Delicious Vegan Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Comfort food with a healthy twist
In every family, certain recipes define our gatherings and create lasting memories.
For me, it was my aunt’s cheesy hashbrowns. As a child, I always looked forward to them at our get-togethers. It was more than just a casserole dish; it was a tradition of comfort and joy.
When I began embracing a more plant-based lifestyle, I knew it was a dish I wanted to recreate. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe quite a few times, and I’m incredibly happy with the results.
Introducing — Delicious Vegan Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole. Rich in flavor and creamy goodness, they’re a delicious plant-based option.
In these Vegan Cheesy Hash Browns, the real star is the homemade vegan cheese sauce — a creamy, flavorful blend that perfectly complements the hash browns.
Made with nutrient-dense ingredients, this sauce adds a rich cheesy flavor and is packed with good-for-you ingredients.
Paired with golden-brown hash browns and an array of spices, this casserole is a healthier alternative and a new comfort food favorite.
Vegan Cheese Sauce
Comfort Foods
Many of us have our favorite comfort food memories – dishes filled with warmth and nostalgia. But they may not always align with our current health-conscious goals or choices.
In my ongoing journey toward a healthier lifestyle, I faced the same dilemma many did in the beginning. I didn’t want to give up my favorite foods—especially those from childhood.
But I've discovered with a bit of creativity and simple swaps, we can reinvent these dishes in a way that honors our health without sacrificing flavors.
This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is the perfect example. It’s different, yes, but bursting with flavor and delicious in its own right. Yet, it has all the goodness your body will thank you for.
It’s the best of both worlds — the classic comfort of cheesy hash browns with the benefits of wholesome, plant-based cooking.
These aren’t just a substitute; they’re a new way to enjoy your favorite flavors in a healthier, nutrient-rich vegan meal.
Flavor and tradition don’t have to be compromised for health.
Delicious Vegan Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Delicious Vegan Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease the inside of your Crockpot with a little oil or vegan butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the sofrito by sautéing the onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic in the oil in a skillet. If needed, add additional vegetable broth or water until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized. Turn off the heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed hash browns, premade vegan cheesy sauce, vegan sour cream, sofrito mixture, and seasonings.
- Gently incorporate all ingredients.
- Transfer the hash brown mixture into the Crockpot and gently spread it evenly.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours until the edges are golden and the hash browns are cooked through. About an hour before the end of cooking, add the final layer of cheese sauce.
- For a crispier top, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking or transfer the hashbrowns to an oven-safe dish and broil them for a few minutes before serving.
- Top with your optional choice of fresh or dried herbs and seasonings. I like green onions or chives, paprika, parsley, and black pepper.
- Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
- Crockpots can vary, so the first time you try this recipe, check towards the end of the cooking time to ensure everything is cooked to your liking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the sofrito by sautéing the onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic in the oil in a large skillet. If needed, add additional vegetable broth or water until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized.
- Once finished, place the sofrito in a large mixing bowl.
- In the same large skillet, heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the hashbrowns and the seasonings. Sauté them until they’re just starting to turn golden (they won’t be completely cooked).
- While the hashbrowns are sautéing, lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Once the hashbrowns are finished, transfer them to the mixing bowl with the sautéed vegetables. Then, add your vegan cheese sauce and sour cream to the bowl, gently stirring to combine.
- Spread the hashbrown mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This prevents the top from browning too quickly and helps retain moisture.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the parchment paper to allow the top of the hashbrowns to brown. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes.
- For a crispier top, you can switch your oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes. Keep a close watch during this time, as the hashbrowns can quickly go from golden to burnt.
- The hashbrowns are done when they are heated through, and the top is golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the hashbrowns to set slightly, making them easier to serve.
- Top with your optional choice of fresh or dried herbs and seasonings. I like green onions or chives, paprika, parsley, and black pepper.
- Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Oven temperatures can vary, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.
- Make sure to thaw the hash browns before mixing them with the sauce to ensure even cooking.
- Adding vegan sour cream is optional and can be adjusted based on your preference for creaminess and tang.
Health Benefits
Vegan Sour Cream: Heart-friendly, rich in healthy fats from cashews
Onions: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants; help prevent diseases.
Garlic: Immune-boosting
Cheesy Sauce: (potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic): Nutrient-dense, providing vitamins like A and C, and fiber for digestive health.
Bell Pepper: High in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Jalapeño: Metabolism booster
In the Kitchen
Add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the cheese sauce for a subtle tangy flavor.
For a firmer casserole, slightly reduce the amount of cheese sauce. For a creamier texture, increase the sauce quantity.
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added to the sofrito for an aromatic touch.
If your cheese sauce is too thick, thin it out with a bit of vegetable broth or plant-based milk for the right consistency.
FAQ
What can I top this casserole with for added flavor?
Try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a dash of smoked paprika before serving for an extra flavor boost.
How can I make the casserole spicier?
Add diced green chilies or a bit of cayenne pepper to the mix for a spicy kick.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare as usual, cover it, and refrigerate it. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes! Try spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Rediscover Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist
And there we have it: Vegan Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole.
A plant-based lifestyle doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the flavors we love. This casserole offers flavor and health, fusing traditional comfort food with the nourishing goodness of plant-based food.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, looking for a potluck standout, or just one of those days when you need the warmth of a comforting meal, this vegan casserole is sure to please.
I hope you’ll give this a try and indulge in the rich, cheesy goodness that aligns with a health-conscious lifestyle. This isn’t just any food; it’s a celebration of cherished memories, redefined for a healthier you.
I’d love to hear how this Vegan Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole turned out! Please share your experiences, adaptations, or any questions you might have in the comments below. :)
