Scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, known for their tender layers of potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce. This vegan scalloped potato recipe delivers all the classic flavors and textures without using any dairy or animal products. Perfect for holiday dinners, family meals, or cozy weekends, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make.
With thinly sliced potatoes and a silky plant-based cream sauce, this vegan version tastes just as indulgent as traditional scalloped potatoes while being completely dairy-free.
Why You Will Love These Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
These potatoes are soft, creamy, and packed with savory flavor. The sauce is made from simple plant-based ingredients that bake into a thick, velvety coating around each slice of potato. This recipe is naturally gluten-free when made with cornstarch instead of flour and can easily be customized with herbs or vegetables.
It is also a great make-ahead dish for holidays because the flavors develop even more as it rests, making serving time stress-free.
Ingredients for Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
Russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
Onion, thinly sliced
Garlic, minced
For the creamy sauce:
- Unsweetened plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat
- Vegetable broth
- Nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
- Cornstarch or all-purpose flour for thickening
- Olive oil or vegan butter
- Salt and black pepper
- Paprika or ground mustard for extra depth
Optional add-ins:
- Fresh thyme or rosemary
- Dairy-free shredded cheese for topping
- Sautéed mushrooms or spinach
How to Make Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil or vegan butter. Add minced garlic and sliced onion and sauté until soft and fragrant.
Whisk in the cornstarch or flour and cook for about one minute to remove any raw taste. Slowly pour in the plant-based milk and vegetable broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and paprika or ground mustard. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the baking dish. Pour half of the sauce over the potatoes and spread gently to coat. Add the remaining potatoes and pour the rest of the sauce on top, making sure all slices are covered.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the potatoes are fork-tender. If using dairy-free cheese, sprinkle it on during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken.
Tips for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
Slice the potatoes evenly and thinly so they cook at the same rate. A mandoline slicer works great for this. If your sauce seems too thick before baking, add a little extra plant-based milk to loosen it.
For extra flavor, season each layer of potatoes lightly with salt and pepper before adding the sauce. This ensures every bite is well seasoned.
Flavor Variations
For a garlic herb version, add extra minced garlic and fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce. For a cheesy-style dish, increase the nutritional yeast and add dairy-free cheese on top for a golden crust.
You can also add thin slices of zucchini or cooked broccoli between potato layers for added texture and nutrients.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Vegan scalloped potatoes pair well with roasted vegetables, lentil loaf, chickpea patties, or holiday mains. They are rich enough to serve as a main dish with a fresh green salad.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Why This Vegan Scalloped Potato Recipe Is a Family Favorite
This creamy vegan scalloped potato recipe offers everything you want from a classic comfort dish while staying completely plant-based. It is rich, satisfying, and perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions.
If you are looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing vegan side dish, these dairy-free scalloped potatoes are guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.