Creamy Vegan Potato Gratin

This vegan potato gratin (aka potato dauphinoise) has French roots. Even though we may not be using the traditional ingredients of heavy cream, milk and a variety of cheeses, we have created a dish that is pretty close!

Trust me when I say that you won’t be missing the use of dairy in this creamy yet perfectly balanced side dish. We have managed to achieve that same creamy experience but using plants instead.

We also had the option of using vegan versions of the above ingredients. However, we opted to go with whole foods. It makes this dish much more approachable and consistent when it comes to flavour and healthier!

Potato gratins are a great side dish or as a main. You can serve it with:

• A beautiful salad – from simple green, or rainbow, to fennel or tomato salad
• Steamed vegetables tossed in olive oil, salt and pepper
• Lentil loaf with a maple-balsamic glaze
• Grilled vegetables
• Vegetable skewers
• Veggie patties
• Bread (best part is when you dip it in the sauce that the potatoes are cooked in)

Or if you’re like us, you just eat a big few scoops on their own!

What potatoes should I use for the best dauphinoise?

The best kind of potatoes is the yellow-fleshed variety. They included Yukon Gold, Dutch Cream, Yellow Finn, German Butterball, Carola, Nicola, and Alby’s Gold. They have a beautifully creamy and buttery texture and work really well in a gratin. 

Slightly waxy potatoes would be ideal for this recipe. I always buy organic potatoes from either the local markets or the organic shop just down the road. They are always covered in soil, and I either scrub them underwater and use them with the skin on or give them a peel. In this case, I peeled them. 

Cutting tips to save time in the kitchen

The main part of this recipe is the beautiful potatoes and a full kilo (2.2 pounds) of them. So cutting them to the correct size (around 3mm or 0.12 inches) might be tricky and very time-consuming if done with a knife.

Not to mention that it can also be dangerous! However, if this is your only option, please be careful to cut the side of the potato that is facing down on the chopping board flat to create an even surface so that the potato doesn’t wobble around when slicing. 

Other options are a mandoline or a food processor (which is what I use). Mandolines are very sharp and can be dangerous if you’re not careful. I once cut myself on one and have not used one since (luckily, it wasn’t mine). So please be careful when using it. 

Food processors are the safest and quickest option here. Just place in your slicing attachment, and off you go!

Here’s a picture of the thickness you want to be aiming for with the potatoes. 

What type of baking tray is best for this recipe?

A gratin is typically known to use a shallower baking tray. They do work best for this type of dish if you are layering the potatoes with the sauce. However, if you’re going for the same approach as what we have in our recipe, any baking dish that will fit the potatoes in comfortably will do. 

We have used a square ceramic dish that is 24cmx24cm (9.45inx9.45in). We found that this size worked best for the number of ingredients we have utilized. 

Best plant milk and creams for vegan gratin

In this dish, you need good quality plant-based milk that has a creamy, neutral taste. This is why unsweetened soy works best. This is also great for those that have a nut allergy.

If you can’t have soy or choose not to use it, you can also try oat or almond. Again, look for one that is unsweetened and has no additives. Or simply make your own! 

The other crucial component for a gratin is the cream. In place of dairy cream, we have picked to use unsweetened 100% pure coconut cream.

The coconut cream created a creamy, smooth and rich consistency that we want in the sauce. If you have issues with coconut, you can use cashew cream instead.

Highlights of this vegan potato gratin

I love the simple yet elegant flavours of a classic potato gratin. The texture is so smooth and creamy, with hints of rosemary, onion and sweetness from the coconut cream. But don’t worry, the coconut flavour is not overpowering or too noticeable. 

This gratin is:

• Creamy
• Delicate
• Balanced
• Nutritious
• Flavourful
• Gluten-free
• Sugar-free
• Dairy-free

I’ve tried to make this recipe as approachable as possible, eliminating all the layering of the potatoes and sauce and creating a full bechamel sauce that can sometimes fail! This fool-proof method will have you enjoying your gratin in no time. 

Other recipes you’ll love:

1. Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Bake (7 Ingredients)
2. Wholesome Vegan Lentil Lasagna
3. Easy Vegan Baked Ziti
4. Simple Creamy Vegan White Sauce
5. How to Make Vegan Béchamel Sauce

If you try this recipe, let me know! I would love for you to leave a comment and rating below. If you want to go that extra mile, tag us on Instagram, or share your photo of the recipe on Pinterest. Or Pin It for later!

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