Cashew Mushroom Loaf

Packed with earthy mushrooms, crunchy toasted cashews, and savory notes of garlic and soy sauce, this Cashew Mushroom Loaf is the perfect plant-based comfort food. Combining wholesome oats, fresh parsley, and aromatic thyme, this hearty recipe delivers a satisfying texture and a rich, umami flavor in every bite. Glazed with a glossy layer of ketchup or barbecue sauce, the loaf bakes to golden perfection, creating a meal that’s equal parts nourishing and indulgent. Ideal for vegetarians and meat-free diners, this easy-to-make loaf is a show-stopping centerpiece for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday feasts. Serve it warm with fresh greens, mashed potatoes, or a drizzle of vegan gravy for a delectable twist on classic meatloaf that's both crowd-pleasing and nutrient-packed. Perfectly prepped in 20 minutes and baked to perfection in 40, this recipe is as time-efficient as it is flavorful.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Raw cashews
• 2 cups Mushrooms (button or cremini)
• 1 medium Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.5 cup Oats (rolled or quick-cooking)
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable broth (optional, if mixture feels dry)
• 3 tablespoons Ketchup or barbecue sauce (for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a standard loaf pan.

Step 2

Toast the cashews in a dry pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly, then pulse them in a food processor until finely chopped (but not a paste). Transfer to a mixing bowl.

Step 3

Clean the mushrooms and dice them finely. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened, then add the mushrooms. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and it evaporates. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 5

Add the cooked mushroom mixture to the bowl with the chopped cashews. Stir in the oats, breadcrumbs, parsley, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients come together. If the mixture feels too dry to hold its shape, add vegetable broth one tablespoon at a time as needed.

Step 6

Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down evenly to form a compact loaf. Brush the top with ketchup or barbecue sauce for added flavor and a shiny finish.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the loaf is set and the top is slightly caramelized.

Step 8

Allow the loaf to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before slicing and serving. Serve warm with your favorite sides or a fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(730.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1736.6

Total Fat 108.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4557.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 161.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.2g	0%
Total Sugars 34.0g
Protein 56.3g	0%

Vitamin D 11.2IU	0%
Calcium 187.4mg	0%
Iron 18.9mg	0%
Potassium 2490.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.9%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 34.9%