely smooth and creamy.
4. Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a baking dish, pour the cashew cheese sauce over it, and gently toss to coat.
5. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the cheese sauce thickens and bubbles. For a deeper golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Expert Tips for the Best Vegan Cauliflower Cheese

• Soak cashews thoroughly: If possible, soak cashews for 4+ hours or overnight for the creamiest sauce. If short on time, hot water for at least 5 minutes works.
• Use a powerful blender: A high-speed blender ensures a silky smooth cheese sauce without graininess.
• Add acid for brightness: Finish the sauce with a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to elevate flavor.
• Control the baking temperature: Bake at 350°F covered if you want extra creaminess, uncover at the end for a golden crust.
• Nut-free alternatives: Use soaked sunflower seeds or make a nut-free cheese sauce with cooked potatoes and nutritional yeast if allergic to nuts.
• Breadcrumb topping: For added texture, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs on top before the last 10 minutes of baking.

Variations and Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal

This vegan cauliflower cheese is versatile and can be customized to fit your meal perfectly. Try adding roasted broccoli florets or green peas for extra color and nutrition.

For a heartier main dish, mix in vegan chicken strips or leafy greens like kale before baking. Top with crispy gluten-free breadcrumbs or vegan parmesan for a crunchy finish.

Serve alongside mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a satisfying plant-based feast. It’s a warm, comforting dish that fits both everyday dinners and festive occasions, much like our recipe for the best vegan enchiladas.

Common Questions About Vegan Cauliflower Cheese

• Can I use frozen cauliflower? Yes, but do not thaw before roasting. Roast frozen florets seasoned as usual for best texture.
• How do I store leftovers? Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid freezing as it can make the cauliflower soggy.
• Can I make this ahead? Absolutely. Prepare the cashew sauce and chop cauliflower in advance, then roast and bake when ready.
• What if I’m allergic to nuts? Substitute soaked sunflower seeds or use a nut-free vegan cheese sauce made from cooked potato, nutritional yeast, and plant milk.
• Can I add other flavors? Yes! Garlic powder, smoked paprika, or mustard powder add delicious depth to the sauce.

Conclusion

This vegan cauliflower cheese recipe perfectly blends comforting flavors, creamy texture, and easy preparation—making it an ideal plant-based side or main dish. Roasting the cauliflower enhances natural sweetness while the cashew-based cheese sauce is rich, smooth, and deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking to add more veggies to your meals, which aligns with UK healthy eating guidelines, this casserole delivers hearty, cheesy goodness everyone will love. Try the expert tips and variations to make it your own and enjoy this cozy, wholesome dish any time of year.