5-Ingredient Buffalo Cauliflower Quinoa Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This 5-Ingredient Buffalo Cauliflower Quinoa Casserole is a simple, flavorful dish that combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with wholesome quinoa and tender cauliflower. It’s a perfect vegan entree that’s both comforting and easy to prepare for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 3 cups cauliflower florets
• 1.5 cups almond milk
• ½ cup vegan unsweetened yogurt (such as coconut)
• ½ cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup vegan shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
2. Step 2: Add the quinoa and cauliflower florets to a 10.5 x 7.5 inch baking dish. A 9×9 inch square pan can also be used.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, vegan yogurt, and buffalo sauce until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet mixture over the quinoa and cauliflower. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the quinoa is well mixed with the liquid.
5. Step 5: If desired, sprinkle the vegan shredded cheese on top of the mixture.
6. Step 6: Bake the casserole in the center of the oven for 45 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Top with optional extras like nutritional yeast or a little extra buffalo sauce for added flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use coconut yogurt for a creamy texture that complements the buffalo sauce nicely.
• For extra protein, add cooked chickpeas or black beans before baking.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the buffalo sauce and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for smoky flavor without the spice.
• Leftover casserole can be topped with fresh cilantro or green onions for brightness.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ºF for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular dairy yogurt instead of vegan yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute regular unsweetened yogurt if you are not avoiding dairy. It will still add creaminess, but keep in mind the overall dish will no longer be vegan.

Is it necessary to rinse the quinoa before cooking?

Rinsing quinoa before use is recommended to remove its natural bitter coating called saponin. Rinse it under cold water for a minute before combining with other ingredients for best results.

5-Ingredient Buffalo Cauliflower Quinoa Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 55 reviews

This 5-Ingredient Buffalo Cauliflower Quinoa Casserole is a flavorful, plant-based dish that combines fluffy quinoa, spicy buffalo sauce, and tender cauliflower florets for a healthy, comforting meal. Topped optionally with vegan cheese and nutritional yeast, this casserole is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep with minimal ingredients and easy preparation.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Entree
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 3 cups cauliflower florets

Wet Ingredients

• 1.5 cups almond milk
• ½ cup vegan unsweetened yogurt (such as coconut yogurt)
• ½ cup buffalo sauce

Optional Topping

• 1 cup vegan shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Combine Quinoa and Cauliflower. Place the quinoa and cauliflower florets in a 10.5 x 7.5-inch baking dish or a square 9×9 pan as an alternative.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients. In a separate bowl, thoroughly beat together the almond milk, vegan unsweetened yogurt, and buffalo sauce until well combined.
4. Combine and Stir. Pour the wet mixture over the quinoa and cauliflower in the baking dish, then stir well to coat everything evenly. If using, sprinkle the vegan shredded cheese on top.
5. Bake the Casserole. Place the dish on the center rack and bake for 45 minutes, or until the quinoa is fully cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Serve. Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Optionally, top with nutritional yeast and additional buffalo sauce to enhance flavor.

Notes

• This recipe can also be baked in a square 9×9-inch pan if a 10.5 x 7.5-inch dish is not available.
• Nutritional values are calculated without the optional vegan cheese topping.
• Use vegan yogurt and cheese to keep the dish plant-based and dairy-free.
• Adjust buffalo sauce amount to preference for spiciness.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, quinoa casserole, vegan casserole, dairy-free, gluten-free, plant-based dinner, easy casserole, healthy casserole