Prepare to fall in love with our incredible recipe for dairy-free scalloped potatoes with red potatoes! If you adore the comforting classic of au gratin potatoes but need a lactose-free alternative, you’ve found your new favorite dish. This recipe brings all the creamy, cheesy goodness without any dairy, making it perfect for those with lactose intolerance or a preference for plant-based meals.
Who says holiday feasts can’t be inclusive and delicious for everyone? These dairy-free scalloped potatoes are a show-stopping side dish, ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, or any special occasion. Crafted with wholesome plant-based ingredients, this casserole bakes to perfection, yielding tender red potatoes enveloped in a rich, creamy, and wonderfully “cheesy” sauce. It’s the ultimate accompaniment to your holiday ham or roasted turkey, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy a beloved classic.
Our journey to perfecting this recipe began years ago. We previously enjoyed making Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes using traditional ingredients. However, when a family member developed lactose intolerance, it sparked a creative mission to adapt our most cherished holiday dishes. Through careful experimentation and a little culinary ingenuity, we successfully developed a version of cheesy potatoes that is not only lactose-free but also incredibly flavorful and satisfying. It quickly became a staple, proving that dietary restrictions don’t mean compromising on taste or tradition.
Finding high-quality dairy-free alternatives has become significantly easier over time, thanks to the growing demand for plant-based products. For this recipe, selecting the right ingredients is key to achieving that authentic scalloped potato experience. We’ve discovered that Country Crock offers an excellent vegan plant-based butter that performs beautifully in baking, providing a rich, buttery flavor and texture. When it comes to shredded dairy-free cheese, Daiya has consistently proven to be a top contender for its excellent melt and taste. These reliable alternatives have also become essential for other family favorites, including our popular Hash Brown Casserole without Soup.
Essential Ingredients for Dairy-Free Scalloped Potatoes
Crafting the perfect dairy-free scalloped potatoes starts with understanding each ingredient’s role. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Red Potatoes: The star of our dish! We highly recommend thinly slicing peeled red potatoes for their slightly firmer texture and delicious, earthy flavor that holds up wonderfully during baking. Their waxy consistency helps them stay intact while becoming incredibly tender, soaking up all the creamy sauce.
- Vegan Butter: Essential for building the flavorful base of our sauce. Brands like Country Crock offer fantastic vegan butter sticks or tubs that melt smoothly and contribute a rich, traditional butter taste without any dairy. It’s crucial for creating a roux.
- Dairy-Free Cheese: This is where the “cheesy” magic happens! We’ve found that Daiya’s shredded cheddar-style dairy-free cheese melts beautifully and delivers a satisfying savory flavor. Feel free to experiment with other varieties like mozzarella or a cheddar-jack blend if you prefer. Nutritional yeast is another excellent option for adding a distinct, savory, umami flavor often associated with cheese, and it can be used in combination with or as an alternative to shredded cheese for different results.
- All-Purpose Flour: A critical thickening agent for our rich, creamy sauce. When combined with vegan butter, it forms a roux that provides the perfect consistency, ensuring your scalloped potatoes aren’t watery.
- Lactose-Free Milk or Plant-Based Milk: For the liquid base of the sauce, choose a high-fat plant-based milk to achieve maximum creaminess and flavor. Unsweetened almond milk is a popular choice due to its neutral flavor profile. Other excellent alternatives include unsweetened cashew milk, full-fat coconut milk (for a slightly sweeter note), or oat milk, all of which contribute to a luxurious, velvety sauce.
- Seasonings: A simple yet powerful combination of salt and pepper forms the foundation of our seasoning. For optional, yet highly recommended, flavor enhancers, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for warmth and a touch of dried thyme for an aromatic, herbaceous depth. These spices elevate the overall profile of the dish, giving it that classic comfort food taste.
- Onion: Finely diced yellow or white onion adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic complexity to the potato layers. It softens beautifully during baking, infusing the dish with an extra layer of savory flavor.
Exploring Dairy-Free Cheese Alternatives
The market for dairy-free cheese has expanded dramatically, offering a wealth of options to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Understanding the different types can help you choose the best one for your scalloped potatoes:
- Nut-Based Cheeses: These are often crafted from cashews, almonds, or macadamia nuts. They come in a variety of styles, including cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack, and are known for their rich flavor and often creamy texture. Their melt can vary, so check reviews or experiment with different brands.
- Soy Cheeses: Made from soy milk or tofu, soy cheeses typically offer a mild flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. They are available in various forms such as slices, shreds, or blocks, and can be a good melting option for casseroles.
- Rice Cheeses: Derived from rice milk, these cheeses tend to have a very mild and slightly sweet taste. They are often chosen for their hypoallergenic properties and can be a suitable alternative for those with nut or soy allergies, commonly used in dishes like pizza and lasagna.
- Goat Cheese (Chèvre): While not strictly vegan, some individuals with lactose intolerance or aversions to cow’s milk cheese find goat cheese easier to digest due to its different protein structure. Look for labels indicating “chèvre,” the French term for goat, if this is an option you wish to explore.
It’s important to remember that the taste and texture of dairy-free alternatives can differ from traditional dairy cheese. We encourage you to try various brands and types to discover which ones best complement your preferences and dietary requirements. For our scalloped potatoes and recipes like our 5 Ingredient Hash Brown Casserole, we consistently achieve excellent results with Daiya’s cashew milk-style shredded cheese, which provides a satisfying melt and rich flavor.
This heartwarming potato dish also pairs wonderfully with other plant-based delights, such as our Vegan Biscuits and Gravy for a truly comforting, animal-product-free meal experience.
Scalloped Potatoes with Red Potatoes: Why Red is Best
While various types of potatoes can be used for scalloped dishes, we particularly favor red potatoes for their unique characteristics. Unlike starchier varieties like russets, red potatoes maintain a firmer texture when cooked, preventing them from becoming overly mushy in the creamy sauce. This ensures each slice of potato offers a delightful bite, perfectly absorbing the rich flavors. We often choose baked red potatoes over russets for dinner, and their robust nature makes them ideal for this scalloped dish. If red potatoes are what you have on hand, they will perform beautifully, yielding a visually appealing and texturally satisfying result.
Enhance Your Dairy-Free Scalloped Potatoes with Protein
Transforming this delicious side dish into a heartier main course is simple by adding your favorite precooked proteins. Just like we do with our Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole, incorporating meat can elevate the flavor and make it a more substantial meal. Some of our top recommendations include:
- Leftover Ham: Diced bits of leftover ham are a fantastic addition, especially after holiday meals. The savory, smoky notes complement the creamy potatoes beautifully.
- Crispy Bacon Bits: For a burst of salty, smoky flavor and a delightful textural contrast, sprinkle in some cooked and crumbled bacon.
- Plant-Based Alternatives: For a completely vegan meal, consider adding seasoned plant-based sausage crumbles or cooked lentil “meat” for a protein boost that maintains the dairy-free integrity of the dish.
Whether you’re preparing a fresh batch or reheating leftovers, adding protein transforms this comforting side into a satisfying meal, perfect for any day of the week.
Creative Ways to Customize and “Doctor Up” Your Scalloped Potatoes
While our base recipe for dairy-free scalloped potatoes is outstanding on its own, there are countless ways to customize and enhance it to suit your preferences. Think of this recipe as a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity:
- Add More Vegetables: Just like our popular Broccoli Au Gratin, you can easily incorporate other vegetables. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, thinly sliced bell peppers, spinach, or even roasted asparagus spears between the potato layers for added nutrients and flavor.
- Experiment with Herbs: Beyond thyme and nutmeg, fresh rosemary or sage can introduce new aromatic dimensions, especially if you’re serving this alongside poultry or pork. A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley as a garnish after baking also adds freshness and color.
- Using Pre-Cut Potatoes: If you’re short on time, you might consider using bagged diced or frozen hash browns. If opting for frozen potatoes, it’s crucial to spread them on paper towels and absorb as much excess moisture as possible before incorporating them into the dish. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery. You would use approximately 1.5 cups of pre-cut potatoes, adjusting quantities as needed, and follow the remaining directions as stated. This approach can yield a dish similar to our Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the cheese sauce can add a subtle kick, while smoked paprika offers a lovely depth of flavor.
- Crispy Toppings: For extra crunch, consider mixing dairy-free breadcrumbs with a little vegan butter and sprinkling them over the top during the last 15-20 minutes of baking, alongside the final cheese layer.
Whether you call it dairy-free au gratin or simply the most delicious scalloped potatoes, the result is truly irresistible. We encourage you to jump to the recipe and get started – we’re confident you’ll love it!
Dairy Free Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
By Justine
These are the best dairy-free scalloped potatoes with red potatoes you will ever make. Cheesy with lactose-free ingredients, you’ll love this creamy, comforting side dish or main.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 8
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Equipment
- 1 casserole dish
- 1 small pot
- 1 cutting board
- 1 peeler
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- 2 cups red potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp dairy-free butter (Country Crock has a great vegan version)
- 2.5 cup dairy-free cheese (Daiya shredded cheddar-style works well, or use a blend)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 tsp pepper
- 1/3 tsp nutmeg
- 1/3 tsp thyme
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, for thickening
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or plain cashew, coconut, or oat milk for creaminess)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 380°F (195°C). Prepare your red potatoes by peeling them and slicing them into very thin, even rounds. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for uniform thickness, which ensures even cooking.
- In a small saucepan, melt the dairy-free butter over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the unsweetened almond milk (or your chosen plant-based milk), whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens to a rich, creamy consistency. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, and thyme.
- Add 1.5 cups of the shredded dairy-free cheese to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and incorporated.
- Arrange one-third of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of your casserole dish. Top with half of the finely diced onion. Season the potatoes lightly with a pinch of salt.
- Pour one-third of the cheese sauce evenly over the potato and onion layer. Repeat this layering: another third of potatoes, the remaining half of the diced onion, and another third of the cheese sauce.
- Finish with the final layer of potatoes and pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
- Remove the foil, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded dairy-free cheese over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and the flavors to meld, making it easier to serve.
- Cut into generous portions and serve hot.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Serving: 1oz
- Calories: 187 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 544mg
- Potassium: 83mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 6IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Recipe Information
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
We’d love to hear from you! If you’ve tried this recipe, mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom on social media!
Slow Cooker Adaptations for Dairy-Free Scalloped Potatoes
While our primary method focuses on oven baking, these dairy-free scalloped potatoes can also be adapted for a slow cooker, offering a convenient alternative, especially during busy holidays. When using a slow cooker, remember that red potatoes are generally firmer than other varieties like Yukon golds. This means they will require a longer cooking time to achieve that desired tenderness.
If you’re using red potatoes, slice them thinly to facilitate even cooking. If opting for starchier Yukon gold potatoes, you might find they cook a bit faster and become tender sooner. For specific slow cooker instructions, refer to our dedicated recipe for Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes, which can be easily adapted with dairy-free ingredients following the guidelines in this article.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scalloped and Au Gratin Potatoes
What is the difference between au gratin and scalloped potatoes?
The terms “scalloped potatoes” and “potatoes au gratin” are often used interchangeably, leading to some confusion. However, there is a technical distinction:
- Scalloped Potatoes: Traditionally, scalloped potatoes feature thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, milk-based sauce. They typically do not have a prominent cheese topping but instead rely on the richness of the sauce to coat the tender potatoes.
- Potatoes Au Gratin: The term “au gratin” is French for “with a crust.” Potatoes au gratin are characterized by an additional layer of cheese or breadcrumbs baked on top, which creates a crispy, browned crust. While they also feature a creamy sauce, the cheesy or crumbly topping is their defining characteristic.
Our dairy-free scalloped potato recipe incorporates a generous amount of dairy-free cheese both in the sauce and as a topping, essentially blending the best elements of both scalloped and au gratin styles for maximum flavor and texture.
Can I make dairy-free scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can! To prepare ahead, assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of the final cheese topping) and cover it tightly. Refrigerate for up to 1-2 days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding a little extra time if necessary. You can also bake it completely, cool, refrigerate, and then reheat gently in the oven, covering it with foil to prevent drying out, adding the final cheese during reheating if desired.
What is the best way to slice potatoes for scalloped potatoes?
For the best results, potatoes should be sliced very thinly and uniformly. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for achieving consistent thickness, which ensures that all potato slices cook evenly and become perfectly tender at the same time. If using a knife, aim for slices no thicker than 1/8 inch (3-4 mm).
How do I prevent my dairy-free scalloped potatoes from being watery?
Several tips can help prevent a watery casserole:
- Ensure your plant-based milk is full-fat or as rich as possible.
- Don’t skip the flour in the roux; it’s essential for thickening.
- Slice your potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through and absorb the sauce properly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to thicken further as it cools slightly.