These Vegan Potato Stacks are oh-so-delicious, with layers of thinly sliced potato baked in a creamy, garlicky sauce and topped with melty vegan cheese. Cooked in individual portions in a muffin tin, they make the perfect mini au gratin stacks to wow your guests. Serve these as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a fun snack!
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
Prepare Garlic Cream Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt vegan butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 60 seconds, until fragrant. Add vegan cream, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 1 more minute to blend flavors. If the cream sauce is too thick, thin with a few tablespoons of water. (Note: Homemade cashew cream tends to be thicker; thinner store-bought cream will work just as well without adjustments).
Slice Potatoes: Peel potatoes if desired, or leave the skin on. Slice potatoes into thin rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife. I used the slicer attachment on my food processor. If slices are too large, trim slightly to fit into the muffin tin cavities.
Assemble Stacks: Place potato slices into the muffin tin wells, filling each about halfway. Drizzle each stack with about 1 teaspoon of the garlic cream sauce and sprinkle with a bit of vegan cheddar cheese, if using.
Top with remaining potato slices so each stack is slightly above the rim of the muffin tin. Divide the remaining cream sauce over each potato stack.
Bake: Cover the muffin tin loosely with foil and place it on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 40 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a knife. Remove foil, sprinkle each stack with a bit more vegan cheese (if using), and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Let stacks stand for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then gently remove each stack. Garnish with reserved thyme and serve warm.Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Notes
Vegan Heavy Cream: Many stores now carry vegan cream options made from oats, cashews, or coconut; just ensure they are unsweetened. For a homemade option, try my cashew cream recipe (omit any flavorings and sweeteners). Full-fat coconut milk also works, though it may add a coconut flavor.Cheese-Free Version: For a lighter option, omit the cheese and add 1-2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast (optional) to the cream sauce for a cheesy flavor. Oil-free Option: If you are oil-free omit the vegan butter or olive oil and sauté the garlic in a bit of water or broth, then add a couple extra tablespoons of cream to the sauce. Make sure to use a good non-stick muffin pan, a silicone one works well.