Description
Indulge in creamy, comforting scalloped potatoes made with tender russet potato slices baked in a rich, plant-based cheese sauce enhanced with smoky turkey bacon and caramelized onions. This easy, flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, delivering a balanced blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Vegetables
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thin
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded plant-based cheese
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes and Onion: Peel the russet potatoes and slice them thinly at about 1/8 inch thickness for even cooking. Slice the yellow onion thinly as well to help meld the flavors beautifully when layered.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Remove from the skillet and chop into bite-sized pieces. In the same pan, sauté the sliced onions and minced garlic until golden and fragrant, creating a smoky and sweet flavor base.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Whisk together the all-purpose flour and plant-based milk in the skillet over medium-low heat. Cook gently, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Stir in the shredded plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the natural gelling agent toward the end and stir well to achieve a smooth, luscious sauce that clings to the potatoes.
- Layer the Potatoes: In a baking dish, arrange layers starting with a layer of sliced potatoes, scatter some sautéed onions, sprinkle chopped smoked turkey bacon, and pour a generous amount of the cheese sauce over. Repeat the layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of cheese sauce on top.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to become golden and bubbly. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to let the sauce set.
Notes
- Slice potatoes evenly using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife to ensure uniform cooking.
- Season each layer with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
- Use low to medium-low heat when making the cheese sauce to prevent burning or clumping.
- Let the dish rest after baking to help the sauce set and make slicing easier.
- Fresh herbs added just before baking brighten the flavor; try thyme, rosemary, or sage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: scalloped potatoes, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy side dish, baked potatoes, comfort food
