Why You’ll Love This Vegan Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with these creamy, dairy-free scalloped potatoes. This recipe isn’t just a substitute; it’s a delicious celebration of plant-based cooking, offering exceptional flavor and ease. Here’s why this dish will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortlessly Cashew-Free: Unlike many vegan cream sauces that rely on soaked cashews, this recipe keeps things simple and allergen-friendly. Just like traditional recipes, our luscious vegan cheese sauce starts with a classic roux, meaning there’s no need to fuss with soaking nuts or using a high-speed blender. This makes it perfect for those with nut allergies or anyone looking for a quicker preparation.
• Incredibly Easy to Prepare: You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to master this dish. The process is straightforward: simply whisk the sauce ingredients on the stovetop until thickened, pour the rich mixture over thinly sliced potatoes, and let your oven do the rest. It bakes to golden, bubbly perfection with minimal hands-on time.
• Rich, Savory, and Deeply Comforting: These cheesy vegan scalloped potatoes are a symphony of flavors and textures. Each forkful delivers creamy potatoes, savory onions and garlic, and a hint of sharp, cheesy goodness. Serve this at any gathering with mixed eaters – vegans and non-vegans alike – and we promise, there will be nothing but satisfied smiles and requests for seconds! They are truly rich, decadent, and utterly delectable.
• A Show-Stopping Special Occasion Side: No holiday meal, potluck, or festive gathering feels complete without a standout potato dish. These scalloped potatoes are precisely what you need. They are the indulgent kind of side you save for those special moments, offering a comforting presence and a touch of elegance to any spread. They are guaranteed to be the star of your holiday table.
• Naturally Dairy-Free & Plant-Based: Enjoy all the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave without any dairy. This recipe is perfect for vegans, those with lactose intolerance, or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. It proves that going dairy-free doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or comfort.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

Crafting the best vegan scalloped potatoes starts with high-quality ingredients. Below are the key components you’ll need, along with helpful notes and substitution ideas. For precise quantities and detailed instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this article.

• Russet Potatoes: The foundation of any great scalloped potato dish! Starchy potatoes are paramount here because they release starches during cooking, which helps to thicken the creamy sauce and create that signature tender texture. Russet potatoes are ideal for their high starch content and fluffy interiors. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent choice, offering a slightly creamier texture and a beautiful golden hue.
• Vegan Butter: Essential for building the rich flavor base of our dairy-free cheese sauce. Use your favorite high-quality vegan butter brand that melts well and has a neutral or slightly buttery taste. You can also opt to make your own homemade vegan butter for a truly from-scratch experience.
• Yellow Onions: Sautéed until translucent and sweet, yellow onions provide an aromatic depth that is crucial to the savory profile of the sauce. If yellow onions aren’t available, shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor, while white onions can provide a sharper, more pungent note.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an irresistible fragrance and robust flavor that complements the onions beautifully. For an even more complex and mellow garlic flavor, consider using roasted garlic, which becomes sweet and spreadable.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is the key ingredient for creating the roux, which forms the creamy, thickening base of our luxurious sauce. All-purpose flour works perfectly, but for a gluten-free version, simply substitute with an equal amount of your preferred gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Vegetable Broth: Adding vegetable broth infuses the sauce with savory notes and provides a liquid base. Opt for a low-sodium vegetable broth to control the overall saltiness of the dish. Store-bought is convenient, or you can make your own flavorful vegetable broth from veggie scraps.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: Our dairy-free liquid for the sauce. It’s crucial to use unsweetened almond milk to avoid any unwanted sweetness. Other excellent dairy-free milk alternatives that work well include oat milk (for extra creaminess), soy milk, or even light canned coconut milk for a subtle tropical hint.
• Nutritional Yeast: This is the magical ingredient that delivers the essential cheesy, umami flavor to these vegan scalloped potatoes. If you don’t already have it in your pantry, we highly recommend stocking up! Nutritional yeast is incredibly versatile and can be used to add a savory, cheesy depth to countless other vegan dishes, from creamy vegan mac and cheese to crispy vegan parmesan-crusted potatoes.
• Vegan Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For that extra layer of gooey, melty cheesy goodness. Choose a high-quality vegan cheddar that you know melts well and has a flavor profile you enjoy. Many brands offer excellent dairy-free shredded cheeses that perform beautifully in baked dishes.
• Fresh Parsley: (Optional) A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley at the end adds a vibrant pop of color and a touch of herbaceous freshness, making the finished dish look as appealing as it tastes.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to your taste preferences.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

Creating these creamy, cheesy vegan scalloped potatoes is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps to bring this comforting dish to life:

• Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by melting your chosen vegan butter in a spacious saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the thinly sliced yellow onions, along with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the onions for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become beautifully translucent and softened. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Prepare the Roux: This is the foundation of our creamy sauce. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour directly over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon, ensuring the flour completely coats the aromatics and forms a smooth paste. Allow this mixture to cook for about 1 minute, which helps to cook out the raw flour taste.
• Finish and Thicken the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly begin to whisk in the unsweetened almond milk, pouring it in a steady stream while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Once fully incorporated, whisk in the nutritional yeast, ensuring it dissolves completely, followed by the vegetable broth. Continue to cook and whisk the sauce gently for another 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll notice it transform into a smooth, creamy, and wonderfully thick consistency. Once it reaches your desired thickness, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly while you prepare the casserole.

• Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish (or a 9×13-inch pan if doubling the recipe). Carefully arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared dish. Evenly spread half of the rich vegan cream sauce over these potatoes, using a spatula or spoon to ensure every slice is coated. If using, sprinkle half of the vegan shredded cheddar cheese over this layer. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese, finishing with a generous layer of vegan cheese on top. Feel free to add more cheese if you desire an extra gooey crust!
• Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in your preheated 400ºF (200ºC) oven and bake for 45 minutes. This initial covered baking period allows the potatoes to steam and become tender within the sauce. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil cover and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork, the sauce is bubbly, and the top layer of cheese is beautifully golden brown and slightly crispy. If you love an extra-crispy, browned top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last few minutes, but watch it very closely to prevent burning.
• Serve and Enjoy: Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes after removing them from the oven. This resting period helps the sauce to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, then slice into generous portions and serve warm. Enjoy this incredibly comforting and cheesy vegan side dish!

Expert Tips for Achieving Perfect Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

Follow these expert tips to ensure your vegan scalloped potatoes turn out perfectly creamy, tender, and irresistibly delicious every single time:

• Double the Recipe for a Crowd: If you’re hosting a larger gathering or simply want plenty of leftovers, this recipe is easily scalable. You can simply double all the ingredient quantities and bake the dish in a larger 9×13-inch baking pan. Adjust baking time slightly if needed, keeping an eye on tenderness.
• The Importance of Uniform Potato Slicing: This is arguably the most crucial tip for scalloped potatoes. Whether you use a mandoline or a sharp knife, the key is to ensure all your potato slices are as uniform in thickness as possible. The exact thickness (whether slightly thicker or thinner) is less important than their consistency. If your potato slices vary significantly in size, they will cook at different rates – some will remain hard and raw, while others will become overcooked and fall apart, leading to an uneven texture throughout the casserole. Aim for consistency to ensure every bite is perfectly tender.
• Amp Up the Crispiness with Broiling: If you have a particular weakness for that golden-brown, bubbly, and slightly crispy cheese topping, here’s a trick: for the last few minutes of baking, switch your oven to the broiler setting. Keep a very close eye on the dish, as cheese can go from perfectly browned to burnt in a matter of seconds. Broiling adds an irresistible texture contrast to the creamy interior.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: While it might be tempting to pack in extra potatoes, avoid overcrowding your baking dish. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and can prevent the sauce from properly thickening and distributing, potentially resulting in a watery dish. Stick to the recommended pan size for the recipe.
• Let it Rest Before Serving: Once your scalloped potatoes come out of the oven, resist the urge to dive in immediately. Allowing the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes helps the sauce to set and firm up slightly. This makes for cleaner slices and a more cohesive dish when serving.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Don’t be afraid to taste your sauce before layering! Add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of garlic powder if you feel it needs an extra boost of flavor. Remember that potatoes absorb a lot of seasoning, so ensure your sauce is well-seasoned.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

These creamy and cheesy vegan scalloped potatoes are incredibly versatile and make a fantastic side dish for a wide array of meals, especially during the holidays. Their rich and comforting profile complements many main courses. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

Holiday Feasts & Special Occasions:

• Vegan Roast Turkey: This classic holiday side pairs perfectly with a savory vegan roast turkey, creating a magnificent plant-based holiday spread.
• Savory Vegan Meatloaf: The hearty and rich flavors of a vegan meatloaf are wonderfully complemented by the creamy potatoes.
• Easy Vegan Wellington: For an elegant touch, serve these potatoes alongside a flaky and delicious vegan Wellington.

Everyday Dinners & Weeknight Meals:

• Roasted Vegetables: A simple platter of maple Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or green beans provides a fresh contrast to the rich potatoes.
• Green Bean Casserole: If you’re building a comforting meal, these scalloped potatoes are a natural fit with a classic vegan green bean casserole.
• Crispy Tofu or Tempeh: Serve alongside pan-fried or baked crispy tofu or tempeh for a satisfying protein-packed meal.
• Lentil Loaf or Nut Roast: These hearty vegan main dishes are excellent companions for the creamy potatoes.
• Fresh Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the potatoes, offering a refreshing balance.

And for dessert, don’t forget to round out your meal with a warm slice of vegan apple pie!

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Instructions

Planning ahead or dealing with leftovers is simple with these vegan scalloped potatoes. Here’s how to best manage your delicious dish:

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Any leftover scalloped potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator. Transfer them to an airtight storage container or simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. They will stay fresh and delicious for 2 to 3 days.
• Make Ahead Option: This dish is an excellent candidate for make-ahead preparation, especially for busy holidays or gatherings. You can fully assemble the unbaked casserole the day before you plan to serve it. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until it’s time to bake. When ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time since the dish will be starting from cold.
  
  A note on freezing: Unfortunately, potato dishes with cream sauces do not tend to freeze well. The texture of the potatoes can become mealy or watery upon thawing and reheating. Therefore, we do not recommend freezing this recipe.
• Reheat Instructions:
  • Oven: For best results, reheat leftover vegan scalloped potatoes in a preheated oven at 350ºF (175ºC) until warmed through and bubbly, typically 20-30 minutes for individual portions or longer for a whole casserole. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, removing it for the last few minutes if you want to crisp up the top.
  • Microwave: Individual servings can be quickly reheated in the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until thoroughly warmed, stirring occasionally.

More Irresistible Vegan Comfort Food Recipes

If you loved these vegan scalloped potatoes, you’ll definitely want to try these other comforting plant-based dishes:

• Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes
• Cheesy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
• Decadent Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
• Hearty Vegan Green Bean Casserole