Vegan Potato Gratin Recipe - Dairy Free | Thinly Spread (2024)

Well, this one is a bit of a triumph! An Easy Creamy Vegan Potato Gratin – all bubbly and oozy, full of savoury flavour and perfect as a vegan side dish. Eat it with your Sunday roast or your Christmas dinner. Sizzle some sausages and dip them in its creamy goodness or let it shine as a main dish with a crunchy green salad alongside.

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Vegan Potato Gratin Recipe - Dairy Free | Thinly Spread (1)

I was delighted when I discovered how easy Vegan cheese sauces are to make. Once I had perfected this version, lasagne, moussaka and pasta bake were all back on the menu, much to my family’s delight! It is creamy, cheesy, savoury and comforting and it works perfectly in this simple vegan potato gratin!

Vegan Potato Gratin Recipe - Dairy Free | Thinly Spread (2)

Two of my children are mildly dairy intolerant and they avoided large helpings of anything with a dairy cheese sauce involved in our pre vegan days. Headaches, nausea and feeling generally meh were not a happy eating experience. Dairy free vegan cheese sauces don’t have the same affect and they happily wolf down extra helpings, while those who had (or still have) a bit of a love affair with cheese are very happy that cheesy creamy sauces are still a thing!

How To Make A Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce

How To Get A Creamy Texture

There are lots of ways to make vegan cheese sauces and I have more recipes to share with you over the coming months. Some use blended white beans, cashew nuts or sunflower seeds to make a creamy vegan sauce while others rely on tofu, carrots, squash or potatoes for that silky smooth saucy texture. Today’s offering, however, sticks to the traditional white sauce base of milk added to a cooked flour and butter roux. My Granny would be proud!

How To Get A ‘Cheesy’ Taste
  • Dairy butter is replaced with vegan and cow’s milk with a mixture of plant milk and vegetable stock.
  • Garlic, onions, nutritional yeast flakes and the stock along with fresh thyme, salt and pepper provide the flavour.
  • If I’m using the base sauce for other dishes I might also add some Dijon mustard or a dash of sriracha, maybe some soy sauce. Rosemary is a good replacement for thyme and smoked garlic gives a lovely depth to the flavour.
  • You can add some of your favourite dairy free cheese for a flavour boost but, in this dish, I prefer a subtler savoury taste.

Vegan Potato Gratin Recipe - Dairy Free | Thinly Spread (3)

How To Make Vegan Potato Gratin

Oh how I love a quick side dish! This one takes 10 minutes on the hob and then is just bunged into the oven to get on with the job – excellent! Scroll down for detailed instructions and ingredients but it really is as simple as:

  1. Fry onions and garlic in olive oil.
  2. Add flour, cook gently then add milk and stock gradually, stirring thoroughly. Bubble until thickened. Add thyme, yeast, salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Pour a little sauce into the base of a buttered casserole dish, layer in sliced potatoes and pour over the rest of the sauce.
  4. Cook in a preheated oven for 30 – 40 minutes until potatoes are cooked and sauce is browned and bubbling.

Vegan Potato Gratin Recipe - Dairy Free | Thinly Spread (4)

What To Serve With Potato Gratin

This creamy vegan potato gratin is lovely on its own with a crisp green salad and some fresh tomatoes but it also works really well as a side. Serve it with:

  • Shop bought vegan sausages or my Vegan Bratwurst.
  • Cashew Nut Roast.
  • As a hot dish on a buffet with Vegan Sausage Rolls and a selection of salads.
  • Carrot fritters or Green Lentil Burgers.
  • Easy Vegan Chilli and broccoli.
  • A simple Lentil Loaf

It’s also fabulous as a Christmas side dish and, if you are looking for more vegan Christmas recipes ideas, check out all my Vegan Christmas Recipes, collected together in one place!

Vegan Potato Gratin Recipe - Dairy Free | Thinly Spread (5)

If you make my recipe I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Please leave a comment and a star rating below and share your pictures with me on social media. Tag me @thinlyspread and include the hashtag #thinlyspread so I can see them!

Follow [me onPinterest,Facebook,TwitterandInstagramwhere I share recipe ideas, links to vegan events and articles and where I natter on about my favourite subject – vegan food!

Vegan Potato Gratin Recipe - Dairy Free | Thinly Spread (6)

Vegan Potato Gratin

An Easy One Pot Creamy Vegan Potato Gratin – all bubbly and oozy, full of savoury flavour and perfect as a vegan side dish. Eat it with your Sunday roast or your Christmas dinner. Sizzle some sausages and dip them in its creamy goodness or let it shine as a main dish with a crunchy green salad alongside.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: International

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 as a side

Calories: 167kcal

Author: Chris Mosler | Thinly Spread

Equipment

  • Oven proof casserole or gratin dish with a lid

Ingredients

  • 400 g potatoes very thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp vegan butter for greasing
  • 1 red onion very thinly sliced
  • 5 large cloves garlic very thinly sliced - feel free to add more garlic if you are a garlic lover or reduce the amount if you're not so keen.
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 3 tbsp plain flour
  • 500 ml soya milk use your favourite plant milk if you are avoiding soya.
  • 375 ml vegetable stock
  • 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • salt and pepper to taste

UK Measurements - US Measurements

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 180C/350F

  • Heat the olive oil in a frying pan. Add the finely sliced onion and fry gently for 5 minutes until soft.

  • Add the sliced garlic and fry for a further minute.

  • Add the flour and cook gently for a couple of minutes.

  • Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

  • Add the vegetable stock and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens.

  • Add the thyme, nutritional yeast and salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

  • Use a little vegan butter to lightly grease your casserole dish.

  • Pour a little sauce into the base of your dish and spread evenly.

  • Layer in your thinly sliced potatoes.

  • Pour over the remaining sauce, ensuring all the potatoes are covered.

  • Cover and cook for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.

  • Remove the lid and cook for a further 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender and the sauce is browned and bubbly.

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 307mg | Potassium: 512mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 561IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 3mg

Like this recipe?Follow @ThinlySpread or tag #thinlyspread!


Vegan Potato Gratin Recipe - Dairy Free | Thinly Spread (7)

Vegan Potato Gratin Recipe - Dairy Free | Thinly Spread (2024)

FAQs

What can I substitute for milk in boxed scalloped potatoes? ›

If your household has to go dairy-free, there's no reason to skip this favorite dish as the milk and cheese can easily be substituted. Some recipes use chicken broth or water while others use non-dairy alternatives like soy or almond milk.

Does gratin always have cheese? ›

So here's what we know: A gratin is always baked and/or broiled in a shallow dish. The topping is traditionally cheese or breadcrumbs, and they should get crispy under the broiler.

What to serve with scalloped potatoes? ›

Scalloped potatoes are rich and filling. Lean proteins and other veggies pair nicely, try grilled ham, pan-seared fish, roast chicken, broiled lobster, or even a filet of beef tenderloin. If no animal proteins are desired a lovely side salad with a sharp vinaigrette works great.

Why are my au gratin potatoes watery? ›

If you used a pre-prepped potato from the refrigerator section instead of slicing your own, they can have preservatives that make them a bit watery. If you stored your potatoes in water to prevent discoloring, be sure to drain them well and pat them dry before adding to your casserole.

What can I substitute for milk in potatoes? ›

Chicken or vegetable broth: You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of milk or cream to add flavor and moisture to mashed potatoes. This is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

What is the best substitute for milk in a recipe? ›

Milk in most recipes hydrates the dry ingredients and adds flavor, and there are plenty of substitutes that can do just that without compromising the final result.
  • Half and half. ...
  • Heavy cream. ...
  • Nondairy milks, like soy and almond. ...
  • Sour cream. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Evaporated milk. ...
  • Canned coconut milk. ...
  • Water.
Dec 3, 2021

What is a substitute for cream in gratin? ›

Fortunately, you can still make a delicious gratin dauphinoise without cream. Substitute fat-free or non-dairy milk, a small amount of light butter, and plenty of herbs and spices so you wind up with a tasty dish that you don't have to feel guilty about eating.

What's the difference between scalloped potatoes and potatoes al gratin? ›

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.

What is the difference between au gratin and gratin? ›

A “gratin” is any dish that is topped with cheese or breadcrumbs mixed with butter, then heated in the oven or under the broiler until brown and crispy, according to The Food Lover's Companion. The term “au gratin” or “gratinée” just refers to anything prepared in that manner.

What to serve with scalloped potatoes vegetarian? ›

Asparagus, French Style Green Beans, Copper Pennies (a carrot dish), creamed spinach, Brussels sprouts, coleslaw, or perhaps a cucumber and tomato salad. Green lima beans might be nice. If you like gazpacho, that would be a nice start. I chop some ham into my scalloped potatoes and some cheddar cheese.

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 does milk curdle in scalloped potatoes? ›

Scalloped potatoes at the very least call for milk, but milk can very easily curdle in the oven and render your cream sauce clumpy and unappetizing. In many cases, curdling is the result of your dairy not containing enough fat to keep the protein molecules from binding to each other and creating clumps.

Why did my au gratin potatoes turn GREY? ›

You're probably leaving the peeled potatoes exposed for too long before putting them in the pot. Once peeled, a potato, like an apple or banana, begins to turn color, as certain enzymes start to oxidize. So peel them into a bowl of cold water and leave them there until ready to cook.

What pan is best for au gratin potatoes? ›

The vessel best suited for most au gratin dishes is, simply enough, an au gratin pan. It can be round, oval or rectangular, and most commonly it is about an inch and a half deep. The material can be copper, stainless steel, enameled iron, aluminum, glass.

Can I slice potatoes ahead of time for gratin? ›

If you're here, you'll probably be glad to know that yes, you can peel and cut potatoes the day before you plan to serve them — and that it's super easy! All you have to do is submerge the bare potato pieces in water and refrigerate (more on that later).

Can you make Betty Crocker potatoes without milk? ›

Potatoes can be prepared with just water on the stove-top or in the microwave. Use 2 cups water, and omit butter and milk. For stiffer potatoes, let stand 3 to 5 minutes. For less stiff potatoes, stir in more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Can I use water instead of milk in instant potatoes? ›

Most instant potato varieties call for you to combine the potatoes with water, but if you want your potatoes to taste a bit more indulgent, use milk instead. Whole milk will yield delightfully rich potatoes, but 2 percent milk works well too.

How to make boxed mac and cheese if you don t have milk? ›

Yes, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese can be made without milk or butter. Instead, you can use water as a substitute. Simply follow the package instructions for cooking the macaroni, then drain it and mix in the cheese powder and a small amount of water to create the sauce.

How to make box scalloped potatoes better? ›

Buttermilk + Chives. Replace buttermilk for milk in Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes, and then add 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped chives before baking.

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