Comfort food at its finest—this Cheesy Potato Bake is everything you want in a dish: creamy, cheesy, and so incredibly satisfying. Imagine golden, tender potatoes smothered in a luscious cheese sauce, bubbling away in the oven until perfectly crispy on top. Trust me, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’ll leave everyone coming back for more. It’s easy to make, with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and it’s guaranteed to make your taste buds do a happy dance. Let’s dive into the cheesy goodness, shall we?
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Potato Bake
This dish is the definition of comfort, and here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
Decadent and Comforting: There’s just something magical about creamy, cheesy potatoes that hits the spot every time. This dish is a warm hug in food form.
Easy to Make: No need to be a culinary expert to whip up this bake. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be able to pull this off without breaking a sweat.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a special occasion, or a potluck, this cheesy potato bake will always be the star of the table. It’s versatile enough for every season and every reason.
Leftover Heaven: This dish tastes even better the next day. So, if you have leftovers, get ready for some seriously delicious meals ahead.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect cheesy potato bake:
Potatoes: The star of the show. You’ll want to use starchy potatoes like Russets for that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cheese: A blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella gives this bake the perfect combination of meltiness and flavor. Feel free to throw in some Parmesan for extra richness.
Cream: Heavy cream adds the richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but full-fat cream is definitely the way to go if you want that indulgent taste.
Butter: The fat that helps everything come together and gives the dish a lovely richness.
Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the potatoes and cheese.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for some smoky depth. You can also add a little fresh thyme or rosemary if you’re feeling fancy.
Milk: Helps balance out the richness of the cream, giving the sauce that perfect smooth consistency.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to dive into this cheesy, comforting masterpiece? Here’s how to make it:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want that perfect balance of crispy edges and creamy center, so a steady oven temperature is key.
Prep the Potatoes: Peel (or leave the skins on if you prefer) and thinly slice the potatoes. Aim for even slices so they cook uniformly. Then, lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the cream and milk, then bring to a simmer. Stir in the shredded cheese and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Layer the Potatoes: Arrange a layer of potato slices in the prepared baking dish. Pour some of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat this process, layering potatoes and sauce, until everything is in the dish.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
Finishing Touches: Once your cheesy potato bake is out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes to set. Sprinkle with some fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve and Enjoy: Scoop up a generous portion of cheesy, creamy goodness and serve hot! This dish is perfect on its own or as a side to any main course.
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Bake
This cheesy potato bake is a versatile dish that pairs well with just about anything. Here are a few ways to serve it:
With a Protein: It’s the perfect side dish for grilled chicken, steak, or even roasted salmon. The richness of the bake complements the protein beautifully.
Green Veggies: Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for some freshness that balances out the creamy potatoes.
Bread: Serve with some warm, crusty bread to mop up any delicious cheese sauce that might be left on your plate.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this cheesy potato bake is so hearty that it can be the main event. Pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a light soup, and you’ve got yourself a meal.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make this dish even more amazing:
Make Ahead: You can assemble the cheesy potato bake a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed.
Use Different Cheeses: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic, you can get creative with your cheese selection. Gruyère, gouda, or even blue cheese would add a unique twist to the flavor.
Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. You can also top the dish with crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
Dietary Adjustments: If you need a gluten-free option, just make sure your cheese and cream are certified gluten-free. You can also make it lighter by swapping the heavy cream for a lower-fat version or using dairy-free cheese and cream for a vegan option.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to keep that delicious crispy top!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of potato?
A1: Yes! You can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but keep in mind that the texture may be a little different. Starchy potatoes like Russets are ideal for a fluffy interior.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can assemble the dish the night before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake it off in the oven.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, this dish freezes well! Assemble and bake as usual, then let it cool before freezing. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: Can I add meat to this dish?
A5: Of course! Crispy bacon, ham, or cooked sausage would be amazing mixed in or sprinkled on top.
Q6: Can I make this dish spicier?
A6: Yes! Add some diced green chilies or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a spicy twist.
Q7: Can I use a slow cooker for this dish?
A7: You can! Layer the potatoes, cheese sauce, and seasonings in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours until the potatoes are tender.
Q8: How do I make the top extra crispy?
A8: For an extra crispy top, broil the dish for the last 5 minutes of cooking, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Q9: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A9: Yes, you can! Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower would make a great addition to this cheesy bake.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Potato Bake is everything you crave in a comfort dish—creamy, cheesy, and simply irresistible. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together and leaves everyone asking for more. Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the main dish, it’s a guaranteed hit that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Print
Cheesy Potato Bake
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-6 side servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy cheesy potato bake is the perfect side dish for any occasion. It features creamy scalloped potatoes in a comforting bacon and cheese sauce.
Ingredients
-
1.4 kg potatoes (not waxy, ~3 lb)
-
75 g bacon, roughly chopped (2 1/2 oz)
-
1 large clove garlic, minced
-
3 large spring onions (green onions), finely sliced
-
1/4 cup unsalted or salted butter (57 g / 2 oz)
-
1/4 cup plain flour (all-purpose flour) (35 g / 1 1/4 oz)
-
1/2 cup chicken stock (or chicken broth) (125 ml)
-
1 1/4 cups whole milk (310 ml)
-
1 1/4 cups thickened cream (heavy cream) (310 ml)
-
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (discard stems)
-
1 teaspoon fine sea salt or kosher salt
-
1/2 -1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
-
2 cups lightly packed, grated cheddar cheese (200 g / 7 oz)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced) / 350°F. Have a 9×13-inch baking dish (or slightly smaller) ready. -
Slice the potatoes:
Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, about 3-4 mm thick. A mandoline is helpful if available. -
Boil the potatoes:
Place the sliced potatoes in a large saucepan with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes only. Drain through a colander and set aside. -
Prepare the sauce:
In a medium saucepan, heat a dash of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and sauté until golden brown. Add the onions and garlic and sauté for an additional minute. -
Make the creamy base:
Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the flour and cook for 30-60 seconds to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add the chicken stock while stirring to form a paste. Reduce the heat and slowly pour in the cream and milk, stirring to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and just starts to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. -
Layer the bake:
Spread about ⅓ cup of the sauce in the base of the baking dish. Layer ⅓ of the potatoes, followed by ⅓ of the sauce, and then ⅓ of the grated cheese. Repeat the layers twice, finishing with cheese on top.
-
Bake:
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the dish is bubbling and the top is golden.
Notes
-
Tip: Layer the potatoes neatly or just level them out for a more rustic look.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg