Description
This Scalloped Potatoes recipe offers a cozy and comforting side dish featuring creamy, rich layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, smoky turkey bacon, and melty plant-based cheese. Enhanced with savory onions, aromatic garlic, fresh thyme, and a luscious natural gelling agent-based sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or special occasions. Easy to prepare and versatile with several variations, it guarantees a crowd-pleaser full of warm, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Bacon
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Sauce
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes and Bacon: Start by peeling and thinly slicing the russet potatoes to ensure even cooking. Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until lightly crisp. Once cooked, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes or until soft and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan, combine plant-based milk, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), and the natural gelling agent. Warm gently, stirring continuously to activate the thickening. Once thickened, stir in fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Layers: Grease a baking dish well. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom, then spread half the cooked bacon and sautéed onions over the potatoes. Sprinkle a generous portion of plant-based cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, bacon, onions, and cheese.
- Pour the Sauce and Bake: Evenly pour the creamy sauce over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to develop a golden, bubbly surface.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This resting time helps the sauce set with the natural gelling agent, making it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer to achieve uniform potato slices for even cooking.
- Cooking the turkey bacon beforehand enhances its flavor and keeps it crispy within the dish.
- Layer ingredients evenly to ensure every bite includes a balanced mix of potatoes, bacon, and cheese.
- Pour warm sauce over the layers to help the potatoes soften faster during baking.
- Letting the dish rest after baking solidifies the creamy sauce for better slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: scalloped potatoes, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, creamy potatoes, comfort food, baked potatoes, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, natural gelling agent