Pin Recipe 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 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.
Pin Recipe 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.