Creamy Vegan Cheesy Zucchini Bake – Easy, Dairy-Free Casserole

If you’re searching for a satisfying, wholesome casserole that’s completely plant-based, look no further than this Vegan Cheesy Zucchini Bake. This dish combines the tender texture of zucchini with a rich, creamy vegan cheese sauce that melts beautifully in the oven. There’s no dairy, no processed cheese, and no compromise on flavor.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves baked comfort food with a fresh, vegetable-forward twist. It’s especially useful when zucchini is in abundance during summer, but it works year-round as a simple yet delicious side or main dish. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned vegan, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your rotation.

Why Make This Vegan Cheesy Zucchini Bake?

Here are several compelling reasons to try this plant-based casserole:

1. It’s Comfort Food Made Healthy

This bake satisfies those warm, cheesy cravings without relying on dairy or ultra-processed ingredients. The creamy, homemade vegan cheese sauce gives the dish its signature comfort-food appeal.

2. Great Way to Use Zucchini

If your garden is overflowing or you’ve picked up extra zucchini at the market, this recipe is a fantastic way to use it up. Baking intensifies the zucchini’s natural flavor and helps reduce its moisture.

3. Nutrient-Dense and Balanced

Zucchini is high in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. The cashew-based cheese sauce adds plant-based protein, healthy fats, and B vitamins thanks to nutritional yeast.

4. Simple, Minimal Ingredients

With just a few whole-food pantry staples and fresh produce, this casserole is easy to make and doesn’t require hard-to-find ingredients or store-bought vegan cheese.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Serve it as a cozy weeknight dinner, a holiday side, or a healthy potluck contribution. It reheats well and makes great leftovers.

If you’re looking for even more delicious plant-based casseroles and family-style meals, the Plant-Based Cookbook – 200 Vegan Recipes is filled with comforting, practical recipes like this that are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients List

For the Casserole:

• 4 medium zucchini, sliced into ⅛-inch rounds

• 1 teaspoon salt (divided)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

For the Vegan Cheese Sauce:

• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 1 hour (or overnight in cold water)

• ¾ cup unsweetened plant milk (such as oat, almond, or soy)

• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 garlic clove

• ½ teaspoon turmeric (for color and subtle flavor)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1–2 tablespoons water to thin, as needed

Optional garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley or chives

Ingredient Notes:

• If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute cashews with 1 cup of sunflower seeds or ¾ cup of soft silken tofu.

• Use unsweetened, unflavored plant milk to avoid clashing flavors in the cheese sauce.

Read More: Moist and Easy Vegan Zucchini Bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe comes together easily in six main stages:

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini

• Wash and trim the ends off the zucchini.

• Slice into even ⅛-inch rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.

• Place zucchini slices in a large colander and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt. Let sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out excess water.

• After resting, pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

This step prevents the casserole from becoming watery and ensures a creamy final texture.

Step 2: Make the Vegan Cheese Sauce

• Drain the soaked cashews and place them in a high-speed blender.

• Add plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, turmeric, and salt.

• Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

• If the sauce is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water or milk to thin it slightly. The consistency should be pourable but not runny.

This rich, savory sauce is the star of the dish, delivering a cheesy flavor without any dairy or artificial ingredients.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly oil or line a 9×13-inch casserole dish with parchment paper.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

• Spread a small amount of cheese sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.

• Add a layer of zucchini slices, slightly overlapping them.

• Spoon and spread a portion of the cheese sauce over the zucchini.

• Sprinkle with a pinch of oregano, basil, black pepper, and the remaining salt.

• Repeat the process until all the zucchini and sauce are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese sauce on top.

Step 5: Bake

• Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

• Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling at the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.

• Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Interested in plant-based recipes that deliver flavor without compromise? Check out the Plant-Based Cookbook – 200 Vegan Recipes for hearty, satisfying meals the whole family will love.

Tips and Substitutions

Reduce Moisture

Zucchini is naturally watery, so don’t skip the salting and drying step. You can also lightly roast the zucchini slices before assembling if you prefer a firmer texture.

Cashew-Free Option

Use sunflower seeds, white beans, or silken tofu instead of cashews for a nut-free cheese sauce. Silken tofu gives a smooth texture and boosts protein.

Boost the Protein

Add a layer of cooked quinoa, lentils, or white beans between the zucchini and sauce layers for a more filling dish.

Add More Vegetables

Thin slices of tomato, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be layered in for extra variety.

Read More: Homemade Cherry Crumble Pie

Recipe Variations

This base recipe is extremely versatile. Here are some variation ideas:

Creamy Tomato Zucchini Bake

Mix ½ cup of your favorite marinara sauce into the cheese sauce for an Italian-style twist.

Zucchini and Sweet Potato Bake

Alternate zucchini with thin rounds of sweet potato for added sweetness and depth.

Spicy Vegan Zucchini Casserole

Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper or a diced jalapeño to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.

These variations and many more are featured in the Plant-Based Cookbook – 200 Vegan Recipes, offering flavorful inspiration for every mood and season.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving – Serves 6)

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredient brands and serving sizes.

Read More: Fresh Cherry Muffins

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Storing Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• To freeze: Let cool completely, wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warm throughout.

• You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

Serving Ideas

• Serve as a main dish with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

• Pair with cooked quinoa, brown rice, or a slice of sourdough for a more filling meal.

• Makes an excellent side dish alongside plant-based protein mains like lentil loaf or baked tofu.

Want even more plant-based comfort foods like this one? Discover 200 irresistible vegan recipes in the Plant-Based Cookbook – 200 Vegan Recipes that make healthy eating effortless and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip soaking the cashews?
If you have a high-powered blender, you can use unsoaked cashews, but soaking softens them and makes the sauce smoother.

Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes. Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready.

What other vegetables work well in this casserole?
Try layering in eggplant slices, spinach, or tomatoes for variety.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients (especially plant milk and mustard) are verified gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Vegan Cheesy Zucchini Bake is a nourishing, comforting recipe that brings out the best in plant-based cooking. With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and simple ingredients, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again. It’s proof that healthy and satisfying can absolutely go hand-in-hand.

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