Easy Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake is a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Tender potatoes bathed in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with melted cheese make it a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1.25kg (2.5lb) potatoes (any except waxy potatoes)
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) milk (full or low fat)
• 3/4 cup (185 ml) thickened cream (heavy cream)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (preferably whole egg) or 1/4 cup cream
• 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus more for garnish) or 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 tsp salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (for mixing; see notes for suggestions)
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping; can substitute another cheese)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Step 2: Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1 3/4 cm (approximately 2/3 inch) cubes. Place them in a large bowl.
3. Step 3: Add the milk, thickened cream, mayonnaise (or cream), thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and 2 cups of shredded cheese to the potatoes. Mix everything well to combine.
4. Step 4: Pour the potato mixture into a 3-litre (quart) baking dish. A dish around 22 cm (9 inches) square and 6 cm (2.3 inches) high works well.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Let the potato bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra thyme leaves if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a more decadent bake, use a combination of cheddar and Gruyère cheese in the mix for extra depth of flavor.
• Mayonnaise can be replaced with sour cream for a tangier taste.
• Adding finely chopped onions or leeks can add sweetness and aroma.
• Use dried thyme if fresh is not available; just reduce to 1 teaspoon.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Microwaving is possible but may soften the crispy cheese topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use waxy potatoes for this recipe?

Waxy potatoes tend to hold their shape and won’t become as creamy. For the best texture, use starchy or all-purpose potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds.

What types of cheese work best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mild Colby work well mixed in, while mozzarella is great for melting on top. Feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses.

Easy Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 140 reviews

• Author: Noah
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake is a comforting and delicious side dish featuring tender potato cubes baked in a rich mixture of milk, cream, mayonnaise, garlic, and thyme, topped with a golden layer of melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, the dish boasts creamy textures and cheesy flavors that complement any main course.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 1.25kg (2.5lb) potatoes (any type except waxy potatoes)

Liquid Ingredients

• 2/3 cup (160 ml) milk (full or low fat)
• 3/4 cup (185 ml) thickened cream (heavy cream)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (preferably whole egg) or 1/4 cup cream

Herbs and Seasonings

• 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus more for garnish) or 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 tsp salt
• Black pepper, to taste

Cheeses

• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese for mixing (such as cheddar or your choice)
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese (or substitute with another cheese)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1 3/4 cm (2/3 inch) cubes. Place the cut potatoes into a large mixing bowl.
3. Mix Ingredients: Add the milk, thickened cream, mayonnaise (or cream), thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and 2 cups of shredded cheese to the bowl with the potatoes. Stir everything together until the potato cubes are well coated with the creamy mixture.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the potato and cream mixture into a 3-liter (3-quart) baking dish, approximately 22cm (9 inches) square by 6cm (2.3 inches) high.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Add Mozzarella Topping: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and golden brown.
8. Rest and Garnish: Allow the potato bake to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh thyme leaves if desired for added aroma and presentation.

Notes

• Use non-waxy potatoes like Russet or Maris Piper for best texture; waxy potatoes may result in a clingy, less creamy bake.
• Mayonnaise adds richness and a slight tang; whole egg mayo is preferred for flavor and creaminess. If you don’t have mayo, substitute with extra cream (1/4 cup).
• Shredded cheese for mixing can be cheddar, Gruyère, or a cheese blend that melts well. This deeply influences the flavor, so choose your favorite.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Western

Keywords: cheesy potato bake, creamy potato casserole, baked potatoes, comfort food, side dish, easy potato recipe