Best Vegan Scalloped Potatoes Recipe (2024)

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Homemade vegan scalloped potatoes from scratch, made with cashews, nutritional yeast and a few other spices. Easy, creamy comfort food ready in less than 1 hour, NO Dairy, meatless, oil-free + gluten-free! + Recipe Video!

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Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

I’ve made these creamy, cheesy, vegan scalloped potatoes a few times this week. Each time we ate them before I got a chance to take a decent photo, so here they are finally ready for you to try as well.

A casserole i would normally make during the holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but if there was a time when the world needed comfort food is right now, today and tomorrow and next week.

The Cream Sauce

It’s made with a handful of cashews, water and spices in my Vitamix or any powerful blender you happen to have. Simple ingredients like onion and garlic powders, nutritional yeast and a pinch of smoked paprika make this sauce insanely delicious and finger licking good. Really, taste it as soon as you blend it, this stuff is legit!

Best Potatoes for Scalloped Potatoes

I prefer to use Yukon gold or red potatoes scrubbed and rinsed well so i don’t need to peel them. In a pinch you could go for Russets but you must peel them first as their skins are very tough. Also their texture doesn’t hold together as nicely as the others which is why I find them more suitable for mashing or making french fries.

how to make vegan scalloped potatoes

  1. Preheat your oven to 375”F.
  2. Start with yukon gold or red potatoes scrubbed and rinsed well so you don’t need to peel them.
  3. Use a mandolin slicer and slice the potatoes into 1/8 inch thick slices. It’s important that they aren’t too thin and you should be able to do this with a sharp knife if you don’t have a mandolin. Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  4. Transfer the potato slices to an 8×10 inch lightly oiled baking dish. (use a seasoned cast iron dish or line with parchment paper to stay Plantricious WFPB compliant).
  5. Use a powerful blender like a Vitamix and blend the sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy.Pour the creamy sauce over the potatoes. At this point you can layer the top with some plant based pepper jack or smoked gouda cheese slices like I did here on one side. We love the Follow Your Heart cheese, it melts amazingly and the flavor is on point. (omit the cheese to stay oil-free or use a Plantricious compliant cheese).
  6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Turn the heat up to 400”F and continue baking another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender to your liking. Garnish with fresh dill, thyme or chives and extra red chili flakes.

Recipe Variations

  • Leeks: I’m a leek lover so I love caramelizing one large leek in a drop of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt then adding it in the middle of the potatoes. You add half of the potato slices to the pan, spread the caramelized leeks on top then layer the remaining potatoes. Pour the cream sauce all over and bake according to the instructions.
  • Spinach: Make them “Florentine style” by adding about half pound of sautéed spinach in the center. Just make sure to drain it well in a colander and remove as much of the liquid as possible before adding to the casserole.
  • Mushrooms: Sautéed wild mushrooms and onions with thyme and a splash of white wine make a fab filling as well. Remember these divine wild mushroom potatoes ?!
  • Plant-based cheese: Top with a few slices of your favorite vegan cheese for an extra gooey and cheesy top layer.

Recipe Tips + FAQ

  • Can I make the potatoes ahead of time? I would suggest baking this dish before you are ready to serve. You could slice them in advance and keep in a bowl in the refrigerator covered with water to prevent browning until ready to cook.
  • Can I make it totally oil-free? Absolutely, the sauce is naturally oil-free but you can also choose not to oil the baking dish and line with parchment paper instead + omit using the plant-based cheese slices on top.
  • What is the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes? They are both delicious casseroles, the difference is that thescalloped one is cooked in a cream sauce while the au-gratin is a more indulgent option with cheese being added in between the layers of potatoes.

what to serve with

  • Vegan Roast
  • Vegan Chicken Cutlets orTurkey Roast
  • Beyond Meat Italian Sausages
  • Fried Mushrooms
  • Vegan Steak
  • Tomato Cucumber Salad
  • Roasted Broccoli
  • Crispy Tofu Nuggets
  • Vegan Jackfruit Ribs.

Best Vegan Scalloped Potatoes Recipe (10)

5 from 2 votes

Best Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

Vegan scalloped potatoes from scratch, homemade with cashews, nutritional yeast and a few other spices. Easy, creamy comfort food ready in less than 1 hour, NO Dairy, oil-free + It's gluten-free!

Print Recipe

Prep Time:15 minutes mins

Cook Time:50 minutes mins

Total Time:1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 2 lb yukon gold potatoes
  • 6-8 slices vegan pepper jack cheese (optional, omit for Plantricious WFPB)
  • fresh dill or chives for garnish

the Cream Sauce:

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375”F.

  • Start by scrubbing the potatoes well so you don’t need to peel them. If you are using russet potatoes you’ll have to peel those.

    2 lb yukon gold potatoes

  • Use a mandoline slicer and slice the potatoes into 1/8 inch slices. It’s important that they aren’t paper thin, you should be able to do this with a sharp knife if you don’t have a mandolin but it will take a while. Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

    2 lb yukon gold potatoes

  • Transfer the potato slices to an 8x10 lightly oiled baking dish and give it a good shake to spread evenly (use a spray or a little dab of vegan butter). (To stay Plantricious WFPB compliant use a seasoned cast iron dish or line with parchment paper instead of oil).

  • Cream Sauce - Use a powerful blender like a Vitamix and blend all the sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy. Pour the sauce over the potatoes.

    1.75 cups water, 3/4 cup raw cashews, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 3 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

  • At this point you can layer the top with some vegan pepper jack or smoked gouda cheese slices like I did on half the dish. We love the Follow Your Heart cheese, it melts amazingly and the flavor is on point.

    6-8 slices vegan pepper jack cheese

  • Cover the dish with aluminums foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Turn the heat up to 400”F and continue baking another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender to your liking. Try not to overcook them, so test them after 10 minutes and if they are fork tender they are done. Alternatively you can bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes or so to crisp up the edges.

  • Serve garnished with fresh dill, thyme or chives and extra red chili flakes.

    fresh dill or chives for garnish

    Best Vegan Scalloped Potatoes Recipe (11)

Video

Notes

Scalloped Potatoes Variations

  • Leeks: I’m a leek lover so I love caramelizing one large leek in a drop of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt then adding it in the middle of the potatoes. You add half of the potato slices to the pan, spread the caramelized leeks on top then layer the remaining potatoes. Pour the cream sauce all over and bake according to the instructions.
  • Spinach: Make them "Florentine style" by adding about half pound of sautéed spinach in the center. Just make sure to drain it well in a colander and remove as much of the liquid as possible before adding to the casserole.
  • Mushrooms: Sautéed wild mushrooms and onions with thyme and a splash of white wine make a fab filling as well. Remember these divine wild mushroom potatoes ?!
  • Plant-based cheese: Top with a few slices of your favorite vegan cheese for an extra gooey and cheesy top layer.
  • WFPB - To make this recipe WFPB and Plantricious compliant omit the store bought vegan cheese slices or use a Plantricious compliant cheese. Instead of oiling the baking dish you can line it with parchment paper or use a seasoned cast iron baking dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 410mg | Potassium: 799mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 82IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 6mg

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: French

Keyword: dairy-free, scalloped potatoes, vegan potatoes, wfpb

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 193kcal

Author: Florentina

Best Vegan Scalloped Potatoes Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the one trick Michael Symon uses to make perfect scalloped potatoes? ›

Surprisingly, aluminum foil is his secret weapon. After beautifully shingling the potatoes (he's got a genius trick for doing this quickly, too) he covers the dish in foil before hitting the oven.

What is the difference between all gratin potatoes and scalloped potatoes? ›

Au Gratin potatoes contain cheese, whereas Scalloped Potatoes do not. Scalloped potatoes typically contain cream but can also contain flavorful stock instead of dairy. Try our Classic Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe or Classic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.

Why won't my scalloped potatoes get soft? ›

Potatoes or rice can remain rock-hard after prolonged cooking. Starch will not swell if it is acidic. If you have a lot of sour cream in your scalloped potatoes or add something acidic, your potatoes may not soften. You can cook the potatoes with heavy cream or milk and then, after they soften, stir in sour cream.

Can I slice potatoes for scalloped potatoes the day before? ›

If raw, once the potato is cut you can store in the refrigerator, covered with water for 12-24 hours. Be sure to keep submerged in water to prevent slices from turning gray or brown.

Why are my scalloped potatoes not thickening? ›

Another crucial aspect to consider is the amount of external liquid introduced into the baking dish. Avoid drowning the potatoes in the sauce. Instead, add just enough liquid to graze the top layer of the ingredients. Excessive liquid will get in the way of achieving the desired thickness and creaminess.

Why do my scalloped potatoes taste bland? ›

My scalloped potatoes are bland

They are also in need of serious seasoning to ensure deliciousness. Make sure your sauce is well-seasoned, but also, season each layer of potatoes with salt and pepper before adding the sauce, to make sure they are as flavorful as you want them!

What is the best choice scalloped potatoes? ›

The best potatoes to use for a homemade scalloped potato recipes like this one are baking/frying potatoes, either russet or Idaho. They have dry, light, and fluffy interiors that hold their shape when cooked. The starch in the potatoes helps to thicken the sauce while the casserole bakes.

Why are scalloped potatoes called funeral potatoes? ›

Why are they called funeral potatoes? Funeral potatoes get their unique name from being a crowd-pleasing casserole served as a side dish at after-funeral luncheons (particularly in the culture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints).

Can you make scalloped potatoes ahead of time and reheat? ›

Prepare the recipe as directed, then let it cool to room temperature. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the recipe has cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs, or any other toppings, reserve it and add it before reheating.

Why did the milk curdle in my scalloped potatoes? ›

The curdling is caused by high heat, which is hard to avoid in an oven. So to keep the sauce together, tackle it before the dish goes in the oven. Instead of simply layering grated cheese and milk or cream with the potatoes, you need to make a smooth cheese sauce.

How do you keep cream from curdling in scalloped potatoes? ›

High heat will cause the milk to curdle. Use milk or cream with higher fat content. Whole milk, half-and-half, or cream and full-fat cheeses are necessary. Skim milk and reduced-fat products will not be your friend in this dish.

Can you leave scalloped potatoes out overnight? ›

DON'T let your potato sit out in the open at room temperature for over four hours regardless of whether or not it is wrapped in aluminum foil.

What are the tips and tricks for potatoes? ›

Proper storage and handling

Do not refrigerate or freeze fresh potatoes before cooking. Colder temperatures lower than 50 degrees cause a potato's starch to convert to sugar, resulting in a sweet taste and discoloration when cooked. There is no need to store your potatoes in a bag; you can store them loose.

Why are my scalloped potatoes soupy? ›

Watery scalloped potatoes are not good, and is often caused by using the wrong type of potato. This recipe requires starchy potatoes, such as russets or Yukon golds, not waxy potatoes. Another cause is washing or holding the sliced potatoes in water (as outlined in the question above).

Why do people poke holes in potatoes before baking them? ›

Poke the potatoes with a fork just enough to pierce the skin so the potato won't burst when baking, especially in the microwave. Four or five times should be plenty. A potato is composed mainly of water, so poking them helps release steam as it cooks.

Does poking holes in potatoes make them cook faster? ›

Poking holes in potatoes before baking them helps cook them faster and more evenly for a few reasons: 1. **Steam Release:** When you bake a potato, the moisture inside turns into steam as it heats up. Poking holes in the potato allows the steam to escape, preventing pressure buildup.

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