Dreamy Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe For Comfort Lovers

Golden potatoes meet their match in this irresistible cheesy potato bake that promises comfort in every single bite.

Layers of tender potato slices meld perfectly with a rich, velvety cheese sauce that screams pure indulgence.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings call for this crowd-pleasing side dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

The melted cheese creates a gorgeous golden crust that adds delightful texture and depth to each serving.

Simple ingredients combine to create a truly memorable dish that feels like a culinary hug.

creamy, decadent, and utterly delicious, this potato bake will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

One forkful, and you’ll understand why this dish is pure comfort food magic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 65 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 386 kcal

Servings: 9

Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake: What You’ll Need

• Butter: Kickstarts rich flavor and provides smooth foundation for sauce.
• Onions: Adds sweet depth and aromatic base to the dish.
• Garlic: Brings intense, punchy flavor that elevates the entire recipe.
• Flour: Creates silky thickening agent for luxurious sauce texture.
• Chicken Broth: Introduces savory undertones and enhances overall moisture.
• Half-and-Half: Delivers creamy, velvety consistency to sauce.
• Thyme: Introduces gentle herbal notes with earthy warmth.
• Salt: Amplifies and balances all other ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and sharp background complexity.

• Potatoes: Select waxy varieties like Yukon Gold for smooth, creamy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharp, tangy melting quality with golden color.
• Gruyere Cheese: Adds nutty, sophisticated flavor profile with excellent melting properties.

• Aluminum Foil: Protects dish during initial baking, trapping moisture and ensuring even cooking.

Tools That Help Make Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake Shine

• Large skillet: Essential for making the creamy sauce and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Mandoline: Perfect for slicing potatoes evenly and thinly.
• 9: Ideal for layering and baking the potato dish.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending the sauce smoothly without lumps.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure half-and-half and chicken broth.
• Measuring spoons: For precise seasoning with salt, pepper, and thyme.
• Foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Cheese grater: Optional for grating fresh cheddar and gruyere cheese.
• Knife: Backup for slicing potatoes if mandoline is unavailable.

Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake: How to Pull It Off

• Flavor Foundation Gently sauté sweet onions and aromatic garlic in a skillet, creating a rich base that will infuse warmth into the entire dish.
• Creamy Liquid Magic Whisk together a silky smooth sauce by gradually blending chicken broth and half-and-half, seasoning with gentle herbs and a whisper of salt and pepper.
• Potato Canvas Slice potatoes into delicate, uniform rounds using a sharp mandoline, ensuring each piece will absorb the luxurious sauce perfectly.
• Layering Symphony Alternate potato slices with the velvety sauce and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar and nutty gruyere, building delicious depth with each layer.
• Oven Transformation Cover the casserole and bake until potatoes become tender, then unveil and let the top transform into a golden, crispy masterpiece with bubbling cheese.
• Resting Moment Allow the baked dish to settle for a few moments, letting flavors meld and sauce stabilize before serving this comforting creation.

Tips for a Better Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake

• Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin potato slices that cook evenly and create a beautiful layered texture.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda, sharp white cheddar, or fontina to add unique flavor profiles to the classic recipe.
• Prepare the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.
• Customize the flavor by adding fresh herbs like rosemary, chives, or diced green onions between potato layers for an extra burst of freshness.
• Transform this side dish into a main course by adding cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken between the layers for a heartier meal.

Ways to Serve Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake Deliciously

• Serve with Roasted Protein Companions: Pair this rich potato bake with herb-crusted roasted chicken or succulent pork tenderloin for a complete, satisfying meal that balances the creamy potato texture.
• Garnish with Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Top the baked dish with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy potatoes and enhance the visual appeal.
• Create a Balanced Side Salad: Complement the heavy potato bake with a crisp, light green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy dish.
• Offer Wine Pairing Suggestions: Serve alongside a chilled Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir that can match the creamy, cheesy flavors and provide a delightful dining experience.

Storage Notes for Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake Success

• Refrigerate Strategically: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavor and creamy texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, restore crispiness by baking in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the potato's tender consistency.
• Prep Ahead Wisely: Slice potatoes and prepare sauce one day in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Velvety Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Comfort classics like this cheesy potato bake deliver pure kitchen magic from simple ingredients. Crisp golden edges and rich Wisconsin cheddar make this hearty side dish something you’ll crave at every family gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded gruyere cheese
• 1 cup onions, diced
• ¼ cup butter
• 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup flour or 2 tbsps cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt, plus more to season the potatoes
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

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Instructions

1. Sauté Foundation: In a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C), melt butter and cook onions until translucent. Add garlic and sauté briefly to release its aromatic qualities.
2. Create Roux: Dust flour over the onion-garlic mixture, stirring continuously to eliminate raw flour taste and develop a smooth base.
3. Develop Cream Sauce: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half, maintaining consistent stirring. Incorporate dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low (300°F/150°C) and simmer until sauce thickens.
4. Prepare Baking Vessel: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9 x 13 inches casserole dish with non-stick spray. Slice potatoes uniformly thin using a mandoline or sharp knife.
5. Layer Construction: Alternately stack potato slices, cream sauce, and cheese (cheddar and gruyere) in three sequential layers. Ensure minimal potato overlapping and even sauce distribution.
6. Initial Baking Phase: Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing potatoes to soften and flavors to meld.
7. Final Transformation: Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese across the surface. Continue baking 20-30 minutes until potatoes become tender and top achieves a golden-brown complexion.
8. Optional Finishing Touch: Activate broiler for 2-3 minutes to create a crispy, caramelized cheese crust.
9. Resting Period: Let potato bake rest 15 minutes before serving, allowing sauce to set and flavors to harmonize.

Notes

• Slice Potatoes Precisely: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes uniformly thin, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Build Layers Carefully: Arrange potato slices with minimal overlap to create a compact, well-structured casserole that allows sauce and cheese to penetrate every layer.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk continuously while adding broth and cream to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, velvety base that coats potatoes perfectly.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the potato bake sit for 15 minutes after baking, allowing sauce to thicken and flavors to develop, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious final dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 386
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 455 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg