Description

Cheesy Potato Bake is a comforting and creamy plant-based dish featuring tender waxy potatoes, smoky turkey bacon, and melted plant-based cheese. This warm and flavorful bake is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a cozy, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and adaptable to your favorite vegetables and herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes and Bacon

3 pounds waxy potatoes, peeled and sliced about 1/4 inch thick
6 ounces smoked turkey bacon, diced

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Sauce

2 cups plant-based milk
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded or sliced

Finishing Touches

1 tablespoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Peel the waxy potatoes and slice them evenly about 1/4 inch thick for consistent cooking. Dice the smoked turkey bacon and finely chop the onion and garlic to ensure they blend smoothly into the sauce.
Cook the Bacon and Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until fragrant and translucent, building a savory flavor base for the bake.
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 while whisking until the sauce thickens. Stir in some of the plant-based cheese until it melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
Layer the Potato Bake: In a baking dish, arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer. Spread half of the bacon and onion mixture over the potatoes, then pour half of the creamy sauce on top. Repeat layering with the remaining potatoes, bacon mixture, and sauce. Finish by sprinkling the remaining plant-based cheese evenly over the top.
Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish for 45 to 55 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced and the top is golden and bubbling. Allow the bake to rest for a few minutes before serving to set perfectly.

Notes

Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and ideal texture.
Take time to whisk the sauce thoroughly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
Let the dish rest slightly after baking for easier slicing and better flavor melding.
Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley just before serving to keep their flavor bright.
If the top browns too quickly during baking, loosely cover with foil to prevent burning while ensuring potatoes cook evenly.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of dish)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: potato bake, cheesy potato bake, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, comfort food, creamy potato bake, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)