Cheesy potato bake
Enjoy a classic comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy layers in the best possible way. This cheesy potato bake layers tender potato and onion slices under a rich blanket of melted cheese, all nestled in smooth cream. Baked until golden, this irresistible gratin is easy to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients
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750 g
Potatoes
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1
Onion
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1 tsp
Salt
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¼ tsp
Black pepper
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150 g
Cheese, grated
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400 ml
Cream
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
To get the best flavour in your cheesy potato bake, build each layer carefully. Begin with a solid base of evenly sliced potatoes to cook them evenly. Season each layer lightly with salt and pepper to bring out the flavours. Add thin onion slices for sweetness and aroma, and sprinkle grated cheese between layers for pockets of gooey richness. Evenly pour cream over the top and gently press down to help it soak through.
For a cheesy potato bake, opt for a ceramic or glass baking dish to distribute heat evenly and keep an eye on your cooking progress. A dish about 20–25 cm in diameter and 5–7 cm deep works best for 750 g of potatoes, allowing for even cooking without overcrowding. Lightly grease the dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking, and consider preheating it for better results.
Pre-cooking potato slices for your cheesy potato bake ensures they cook evenly and avoids undercooked centres, especially in thick layers. Simmer the slices in cream before baking to cut down on oven time and boost the flavour and creaminess. This technique also thickens the sauce, making it extra delicious. We recommend peeling the potatoes before slicing them with a mandolin or sharp knife to get the smoothest and creamiest texture, but if you prefer a quicker, rustic style, you can leave the skins on. Just make sure to scrub the potatoes well before cooking.
FAQ: Questions about cheesy potato bake
Want to perfect your cheesy potato bake? Our FAQ tackles the top questions to help you master this comforting dish. From choosing the right potatoes to achieving a creamy texture, our answers will ensure you enjoy your bake to the fullest.
What potatoes should I use for cheesy potato bake?
For a cheesy potato bake, opt for starchy or all-purpose potatoes such as Russet or Yukon Gold. Russets are high in starch, making them soft and creamy as they bake. They soak up the cream and cheese well, creating a rich, cohesive dish. Yukon Gold potatoes are also great, as they balance creaminess with shape retention, thanks to their medium starch content. They provide a smooth texture while still holding their form. Avoid waxy potatoes such as Red or New Potatoes, as they tend to stay firm and do not absorb the cream and cheese effectively, which can result in a less creamy bake.
How thin should I slice the potatoes and onions for the cheesy potato bake?
When making cheesy potato bake, slice your potatoes about 3–5 mm thick. This thickness helps them cook evenly and soak up the cream without getting mushy. Slice the onions even thinner, around 2–3 mm, to allow them to soften and blend well with the potatoes during baking. For consistent slices, using a mandolin or food processor is ideal, but you can also get good results by slicing carefully by hand.
What kind of cheese works best for a cheesy potato bake?
Cheddar is a classic choice for a cheesy potato bake due to its sharp, rich flavour that melts well. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavour and helps form a golden crust, while Gruyère offers a creamy, slightly sweet taste that pairs well with potatoes. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to discover what you like best.
Can I make cheesy potato bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare a cheesy potato bake in advance. Simply layer potatoes, onions, salt, pepper, and cheese in the ovenproof dish, but do not add the cream yet. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, pour the cream over the layers to prevent it from separating or getting watery, and place it in the oven at 225 °C (200 °C fan-assisted) for about 40 minutes. You can also freeze the dish before baking. Just follow the recipe, but do not add cream. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, add cream, and bake according to recipe instructions.
How do I store cheesy potato bake?
To store your cheesy potato bake, let it cool at room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than two hours. Cover the dish tightly with cling film or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for 3–4 days. To freeze, wrap the cooled bake tightly in cling film and aluminium foil. You can freeze it for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
247 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
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| Fibre | - | 4.5 g |
| Protein | 23.5 % | 14.3 g |
| Fat | 22.2 % | 6.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 54.3 % | 33 g |
Dive into a creamy and cheesy potato bake
Straight from the oven, this cheesy potato bake arrives bubbling with golden, lightly browned cheese and soft layers hiding just beneath the surface. As you lift the first spoonful, you reveal tender potatoes and onions, all coated in a smooth, cheesy sauce. It is the best comfort food, made even simpler with our easy recipe. Enjoy the cheesy bake and feel free to help yourself to seconds or thirds.
You might also want to try our chicken and orzo bake or this colourful tray bake with chicken, herbs, and vegetables.
Few ingredients and little work, but plenty of flavour
One of the best things about this cheesy potato bake is how little it asks of you in the kitchen. With just potatoes, onion, cream, cheese, salt, and pepper, you can create something that tastes as if it took far more effort. Most of the work is in slicing the potatoes and onions. Once that is done, you simply layer, season, pour over the cream, and let the oven do the rest.
Despite the short ingredient list, this bake still offers plenty of flavour – the natural sweetness of the onions, the earthiness of the potatoes, and the savoury depth of melted cheese. The cream ties everything together into a silky sauce that soaks into the potatoes as they cook. It is a perfect example of how everyday ingredients and a bit of patience can create a truly delicious dish.
Easy comfort food for the whole family
Our cheesy potato bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining textures and flavours that comfort the soul. It takes simple ingredients and turns them into a cosy dish, ideal for family meals or special occasions. Whether it is a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, our cheesy potato bake is a crowd-pleaser. And as a bonus, it is easy to make, giving you more time with your guests or family.
It pairs easily with, for example, roasted winter vegetables or a carrot beetroot salad, so you do not need to plan a complicated menu around it. You can bake it in one large dish for a family meal or divide it into smaller dishes for individual portions.
Experiment with the recipe
The classic cheesy potato bake is always a hit, but a few changes can introduce new flavour experiences. For a smoky flavour, include some cooked bacon or pancetta between the layers. These tweaks add a savoury richness that complements the creamy, cheesy foundation. If you like a little heat, a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne pepper can add a subtle kick.
To enrich the sauce, try infusing the cream with aromatics such as a smashed garlic clove or a sprig of thyme. This adds subtle depth without overwhelming the dish. For a richer texture, prepare a roux-based cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and gradually adding cream before mixing in cheese. Also, consider using sharp cheeses like Gruyère or mature cheddar in the sauce and sprinkling some between the potato layers for a consistently cheesy flavour.
