Posted inBlogs Recipes Vegan

Vegan Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Vegan Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

🌱 Vegan Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

🧀 Ingredients:

For the casserole base:

  • 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns, thawed

  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

  • 1½ cups vegan shredded cheddar cheese (store-bought or homemade)

  • 1 cup unsweetened plain non-dairy milk (almond, soy, or oat)

  • ½ cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 mins)

  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Optional toppings:

  • Extra shredded vegan cheese

  • Chopped green onions or parsley

  • Vegan sour cream for serving

🔪 Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce
Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender with the non-dairy milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and flour. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Sauté the Onions (Optional but recommended)
In a skillet, heat olive oil or vegan butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 3–5 minutes until soft and slightly golden. Set aside.

4. Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed hash browns, sautéed onions, 1 cup of shredded vegan cheese, and the blended cheese sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

5. Transfer & Bake
Spread the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup vegan cheese and a sprinkle of paprika (if using).

6. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

🥄 Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve warm with fresh herbs or green onions on top.

  • Pair with a vegan tofu scramble or fresh fruit for a full brunch spread.

  • Add a dollop of vegan sour cream for extra richness.

✅ Tips & Variations:

  • For extra richness, stir in ¼ cup vegan sour cream or cream cheese into the mix before baking.

  • Want a crispy topping? Mix crushed cornflakes or panko with a little olive oil and sprinkle on top before baking.

  • You can prep this the night before and bake it fresh in the morning!