Cozy Vegan Potato Casserole
Savor the cozy comfort of this delicious vegan potato casserole! Packed with flavor and crowned with a golden, crispy topping, this hearty blend of tender potatoes, plant-based dairy, aromatic herbs, and spices is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Naturally vegan and vegetarian, it’s easily adaptable to be gluten-free as well!
There’s something truly magical about casseroles. They’re delicious, comforting, and are perfect to serve for filling weeknight meals! This vegan potato casserole is no exception; it’s the ultimate comfort food this winter. I can’t wait for you to try one of my favorite vegan potato recipes — let me know what you think!
Why You’ll Love This Simple Casserole Dish
- It’s warm and delicious — perfect for chilly evenings!
- It uses simple ingredients that you may already have on hand.
- This recipe centers around potatoes, which is a good addition to any diet due to their potassium, vitamins, and mineral content.
- It’s so easy to make!
- You can make variations to suit your preferences, such as adding your favorite veggies, proteins, fresh herbs, etc.
Ingredient Notes
Olive Oil: Used to saute the aromatics to give the dish a flavorful base.
Red Onion: Deepens the overall taste of the casserole. If you do not have red onion, white or yellow will do.
Garlic Cloves: Enhances the overall savory taste of the dish. If you do not have fresh garlic, add a teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
Plant-Based Milk: Creates a rich, velvety base and gives the casserole its creamy consistency. I like to use oat milk for this recipe. If you are not on a vegan or dairy-free diet, regular milk can be used for a vegetarian version of this potato casserole.
Vegetable Broth: Adds an umami-filled depth to this vegan potato dish. If you do not have broth, use water or more milk instead.
Nutritional Yeast: Adds a nutty, cheesy taste, making for an excellent plant-based alternative to regular cheese.
Smoked Paprika: Imparts a smoky and earthy taste to the dish.
Dried Thyme: Contributes a herby, slightly floral note.
Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Russet Potatoes: Plays a central role in the dish; once baked, they create a soft, creamy texture that absorbs flavor from the seasonings. If you do not have Russets, Yukon Gold will do the trick in a pinch.
Breadcrumbs: Add a crispy layer to the dish. Use gluten-free if needed. Any kind of breadcrumbs will do, those I am partial to the panko variety.
Plant-Based Butter: Helps the breadcrumbs brown beautifully as they bake. You can use coconut oil as a substitute.=
Garlic Powder: Adds a garlicky flavor to the casserole topping.
Fresh Parsley: Optional; for garnish. Feel free to use any fresh herbs you have on hand for that pop of flavor and color!
How to Make Vegan Potato Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a square baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the milk, broth, nutritional yeast, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Layer half of the potato slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping. Pour half of the sauce over them. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder. Sprinkle over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 15–20 minutes more, until the potatoes are tender and the topping is golden.
- Cool slightly, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Serving Ideas
- Paired with a green salad or fruit salad.
- Served with roasted vegetables.
- Served alongside tofu and stir-fried veggies.
- Paired with flatbread (for scooping it up!).
- Add crushed nuts, kale chips, vegan cheese shreds, vegan cream cheese, vegan bacon, vegan sour cream, or sauteed mushrooms for some delightful topping additions.
- I personally like to add a drizzle of hot sauce before digging in.
Expert Tips
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Mix in other veggies like spinach, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, green beans, or zucchini to the dish before baking for a nutrient boost.
- Top the casserole with vegan cheese sauce or vegan cheddar cheese for an added creamy and tangy taste.
Storing and Reheating
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container, then keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To freeze, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then keep them in a freezer-safe bag in the fridge for up to three months.
Reheat the casserole either in the oven or microwave until heated through. If reheating frozen portions, let them thaw overnight first.
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Vegan Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup plant-based milk I like to use oat milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 medium-sized russet potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs gluten-free if needed
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter or coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Set the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a square baking dish. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
- Add the milk, broth, nutritional yeast, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish, slightly overlapping. Pour half of the sauce over the potatoes. Add the remaining potatoes on top and pour the rest of the sauce evenly over them.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the butter and garlic powder. Sprinkle it over the casserole.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool slightly, then garnish with parsley if desired.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
what is nutrittional yeast?
Hi, Barbara! You can learn more about nutritional yeast in this article of mine: https://moonandspoonandyum.com/what-is-nutritional-yeast-45-recipes/ I hope this helps!