Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Featured in: Everyday Comfort Dishes

This layered potato bake combines thinly sliced potatoes and onions with a creamy cheese sauce, gently baked to a golden finish. The milk and cream meld with garlic and warming spices for a rich, savory flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying, budget-conscious meal, this dish pairs well with fresh parsley garnish for added freshness.

The method involves layering potatoes, onions, and cheddar cheese, then pouring a spiced cream mixture before baking. After baking covered and uncovered, the result is tender potatoes with a bubbly, browned top. Variations can include alternative cheeses or added ingredients like tomatoes or bacon for extra depth.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:25:00 GMT
Golden and bubbling Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, showcasing tender potato slices and creamy cheese sauce. Pin Recipe
Golden and bubbling Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, showcasing tender potato slices and creamy cheese sauce. | fordishes.com

A comforting, wallet-friendly casserole featuring tender potato slices, savory onions, and a creamy cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbling.

This dish quickly became a family favorite because of its creamy texture and satisfying layers of potatoes and cheese.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 1.2 kg peeled and thinly sliced
  • Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced
  • Whole milk: 200 ml
  • Heavy cream: 150 ml
  • Grated cheddar cheese: 120 g
  • Unsalted butter: 30 g plus extra for greasing
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg (optional): 1/4 tsp
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish): 2 tbsp chopped

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a medium baking dish with butter.
Melt garlic butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Prepare sauce:
Stir in the milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Heat gently until just warmed—do not boil. Remove from heat.
Layer potatoes:
Layer half the potato slices in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sliced onions and half of the cheese.
Repeat layers:
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.
Add sauce:
Pour the warm milk and cream mixture evenly over the layers.
Bake covered:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Bake uncovered:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
Rest and garnish:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Pin Recipe
| fordishes.com

My family cherishes the moments gathered around this warm and hearty meal especially on cozy weekends.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Variations

Add layers of sliced tomatoes or cooked bacon for extra flavor, or substitute cheddar with Gruyère or mozzarella cheese.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

This comforting Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake features perfectly baked potatoes with a rich, inviting aroma. Pin Recipe
This comforting Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake features perfectly baked potatoes with a rich, inviting aroma. | fordishes.com

This potato layer bake is the perfect combination of ease and taste that will surely become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.

Recipe FAQs

What type of potatoes work best for this dish?

Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds hold their shape well and become tender when baked, making them ideal for layering.

Can I substitute the cheese used in the layers?

Yes, cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella can be used to vary the flavor and texture while maintaining creaminess.

How do I prevent the top from burning before the potatoes are cooked?

Cover the dish with foil during the initial baking to allow even cooking and uncover it toward the end to brown the top gently.

What spices enhance the flavor of the creamy sauce?

A pinch of ground nutmeg and freshly ground black pepper add warmth and depth without overpowering the dish.

Can I prepare the dish in advance?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Bring to room temperature slightly before placing in the oven for even cooking.

Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Tender potatoes baked with onions and creamy cheese for a warm, savory dish.

Prep Duration
15 mins
Cooking Duration
60 mins
Complete Time
75 mins
Recipe by Fordishes Ava Reynolds


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine European

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Details Vegetarian Option, Gluten-Free

Ingredient List

Vegetables

01 2.6 lbs peeled and thinly sliced potatoes
02 1 large onion, thinly sliced

Dairy

01 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp whole milk
02 2/3 cup heavy cream
03 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
04 2 tbsp unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

Pantry

01 2 cloves garlic, minced
02 1 tsp salt
03 1/2 tsp black pepper
04 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

Optional Toppings

01 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 01

Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a medium baking dish with butter.

Step 02

Prepare cream sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Warm gently without boiling, then remove from heat.

Step 03

Assemble layers: Arrange half the potato slices evenly in the baking dish. Top with half the sliced onions and half the grated cheese.

Step 04

Repeat layering: Add remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese in layers as before.

Step 05

Add cream mixture: Pour the warm milk and cream sauce evenly over the layered ingredients.

Step 06

Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Step 07

Finish baking uncovered: Remove foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes until the top is golden and potatoes are tender.

Step 08

Rest and garnish: Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Needed Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Saucepan
  • Medium baking dish (approximately 9 x 11 inches)
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Info

Double-check ingredients for allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy products (milk, cheese).

Nutrition Information (per serving)

For informational use only—doesn't replace personalized medical direction.
  • Calories: 370
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Proteins: 10 g