As the first golden leaves of autumn begin to carpet the ground, the craving for cozy, comfort food hits just right. This is when I come alive in the kitchen, whipping up dishes that echo memories of family gatherings and heartwarming celebrations. Enter my Easy Vegan Scalloped Potatoes, a dish that brings all the creamy, savory goodness of the classic recipe but with plant-based flair.
This comforting side dish not only impresses with its rich flavor and delightful texture, but it also caters to those seeking healthier, dairy-free options. With a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a showstopper that’s perfect for everything from a casual dinner to a festive holiday feast. Imagine layers of tender Yukon Gold potatoes enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce made from cashews and fresh herbs. It’s a dish that invites laughter and conversation around the table, proving that everyone can enjoy classic comforts, no matter their dietary choices. So grab your apron and let’s create something truly memorable together!
Why are these Vegan Scalloped Potatoes unbeatable?
Creamy, Dreamy Comfort: These scalloped potatoes deliver a rich, velvety sauce without any dairy, satisfying even the pickiest eaters.
Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find items like Yukon Gold potatoes and raw cashews, this recipe is accessible for home cooks of all levels.
Customizable Delight: Feel free to add veggies like kale or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect as a holiday side or a cozy dinner treat, they’re sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!
Healthier Option: Enjoy the comfort of this dish knowing it’s plant-based and lower in saturated fat—making your holidays feel a little lighter.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful, warming recipe!
Vegan Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients
For the Potatoes
• Yukon Gold potatoes – Ideal for a creamy texture; slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
• Yellow onion – Provides a savory depth in flavor; shallots can be a sweet alternative.
• Garlic – Adds aromatic richness; fresh minced garlic is recommended for maximum flavor.
For the Sauce
• Raw cashews – Key ingredient for creaminess; soak overnight or simmer for a quick 15 minutes if short on time.
• Unsweetened almond milk – Acts as a dairy substitute; feel free to use any unsweetened plant milk you fancy.
• Better than Bouillon vegetable base – Enhances the sauce’s flavor; swap with vegetable broth if needed.
• Nutritional yeast – Gives a cheesy flavor; add more before serving for an extra punch!
• Arrowroot powder – Works as a thickening agent; corn starch is an effective substitute if necessary.
• Smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness; regular paprika can stand in if desired.
• Salt – Enhances flavor overall; adjust to taste based on your preference.
• Black pepper – For seasoning; white pepper could offer a different flavor profile.
For Layering
• Water – Used for sautéing onions and garlic; helps to keep the dish lighter without added oil.
• Non-stick baking spray – Prevents sticking in the baking dish; you can use a thin layer of olive oil instead.
Now that you have your ingredients all lined up, you’re just moments away from creating a vegan comfort food classic that everyone will adore!
How to Make Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
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Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a 9 x 13 casserole dish by greasing it with baking spray. This helps prevent any sticking and ensures even cooking.
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Sauté the yellow onions in water over medium-low heat for about 7 to 10 minutes until they turn golden brown. Add minced garlic and Herbes de Provence during the last minute for an aromatic kick.
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Blend all sauce ingredients, including soaked cashews, almond milk, vegetable base, arrowroot powder, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Process until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
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Layer half of the potato slices evenly in the baking dish. Cover them with half of the sauce and the sautéed onion mixture, ensuring to distribute them well.
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Repeat the layering process with the remaining potato slices and top with the final half of the blended sauce. Make sure all potatoes are coated in that luscious goodness!
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Bake the casserole for 60 to 70 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and bubbling. Broil for a couple of minutes at the end for a delightful golden crust on top.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast before serving for an extra pop of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Vegan Scalloped Potatoes are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to save time on busy weeknights! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate the uncooked scalloped potatoes, covered tightly to maintain freshness. This can prevent browning and ensures the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to cook, let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes before baking. This allows for even cooking and keeps the potatoes tender and delicious. Bake as instructed, and enjoy the ease of having a comforting, homemade side ready to impress!
What to Serve with Easy Vegan Scalloped Potatoes?
Imagine a delightful gathering filled with laughter and warmth, complemented by a meal that brings friends and family together.
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Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing balance to the creamy scalloped potatoes, packed with zesty vinaigrette to awaken the palate. Toss in some nuts or seeds for added crunch!
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Vegan Roasted Veggies: Roasted seasonal vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or carrots, offer a rich, caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory layers of the scalloped potatoes.
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Savory Vegan Meatloaf: A hearty vegan meatloaf brings protein and depth, harmonizing beautifully with the creamy comfort of the scalloped potatoes for a filling meal.
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Garlic Bread: The fragrant, buttery goodness of warm garlic bread makes for a comforting side that complements the richness of your dish, perfect for dipping!
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Apple Sauce: For a touch of sweetness, serve a side of homemade apple sauce. The tartness will contrast the creaminess beautifully, adding a delightful balance to your plate.
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Herbed Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa infused with fresh herbs can provide a wholesome texture and flavor that elevates the meal, giving it a nutritious boost.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, can refresh your senses and perfectly complement the rich, cheesy flavors of the scalloped potatoes.
Enjoy a meal that is not only beautifully plated but nourishes the soul with each bite!
Vegan Scalloped Potatoes Variations
Feel free to put your personal twist on these scalloped potatoes and enhance their flavor.
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Greens Boost: Add cooked spinach or kale for a nutrient-rich layer that brightens up the dish. This adds color and flavors that balance beautifully.
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Mushroom Magic: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms between the layers for a savory depth that gives texture and umami. Their earthy notes elevate the dish and make it even more satisfying.
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Sweet Potato Swap: Substitute Yukon Golds with sweet potatoes for a hint of natural sweetness. This twist can add a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a zesty heat that will awaken your taste buds and give the dish an exciting edge.
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Herb Infusion: Instead of Herbes de Provence, try fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist that brings a garden-fresh touch. You can mix and match herbs for a personalized bouquet of flavors.
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Nut Variations: Use sunflower seeds instead of cashews for a nut-free creamy texture. This is excellent for those with nut allergies while still providing plenty of creaminess.
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Smoky Flavor Boost: Experiment with liquid smoke in your sauce for an enticing smokiness that tantalizes the senses. It gives an unexpected depth that you’ll love.
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Cheesy Alternatives: Sprinkle on some vegan shredded cheese before broiling for a gooey topping that’s irresistibly decadent. This adds a fun texture and cheesy flavor perfect for cheese lovers.
Dive into these variations and make your Vegan Scalloped Potatoes uniquely yours!
Expert Tips for Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
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Slice Evenly: Make sure to slice the Yukon Gold potatoes approximately 1/8-inch thick to ensure consistent cooking and a creamy texture throughout.
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Perfect Soaking: Soak raw cashews overnight for the best results. If you’re in a hurry, simmer them in water for 15 minutes for a quick soak to enhance creaminess.
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Layer Smartly: When layering, be generous with the sauce between potato layers to ensure every slice is infused with that delicious creamy goodness—don’t skimp!
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Monitor Browning: If the top starts browning too quickly, cover the casserole with foil for part of the baking time to prevent burning while the inside cooks thoroughly.
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Prep Ahead: You can assemble the uncooked scalloped potatoes up to a day in advance. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for 45 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
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Store Wisely: Store any leftover Vegan Scalloped Potatoes in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat at 300°F for perfect results!
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
Fridge: Store leftover Vegan Scalloped Potatoes in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until heated through for the best texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the scalloped potatoes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat thawed potatoes at 300°F in the oven, covered with foil to retain moisture. Uncover during the final minutes for a crispy top.
Assembling Ahead: You can prepare the dish but not bake it! Store the uncooked, assembled Vegan Scalloped Potatoes in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Easy Vegan Scalloped Potatoes Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes should I use for Vegan Scalloped Potatoes?
For the best creamy texture, Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. They are naturally buttery and hold their shape well during baking. Be sure to slice them evenly, around 1/8-inch thick, to ensure that they cook uniformly and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
How long can I store leftovers of Vegan Scalloped Potatoes?
Store any leftover Vegan Scalloped Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy them again, reheat at 300°F in the oven until warmed through. This method helps retain that comforting creamy texture!
Can I freeze Vegan Scalloped Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can freeze the scalloped potatoes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To freeze, ensure they are completely cooled, then portion them into containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and to reheat, place them in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil to keep them moist.
How can I prevent my Vegan Scalloped Potatoes from browning too quickly?
If you notice the top is browning too fast, simply cover the casserole with foil for part of the baking time. This will protect the top while allowing the potatoes beneath to cook thoroughly. Uncover it in the last 10-15 minutes to achieve that desirable golden crust.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
This recipe is completely vegan and dairy-free, making it perfect for those with lactose intolerance or anyone following a plant-based diet. Additionally, if you have nut allergies, you can substitute the raw cashews with silken tofu for the sauce base, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I prepare Vegan Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance without baking it. Just cover it well and refrigerate. Allow the uncooked scalloped potatoes to sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes before baking to ensure they cook evenly.
Creamy Vegan Scalloped Potatoes Everyone Will Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a 9 x 13 casserole dish by greasing it with baking spray.
- Sauté the yellow onions in water over medium-low heat for about 7 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and Herbes de Provence during the last minute.
- Blend all sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Layer half of the potato slices in the baking dish, covering with half of the sauce and sautéed onion.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining potato slices and top with the final half of the sauce.
- Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until fork-tender and bubbling; broil for a few minutes for a golden crust.