Description
This comforting Cheesy Potato Bake combines tender Yukon Gold or red potatoes with smoky turkey bacon and melty plant-based cheese (plant-based) to create a warm and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Enhanced with aromatic onions, garlic, and a creamy sauce made from plant-based milk, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), and a natural gelling agent, this versatile recipe offers satisfying flavors for all to enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, peeled (optional) and thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
Protein and Cheese
- 6 ounces smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded or sliced
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
Sauce
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (such as agar or carrageenan)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes if desired and slice them thinly and evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking and proper absorption of flavors.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until golden and crisp. Remove it from the pan and drain excess fat. In the same skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, forming a savory base for the dish.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the plant-based milk, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent. Heat gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Bake: Grease a baking dish and arrange a layer of sliced potatoes evenly. Sprinkle half of the cooked smoked turkey bacon and sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the potatoes. Drizzle some of the creamy sauce on top, then scatter plant-based cheese (plant-based) evenly. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, creating a delicious crust.
Notes
- Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- Allow the bake to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and make slicing easier.
- Ensure each layer is evenly coated with sauce for balanced creaminess throughout.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs such as parsley just before serving to add brightness.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of plant-based milk during preparation to adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cheesy potato bake, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy potato casserole, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), gluten free potato bake
