Description
Creamy “cheesy potato bake” delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, melding rustic potato layers with silky cheese sauce. Crisp golden edges and rich flavors promise a delightful side dish you’ll crave at every family gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent potato adherence.
- Create a smooth roux by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then gradually incorporate flour while stirring constantly to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Slowly introduce milk into the roux, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and develops a velvety consistency.
- Enhance the sauce with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then fold in cheddar cheese until the mixture becomes uniformly creamy and glossy.
- Layer the bottom of the baking dish with a precise arrangement of thinly sliced potatoes, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously drizzle half the prepared cheese sauce over the initial potato layer, allowing it to seep between the potato slices.
- Construct a second layer of potatoes, mirroring the first layer’s precise placement and coverage.
- Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the second potato layer, guaranteeing even distribution and complete saturation.
- Crown the dish with a generous sprinkle of reserved cheddar cheese, creating a potential golden, crispy topping.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes to allow potatoes to become tender.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden-brown crust.
- Remove from the oven and let the cheesy potato bake rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Slice potatoes uniformly and have ingredients measured before starting to streamline the cooking process.
- Sauce Technique: Whisking milk gradually prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
- Potato Layering: Create even layers for consistent cooking and flavor distribution throughout the dish.
- Cheese Melting: Use freshly grated cheddar for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Baking Tip: Covering with foil initially prevents excessive browning and helps potatoes cook evenly.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and make cutting easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg