How to Make French Vegan Cauliflower Cheese

French Vegan Cauliflower Cheese is a delightful and creamy dish that captures the essence of traditional French cuisine while catering to vegan dietary preferences. This recipe not only delights the palate but also offers nutrition through its main ingredient, cauliflower. Let's dive into the steps of making this delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a comforting side or a main course.

Ingredients

To make French Vegan Cauliflower Cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

1 large cauliflower, cut into florets
1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or cashew milk)
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1/4 cup cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours and drained
3 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Bread crumbs for topping (optional)

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare a delicious French Vegan Cauliflower Cheese:

Step 1: Cook the Cauliflower

Begin by steaming or boiling the cauliflower florets until they are tender, usually taking about 10-15 minutes. The goal is to make them soft enough to blend into a smooth consistency.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a blender, combine the steamed cauliflower, plant-based milk, soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. If you like a smoky flavor, add the smoked paprika as well. Blend the mixture on high until it becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Combine and Adjust

Taste the cheese sauce and adjust seasoning as necessary. You can add more nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor or additional salt and pepper to your liking. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more of plant-based milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Bake the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, pour the cauliflower cheese sauce over the cooked cauliflower florets, stirring gently to combine. If you wish, sprinkle some bread crumbs on top for a crunchy texture.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. This step enhances the flavors and adds a delicious crust to the dish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once done, take the French Vegan Cauliflower Cheese out of the oven, let it cool slightly, and then serve it warm. This dish pairs wonderfully as a side with a fresh salad or alongside grilled vegetables for a wholesome meal.

Tips for the Best French Vegan Cauliflower Cheese

Feel free to mix in other vegetables, like broccoli or spinach, for added nutrition and flavor.
For an even richer flavor, try adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
To make it more filling, serve the cauliflower cheese over a bed of cooked quinoa or brown rice.

Enjoy this flavorful French Vegan Cauliflower Cheese with family and friends, and feel good knowing it’s a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional cheese dishes. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table!