Buffalo Cauliflower Quinoa Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Buffalo Cauliflower Quinoa Casserole is a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic comfort dish. Packed with protein-rich quinoa and spicy buffalo cauliflower, it’s perfect for a satisfying vegan meal that’s easy to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 3 cups cauliflower florets
- 1.5 cups almond milk
- ½ cup vegan unsweetened yogurt (coconut preferred)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup vegan shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
- Step 2: Add the quinoa and cauliflower florets to a 10.5 x 7.5-inch baking dish.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, vegan yogurt, and buffalo sauce until well combined. Pour this mixture over the quinoa and cauliflower, then stir gently to combine everything evenly. If you like, sprinkle vegan shredded cheese on top.
- Step 4: Bake on the center rack for 45 minutes, or until the quinoa is fully cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Serve immediately with optional toppings like nutritional yeast or extra buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of cauliflower and broccoli florets for added texture and flavor.
- Swap almond milk for any other plant-based milk you prefer.
- Add chopped green onions or fresh herbs on top before serving for freshness.
- If you want it less spicy, reduce the buffalo sauce or use a milder hot sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals stirring in between. The casserole is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of vegan yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute with regular dairy yogurt if you are not strictly vegan. Keep it unsweetened to maintain the savory flavor of the dish.
Is it necessary to rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Rinsing quinoa helps remove its natural bitterness and improves the final taste. It’s recommended but not mandatory if you prefer to save time.
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Buffalo Cauliflower Quinoa Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Buffalo Cauliflower Quinoa Casserole is a flavorful and hearty vegan dish that combines protein-rich quinoa with spicy buffalo sauce-coated cauliflower. Baked to perfection with almond milk and vegan yogurt, this casserole is perfect for a nourishing lunch or dinner, offering a spicy kick and creamy texture topped with optional vegan cheese.
Ingredients
Grains and Vegetables
- 1 cup quinoa
- 3 cups cauliflower florets
Wet Ingredients
- 1.5 cups almond milk
- ½ cup vegan unsweetened yogurt (coconut preferred)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
Toppings (Optional)
- 1 cup vegan shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking.
- Prepare the base: In a 10.5 x 7.5 inch baking dish, combine the quinoa and cauliflower florets evenly. This will form the hearty base of the casserole.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the almond milk, vegan unsweetened yogurt, and buffalo sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and assemble: Pour the wet mixture over the quinoa and cauliflower in the baking dish. Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly coated and mixed. If using, sprinkle the vegan shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the dish on the center rack of the oven and bake for 45 minutes until the quinoa is cooked through and the majority of the liquid has been absorbed. The casserole should be slightly bubbling and the cheese melted if added.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately. Optionally, add toppings such as nutritional yeast or a little more buffalo sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use full florets of cauliflower for better texture, not finely chopped to avoid mushiness.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your spice preference; less for milder, more for spicier.
- Vegan shredded cheese is optional but adds a nice melty texture and flavor.
- Make sure quinoa is rinsed thoroughly before use to remove bitterness.
- This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo cauliflower, quinoa casserole, vegan casserole, healthy casserole, spicy vegan dish, gluten free, plant based dinner
