Vegan Cheesy Broccoli & Chickpea Casserole | Easy Recipe

Vegan cheese has come a long way! Originally crafted from nuts, soy, or coconut to mimic the gooey magic of traditional dairy cheese, it’s now a flavorful staple in many plant-based kitchens. With a variety of textures and tastes - think meltable mozzarella, sharp cheddar-style, or even crumbly feta - vegan cheese helps make recipes like this vegan broccoli and cheese casserole truly irresistible.

Vegan Cheesy Broccoli Chickpea Casserole

Looking for a quick and easy vegan casserole recipe that hits all the right notes - creamy, cheesy, savory, and satisfying?

This vegan broccoli casserole brings together hearty chickpeas, tender broccoli, and melty vegan cheese in one deliciously simple dish. Whether you're new to plant-based eating or just want something cozy for dinner, this one's a winner!

Ingredients for Cheesy Vegan Broccoli & Chickpea Casserole.

Ingredients

• 1-pound fresh broccoli, rinsed and cut into medium pieces, including tender parts of stems and leaves or 1-pound bag frozen broccoli florets, thawed

• 1 (15 1/2-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 cup shredded vegan cheese (for non-vegan, choose Gruyere or cheddar)

• 1/3 cup vegan breadcrumbs (or breadcrumbs of your choice)

• Salt, to taste

• Pepper, to taste

How to make Vegan Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.

• If using fresh broccoli, lightly steam it: Place the raw broccoli in a steamer basket over 1 inch of water in a saucepan. Cover and steam over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until just tender and bright green.

• Alternatively, microwave the broccoli: Place raw broccoli in a large microwave-safe dish with ½ inch of water. Cover with a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 3 minutes, until tender and bright green.

• Drain any excess water from the broccoli.

Lightly steamed & drained broccoli.

• In a large bowl, toss the steamed broccoli and chickpeas with olive oil.

Broccoli & chickpeas tossed with olive oil.

• Transfer the mixture to a 9x9-inch baking dish.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Broccoli & chickpea mixture in baking dish, sprinkled with salt & pepper and cheese.

• Sprinkle evenly with grated cheese, then top with breadcrumbs.

Broccoli & chickpea mixture in baking dish, topped with grated cheese and breadcrumbs.

• Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden. Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy!

Baked vegan broccoli & cheese casserole. Serve & enjoy!

THE RECIPE

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Vegan Cheesy Broccoli & Chickpea Casserole

Yield: 4

Author: Veronica Allende

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 23 MinTotal time: 33 Min

Vegan cheese has a creative history, born from the growing demand for dairy-free alternatives! It began as a way to replicate the creamy, savory flavors of traditional cheese without animal products. Early versions were made from nuts, soy, and coconut, and over time, vegan cheese has evolved into a variety of flavors and textures, from gooey to crumbly. Today, it’s a beloved option for plant-based eaters and cheese-lovers alike!

Ingredients

• 1-pound fresh broccoli, rinsed and cut into medium pieces, including tender parts of stems and leaves or 1-pound bag frozen broccoli florets, thawed
• 1 (15 1/2-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup shredded vegan cheese (for non-vegan, choose Gruyere or cheddar)
• 1/3 cup vegan breadcrumbs (or breadcrumbs of your choice)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. If using fresh broccoli, lightly steam it: Place the raw broccoli in a steamer basket over 1 inch of water in a saucepan. Cover and steam over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until just tender and bright green.
3. Alternatively, microwave the broccoli: Place raw broccoli in a large microwave-safe dish with ½ inch of water. Cover with a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 3 minutes, until tender and bright green.
4. Drain any excess water from the broccoli.
5. In a large bowl, toss the steamed broccoli and chickpeas with olive oil.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9x9-inch baking dish.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Sprinkle evenly with grated cheese, then top with breadcrumbs.
9. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden. Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

175

Fat

7 g

Carbs

27 g

Protein

6 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes! Just thaw and drain it well before using. No need to steam, it's already tender.

Q. What’s the best vegan cheese for this casserole?

A cheddar-style vegan cheese works best for flavor and meltability. Try brands like Violife, Daiya, or Follow Your Heart.

Q. How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as the topping. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.

Q. What can I use instead of chickpeas?

You can swap in white beans, lentils, or cooked quinoa for a similar texture and protein boost.

This Vegan Cheesy Broccoli & Chickpea Casserole is a quick, satisfying plant-based dish made with tender broccoli, protein-packed chickpeas, and melty vegan cheese. Baked with a golden breadcrumb topping, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a cozy side dish. Ready in under 30 minutes and easily gluten-free!

Meet Dr. Veronica Allende,

Founder of HealthWealth

Inspired by her Puerto Rican roots & Moroccan family, Dr. Veronica Allende blends culture, wellness & heart into every recipe. Her mission? To make healthy eating feel joyful, simple & full of meaning.

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