Vegetarian Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Easy Comfort Food

Scalloped potatoes have long been a comforting classic, treasured for their creamy, cheesy layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked to perfection. But what if you want to enjoy this indulgent dish without any meat or complicated ingredients?

Our vegetarian scalloped potatoes recipe offers just that—a luscious, satisfying casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday spreads. With simple pantry staples and fresh produce, you can create a dish that’s rich in flavor yet wholesome and meat-free.

This recipe is designed to be approachable for cooks of all skill levels, ensuring every bite is warm, creamy, and brimming with herb-infused goodness.

Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this scalloped potatoes recipe is a must-try. Plus, it pairs beautifully with an array of sides, making it a versatile addition to any meal plan.

Read on to discover why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen and how to make it your own with helpful tips and variations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian scalloped potatoes recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients that you’re likely to have on hand.

The potatoes are thinly sliced to ensure each layer absorbs the savory, creamy sauce, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist.

It’s also a flexible recipe, allowing you to swap in different cheeses or add your favorite herbs and veggies. The dish is naturally meat-free and can be made gluten-free depending on the cheese and milk you use.

Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers.

Lastly, this recipe brings a touch of comfort food nostalgia without being heavy or overly complicated. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous, ideal for cozy evenings or sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or plant-based milk for vegan option)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or mozzarella for milder taste)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or whisk
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater for cheese
• Aluminum foil (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the Yukon Gold potatoes into approximately 1/8-inch thick slices. A mandoline slicer works great for uniform slices, which helps them cook evenly.
3. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and vegetable mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon to form a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes—this step removes the raw flour taste and thickens the sauce.
5. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Assemble the casserole: Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer about half of the sliced potatoes evenly on top.
8. Pour half of the remaining cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it carefully. Add the remaining potatoes in a second layer, then pour the rest of the cheese sauce over the top, ensuring all potatoes are covered.
9. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
10. Remove from the oven and let the scalloped potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly thin and even potato slices—this ensures they cook uniformly and the texture is creamy throughout.

Variation: Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or spinach between the layers for extra flavor and nutrition. For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use vegan cheese alternatives.

You can also try swapping Gruyère for a sharper or milder cheese based on your preference.

Tip: To save time, prepare the cheese sauce and slice the potatoes the night before. Store them separately and assemble right before baking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian scalloped potatoes pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. For a well-rounded meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like green beans or broccoli.

Roasted root vegetables also complement the creamy texture of this dish beautifully.

For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with dishes such as a warm lentil stew or a simple vegetable stir-fry. If you want to explore more vegetarian and vegan recipes that go well with this, check out these delicious options:

• Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes
• Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals
• Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Conclusion

This vegetarian scalloped potatoes recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of creamy, cheesy comfort food without any meat. Its simple ingredients and straightforward method make it accessible for cooks of all levels, while the rich flavors and luscious texture will satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish fits perfectly into a variety of occasions—weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or potluck gatherings. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the herbs and add-ins to make it uniquely your own.

And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore other delicious vegetarian recipes like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for a perfect homemade bread companion.

Happy cooking and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

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