Vegan Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

This dish combines tender cabbage with a smooth dairy-free cheese sauce and a golden baked topping.

Ingredients

Casserole base

• 1 medium green cabbage (about 5–6 cups shredded)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Creamy “cheese” sauce

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked 20–30 minutes, then drained)
• 1½ cups unsweetened plant milk
• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp turmeric (for color)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt to taste

Topping

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (ensure vegan)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted vegan butter
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Add onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add shredded cabbage, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook for 8–10 minutes until softened and slightly reduced.
7. Remove from heat.

2. Make the cheese sauce

1. Add soaked cashews, plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, mustard, cornstarch, turmeric, paprika, and salt to a blender.
2. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Assemble

1. Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Spread the cooked cabbage evenly in the dish.
3. Pour the cheese sauce over the cabbage and mix slightly to coat.

4. Add topping

• Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil (and optional nutritional yeast), then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

5. Bake

• Bake for 25–30 minutes until:
  • top is golden and crisp
  • sauce is bubbling

6. Rest and serve

• Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Serving suggestions

• Serve as a main dish with crusty bread
• Or as a side with roasted vegetables or legumes

Tips for best results

• Blend the sauce very well to avoid grainy texture
• Do not overcook cabbage initially—it will continue cooking in the oven
• Add a splash more plant milk if the sauce feels too thick before baking
• For extra richness, add a tablespoon of vegan butter into the sauce

Variations

• Add cooked pasta to turn it into a cabbage mac-style bake
• Mix in sautéed mushrooms for deeper flavor
• Add chili flakes for a spicy version
• Use potatoes or cauliflower alongside cabbage for a heartier casserole