This Vegan Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy casserole that combines crispy hash browns with a rich, dairy-free cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate plant-based comfort food—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish at holiday gatherings. The cheesy, creamy texture pairs beautifully with the crispiness of the hash browns, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s simple to make, and you’ll love how easy it is to customize this dish!

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

  • 4 cups frozen hash browns (about 1 bag)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup vegan shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
  • 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegan butter)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground mustard (optional, for extra tang)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Vegan Cheesy Sauce:

  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours or overnight, or use canned coconut milk for quicker prep)
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp turmeric (for color and flavor)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for tanginess)
  • ½ cup water (or vegetable broth for more flavor)
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Vegan Cheesy Sauce:
    • In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, turmeric, Dijon mustard (if using), and water (or vegetable broth). Blend until smooth and creamy.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, adding a pinch more nutritional yeast for extra cheesiness if desired. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Casserole Base:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.
    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
    • If you like, you can also sauté a handful of bell peppers, spinach, or other veggies to add extra flavor and nutrients to the casserole.
  3. Assemble the Casserole:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, sautéed onions, and ½ cup of the shredded vegan cheddar cheese. Mix well.
    • Pour in the prepared vegan cheesy sauce and stir to coat the hash browns and onions evenly.
    • Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
    • Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded vegan cheddar cheese.
  4. Bake the Casserole:
    • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
    • After baking, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the top to become golden brown and crispy.
    • If you prefer an extra crispy top, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
  5. Serve:
    • Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
    • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
    • Serve as a side dish or enjoy as a hearty breakfast or brunch!

Nutrition (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

  • Calories: ~250-300 kcal
  • Protein: ~6-8 g
  • Fat: ~16-18 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~25-30 g
  • Fiber: ~3-4 g
  • Sugars: ~2-3 g
  • Sodium: ~400-600 mg
  • Vitamin A: ~6-10% of the Daily Value (from mustard and plant-based milk)
  • Calcium: ~10-15% of the Daily Value (from cashews and plant-based cheese)

Notes:

  • Cashew-Free Option: If you want to avoid cashews, you can replace the cashew-based sauce with a store-bought vegan cheese sauce or use coconut milk and more nutritional yeast for a creamy base.
  • Gluten-Free Option: This casserole is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the ingredients of your hash browns and vegan cheese to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.
  • Add-ins: Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite veggies. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or even a little bit of vegan bacon crumbles would make great additions!
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the texture crisp or in the microwave for a quicker option.
  • Freezing: You can also freeze this casserole for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and let it cool completely before freezing. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until heated through.

This Vegan Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is the perfect dish for brunches, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting—sure to satisfy everyone at the table!