Description
These creamy and rich Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes combine tender thinly sliced potatoes with a luscious plant-based cheese sauce, smoky turkey bacon topping, and a natural gelling agent for perfect texture. This comforting side dish is easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains, making it ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
- 3 cups unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 teaspoons natural gelling agent
- 1 1/2 cups shredded plant-based cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or parsley, chopped
Topping
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- Additional shredded plant-based cheese, reserved from sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes into even thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick, for even cooking and layering. Soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt plant-based butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder until fragrant. Whisk in the unsweetened plant-based milk and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Gradually sprinkle in the natural gelling agent while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add shredded plant-based cheese and stir until sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Layer the Potatoes and Sauce: Grease a baking dish and arrange a layer of potato slices overlapping slightly. Pour a portion of cheese sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. Repeat layers until all potatoes and sauce are used, reserving a bit of cheese sauce for the top layer.
- Add Smoked Turkey Bacon Topping: Cook smoked turkey bacon until crisp, then crumble evenly over the top layer of potatoes. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the bacon to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Bake Until Bubbling and Golden: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
- Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- Soaking potatoes removes starch for creamier, less gummy layers.
- Keep sauce on gentle heat to avoid separation and maintain silky texture.
- Season each layer lightly with salt and pepper to enhance overall flavor.
- Allow dish to rest before serving so slices hold their shape nicely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cheesy scalloped potatoes, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy potatoes, gluten free side dish, plant-based recipe
