Dairy-Free Scalloped Potato Recipes for Lactose Intolerance (2024)

No Need to Give Up This Beloved Side Dish

Updated on 08/4/21

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Dairy-Free Scalloped Potato Recipes for Lactose Intolerance (1)

Scalloped potatoes are a tasty dish that is a family favorite for many reasons. For one, they make a great side dish and are perfect for holiday meals like Easter, Passover, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Secondly, you can get away with preparing them a day (or even two) ahead of time. This takes some of the stress out of your meal preparations because the potatoes can simply be bakedwhen needed.

But, if you have a family member or guest who cannot tolerate dairy products, your traditional recipe including milk, cream, and/or cheese will not work. Luckily, many innovative cooks have developed delicious dairy-free scalloped potato recipes that are sure to please your family.

Dairy-Free Scalloped Potatoes Recipes

If your household has to go dairy-free, there's no reason to skip this favorite dish asthe milk and cheese can easily be substituted. Some recipes use chicken broth or water while others use non-dairy alternatives like soy or almond milk.

A Quick Potato Tip

Red potatoes, a waxy variety, or Yukon Golds are the best choice for scalloped potatoes because they hold together better. While many recipes call for russet potatoes, these tend to turn mushy, which is the last thing you want.

How Scalloped Potatoes Got Their Name

Scalloped potatoes have nothing to do with the shellfish known as a scallop. Some pundits believe the name is a derivation of the Old English word “collops” (or Old French "escalope" or "escallope") which meant to slice meat thinly. It's thought that this was then applied to anything sliced thinly, like potatoes.

Scalloped Potatoes vs. Au Gratin Potatoes

Both scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes are made with sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce and topped with crunchy crumbs. So, what's the difference?

  • Au grain literally means covered with breadcrumbs and/or cheese and then baked until brown. Vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans, eggplant, or tomatoes can be prepared au gratin.Fish and seafood also can be prepared au gratin.
  • Scalloped potatoes refer to potatoes that have been baked in a creamy sauce (like a béchamel or white sauce) and covered with seasoned bread or cracker crumbs.

The big difference between the twois that potatoes au gratin typically have cheese as one of the ingredients. You will, however, see many scalloped potato recipes that call for cheese as well.

Dairy-Free Scalloped Potato Recipes for Lactose Intolerance (2024)

FAQs

What can I substitute for milk in boxed scalloped potatoes? ›

If your household has to go dairy-free, there's no reason to skip this favorite dish as the milk and cheese can easily be substituted. Some recipes use chicken broth or water while others use non-dairy alternatives like soy or almond milk.

What can I substitute for butter in boxed scalloped potatoes? ›

Olive oil

Olive oil is a great substitute for butter in many recipes. Because it is one of the healthier oils out there, it can not only allow you to move ahead with your cooking when you run out of butter, but it can make your dish better for you, too.

How to prevent milk from curdling in scalloped potatoes? ›

To further lower the risk of curdling, you can add extra starch in the form of flour or cornstarch. Just a teaspoon or two is enough to stabilize the dairy, as well as to give you a lusciously thick sauce. Of course, another highly important ingredient is cheese.

Why are my scalloped potatoes not creamy? ›

High heat will cause the milk to curdle. Use milk or cream with higher fat content. Whole milk, half-and-half, or cream and full-fat cheeses are necessary. Skim milk and reduced-fat products will not be your friend in this dish.

What is a good substitute for milk in a recipe? ›

Milk in most recipes hydrates the dry ingredients and adds flavor, and there are plenty of substitutes that can do just that without compromising the final result.
  • Half and half. ...
  • Heavy cream. ...
  • Nondairy milks, like soy and almond. ...
  • Sour cream. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Evaporated milk. ...
  • Canned coconut milk. ...
  • Water.
Dec 3, 2021

What is a non dairy substitute for milk in mashed potatoes? ›

Any plant-based or dairy free milk is a great substitute for regular milk in mashed potatoes. For an even creamier mashed potato, use cashew cream, which is similar in consistency to heavy cream. For a richer option when you're short on time, use full fat coconut milk.

What can I put in my potatoes if I don't have butter? ›

Can I make mashed potatoes without butter? - Quora. Start with olive oil and a bit of grated parmesan, or some cream cheese or mascarpone. Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme or marjoram, or get spicy and add cumin, coriander and smoked paprika. You can add half and half or cream to make them richer.

What can I use if I don't have butter for a recipe? ›

Read on to understand how the following 15 ingredients can act as butter substitutes for different recipes and dishes.
  1. MARGARINE. Margarine is a fat that is made mostly from vegetable oil that's flavored to taste like butter. ...
  2. SHORTENING. ...
  3. OLIVE OIL & VEGETABLE OIL. ...
  4. COCONUT OIL. ...
  5. PUMPKIN PURÉE. ...
  6. APPLESAUCE. ...
  7. GREEK YOGURT. ...
  8. BANANAS.

Does mayo work instead of butter? ›

The ingredient swap works so well because, like butter, mayonnaise predominantly consists of fats — so it can achieve the same golden crust on a grilled cheese or creaminess in a baked good as butter does. One of the benefits of substituting butter with mayonnaise is that the ratio is usually an easy one-to-one swap.

What are two ingredients that can cause milk to curdle? ›

Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, tomatoes, or even wine can cause your milk to curdle. Prevent this reaction by reducing your acids first before adding dairy.

What's the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes? ›

The difference comes down to cheese. Scalloped potato recipes are usually baked in a basic cream sauce until soft and tender, with no cheese topping. Potatoes au gratin are a bit more decadent. They are made with lots of cheese sprinkled in between the layers of potatoes and also on top of the casserole.

Why did my scalloped potatoes get watery? ›

Watery scalloped potatoes are not good, and is often caused by using the wrong type of potato. This recipe requires starchy potatoes, such as russets or Yukon golds, not waxy potatoes. Another cause is washing or holding the sliced potatoes in water (as outlined in the question above).

Why do my scalloped potatoes taste bland? ›

My scalloped potatoes are bland

They are also in need of serious seasoning to ensure deliciousness. Make sure your sauce is well-seasoned, but also, season each layer of potatoes with salt and pepper before adding the sauce, to make sure they are as flavorful as you want them!

How do you thicken up scalloped potatoes? ›

Thankfully, there's a simple and effective solution to this problem: Use instant potato flakes. Instant potato flakes are an excellent thickening agent made from real potatoes that have been cooked, mashed, and then dried.

How to make box potatoes without milk? ›

You can replace the milk called for in mashed potatoes, including instant mashed potatoes, with more water or something tastier like stock. I decided to opt for the most flavor and use chicken stock or vegetable stock. Homemade stock is ideal. Bullion cubes, bullion powder, or store-bought stock will work too.

Can I substitute water for milk in instant potatoes? ›

Most instant potato varieties call for you to combine the potatoes with water, but if you want your potatoes to taste a bit more indulgent, use milk instead. Whole milk will yield delightfully rich potatoes, but 2 percent milk works well too.

How to make boxed mac and cheese if you don t have milk? ›

What can I use to make boxed mac and cheese when it says 'add 3 tbsp of milk' if I don't have butter or dairy milk? If you're not using dairy, you can use half oil (olive, corn, canola, safflower, whatever you have on hand) and half water. It won't be exactly the same, but it'll do in a pinch.

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