Indulge in the creamy and comforting flavors of this Cheesy Garlic Potato Bake, perfect as a rich side dish or a hearty main course. With layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a garlic-infused cream and milk mixture, topped with melted cheese and a hint of butter, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something warm and savory.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 potatoes (approximately 600 grams or 21 oz)
- 250 ml milk (8.5 fl oz)
- 250 ml cream (8.5 fl oz)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 150 grams of cheese (about 5.3 oz)
- Butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash, peel, and slice the potatoes thinly into rounds or semi-circles.
- Simmer Milk and Cream: In a saucepan, combine the milk and cream. Peel and crush the garlic cloves and add them to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This infuses the cream and milk with the rich flavor of garlic.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
- Layer the Potatoes: Arrange a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Add Cream Mixture: Pour some of the simmering milk and cream mixture over the potatoes, just enough to slightly cover them.
- Repeat Layering: Continue layering potatoes, seasoning them, and adding the milk and cream mixture until all potatoes are used. Ensure the top layer is moistened with the cream mixture.
- Add Cheese and Butter: Grate the cheese and sprinkle it generously over the top layer of potatoes. Dot the surface with small pieces of butter to enrich the flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly and makes serving easier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy and cheesy potato bake as a delightful side dish alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or fish. It also makes a satisfying main course for vegetarians, paired with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
Cooking Tips
- For a golden-brown crust, broil the potato bake for a few minutes after baking to crisp up the cheese topping.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan for unique flavor twists.
- To speed up prep time, use a mandoline slicer to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish provides a good source of carbohydrates from potatoes, essential vitamins and minerals from milk and cream, and protein and calcium from cheese. However, it is also rich in calories and saturated fats, so enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Dietary Information
This recipe is not suitable for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet due to the inclusion of milk, cream, and cheese. It can be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for its creamy, indulgent texture combined with the comforting flavors of garlic and melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as delicious when reheated.
Conclusion
In summary, this Cheesy Garlic Potato Bake is a classic comfort food dish that never fails to impress. Its simplicity, richness, and versatility make it a staple in any kitchen, bringing warmth and satisfaction to every bite. Try it out and savor the delightful combination of creamy potatoes and gooey chesse!