Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake is a rich and comforting side dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal. This dish features cubed potatoes baked in a luscious, creamy sauce with two types of cheese, creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s the ideal addition to your family gatherings or holiday feasts, ensuring that everyone leaves the table satisfied and asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake
This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here are some reasons to love it:
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that suits all ages.
- Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or family dinners.
- Easy to prepare, making it a great weeknight option.
- Rich and creamy texture that comforts the soul.
- Can be customized with different cheese options.
- Ideal for meal prepping and leftovers.
This recipe embodies a Rich and Creamy Potato Bake that satisfies, with its combination of flavors and textures. You’ll want to keep it in your recipe arsenal!
Ingredients for Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake
Gather these items:
- 1.25 kg / 2.5 lb potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 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 substitute with 1/4 cup cream)
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried), plus more for garnish
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Step 2: Peel and cut potatoes into 2/3-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.
- Step 3: Add milk, cream, mayonnaise, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese (excluding mozzarella) to the bowl. Mix well to coat the potatoes evenly.
- Step 4: Pour the mixture into a 3-quart (3-liter) baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
- Step 5: Bake for 60 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 6: Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top, and return to the oven uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Step 7: Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra thyme leaves if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake
Keep these in mind:
- Perfect for holidays or potlucks.
- Can substitute cheese types based on preference.
- For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños.
- Ensure the potatoes are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
Best Ways to Serve Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Roasted meats, such as chicken or beef.
- Fresh green salads to balance the richness.
- Crusty bread for soaking up the creamy goodness.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake
To store leftovers, cool the bake completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. It can last for up to 3 days. For reheating, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This makes for a great meal prep option!
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake
What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake?
The secret lies in the quality of the cheese and ensuring the potatoes are cut uniformly. This guarantees even cooking and a delightful creamy texture throughout the dish.
Can I make Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this dish a day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving for the best results.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake?
To avoid mistakes, ensure you don’t overbake the potatoes initially, as they can become mushy. Also, remember to let the bake rest before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Variations of Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake You Can Try
Here are some variations to switch things up:
- Add cooked bacon for a Decadent Cheesy Potato Dish.
- Incorporate broccoli or spinach for a nutritional boost.
- Use sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic.
- Mix in different herbs like rosemary or parsley for a flavor enhancement.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Sliced Bread Ciabatta and Oil or Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil.
For more information on the health benefits of potatoes, you can visit Healthline.
To learn more about meal prepping, check out our Mediterranean Chickpea Salad recipe.
PrintDelicious Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake for Family Gatherings
This Easy Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake is a rich and comforting side dish made with cubed potatoes baked in a creamy sauce with two types of cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1.25 kg / 2.5 lb potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 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 substitute with 1/4 cup cream)
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried), plus more for garnish
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Peel and cut potatoes into 2/3-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.
- Add milk, cream, mayonnaise, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese (excluding mozzarella) to the bowl. Mix well to coat the potatoes evenly.
- Pour the mixture into a 3-quart (3-liter) baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top, and return to the oven uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra thyme leaves if desired.
Notes
- Perfect for holidays or potlucks.
- Can substitute cheese types based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg











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