There’s just something about a cheesy hash brown casserole that screams Sunday comfort. 

 

Maybe it’s the golden, crispy edges. Maybe it’s the creamy, savory center. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s basically socially acceptable breakfast cake. Either way, this dairy-free cheesy hash brown casserole has earned a permanent spot in our summer lineup - and spoiler alert: It's SMOKIN'! (Literally, it stars our Darë Vegan Smoked Cheddar in all its glory.)

 

This dish is everything we love about classic comfort food: hearty, rich, and deeply satisfying. But unlike your average dairy-drenched casserole, ours is 100% plant-based, oozing with flavor, and super simple to make. With a handful of whole food ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting brunch, hitting a potluck, or just in the mood for something warm and wildly cozy.

Oh, and did we mention it's only 10 minutes of prep? That's less time than it takes to argue over brunch plans in the group chat.

 

What You’ll Need:

Here’s the simple ingredient breakdown and why each one earns its spot in the dish:

 

🧀 Darë Smoked Cheddar Wedge: Bold, smoky, melty, and dairy-free. Our plant-based wedge brings serious umami and that cheesy goodness everyone’s after.

🧅 White onion: Sautéed until golden and sweet, it adds rich, savory depth to every bite. Never skip the onions y'all.

🥔 Frozen shredded hash browns: A short cut we are obsessed with. You could also add in other shredded root veg - we used carrot but butternut squash or parsnips add a subtly sweet taste.

🌱 Dairy-free sour cream: For creaminess and a subtle tang that ties everything together. It keeps the casserole luscious, not dry.

🥑 Avocado oil: High in monounsaturated fats (the good ones), avocado oil is a heart-healthy choice with a high smoke point — perfect for sautéing and baking. It’s also loaded with antioxidants like vitamin E, unlike more processed oils like sunflower or canola.

 

You can even toss in shredded zucchini or some seeds for a boost, but honestly, this dish holds its own with just the basics. It’s comfort food with a conscience, and it's so easy to make if you're nursing a delicate Sunday morning.

Whether you're feeding a crew, meal-prepping for the week, or just in the mood for some nostalgic potato-y goodness, this recipe hits the spot.

Get ready to turn your Sunday into a smoked cheddar celebration.

 

RECIPE

Serves: 4-6 

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

 

Ingredients:

1 Darë Smoked Cheddar Wedge 

1 TBSP avocado oil 

1 cup white onion, diced 

1 12-oz. bag frozen shredded hashbrowns or a mix of shredded root veggies

½ cup dairy free sour cream 

 

 

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8x8 baking dish with oil. Set aside. 

Add Smoked Cheddar Wedge to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir the wedges frequently until it is completely melted. 

Add the avocado oil to a separate medium pan over medium high heat. Once it’s warm, add in the diced onion and sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until it starts to soften and brown. 

Add the frozen shredded hash browns to a large mixing bowl along with the melted Darë wedge and sautéed onion. Spoon in the dairy free sour cream and mix everything together with a spatula until it’s well combined. The mixture should be thick and spreadable but not dry. If your mixture is too dry, add another spoonful of dairy free sour cream. 

Spoon the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it into an even layer with a spatula. Bake the casserole for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes start to brown on top.

Allow the casserole to sit for 30 minutes to set before serving. Serve warm!