Classic Homestyle Potato Bake

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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If you're after comfort food that warms the heart and soul, this Classic Homestyle Potato Bake is your go-to dish. It's the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness that makes it a standout at any meal. Let's dive into this simple, yet utterly satisfying recipe.

Ingredients for Classic Homestyle Potato Bake

Russet potatoes are ideal for this bake thanks to their starchy nature, which helps thicken the sauce and give a creamy texture. The heavy cream and whole milk create a luscious, rich sauce that coats the potatoes beautifully. Cheddar cheese brings a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the mildness of the potatoes. We use unsalted butter to control the salt level, creating a roux with all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce. Salt, black pepper, and a touch of ground nutmeg enhance the dish's savory notes. Garlic adds an aromatic depth, while green onions provide a fresh, vibrant finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an even cook, slice potatoes as uniformly thin as possible.
  • Using a mandoline can speed up the slicing process.
  • Let the bake sit for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to firm up before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This potato bake pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or beef. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. It's also a fantastic addition to a brunch spread with eggs and bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
What if I don't have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce might be a bit less rich.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Gruyère or a mix of cheeses work well for a different flavor profile.

Classic Homestyle Potato Bake Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will ensure nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Let it cook until it's fragrant, which will take about a minute. This step releases the garlic's aroma, adding depth to your sauce.

Next, whisk in the flour and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until it's lightly golden. This is your roux, the base for a creamy sauce. Gradually add the heavy cream and milk, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth mixture. Add in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens.

Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese until it melts into a velvety sauce. Now, layer half of the potatoes into the prepared dish, pour over half of the cheese sauce, and repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce. Scatter the remaining cheddar cheese on top and sprinkle with green onions.

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This gives the potatoes time to soften. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. Let it cool slightly before serving; this will make it easier to slice and serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A rich, creamy sauce envelops every layer of potato.
  • Perfectly crispy, golden top that adds texture.
  • Easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients.
  • A crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

4 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped green onions

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, ensuring a smooth mixture.
5. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until thickened.
6. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Layer half of the sliced potatoes into the prepared baking dish. Pour over half of the cheese sauce, then repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
8. Top with remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
9. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown.
10. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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