Step 1: Stir together all the ingredients (except 1/2 of the cheese!) in a large mixing bowl. Then transfer to a 3-quart casserole dish and smooth it out.
Step 2: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil or an oven-safe lid and return it to the oven.
Step 3: Bake the funeral potato casserole, covered tightly, for 30 minutes. Then, remove the cover (it will look like this)...
...and top with the remaining vegan cheddar shreds. Return this casserole dish to the oven, uncovered...
...and bake another 30 minutes without its cover. When it's done it will look like this - beautifully golden brown at the edges with melted vegan cheese on the top!
Let these vegan funeral potatoes sit 10-15 minutes (uncovered) before serving and enjoying with family and friends!