Potatoes are a universal comfort food, beloved across cultures and cuisines for their versatility, taste, and ability to complement almost any dish. This recipe for Creamy Garlic Potatoes with Fresh Tomato Salad offers a delightful combination of hearty, cheesy potatoes paired with a refreshing salad that balances the richness with zesty and fresh flavors.
The creamy potato bake features a perfect blend of regular and sweet potatoes, layered with rich cream, butter, and cheese, infused with the aromatic flavor of garlic. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet remains simple to prepare, making it ideal for family dinners or festive occasions. Meanwhile, the accompanying salad of juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp onions, and a tangy mustard-lemon dressing brings a vibrant contrast to the meal.
This recipe embodies the timelessness of a good potato bake and salad duo: it’s satisfying, packed with flavor, and appeals to a wide range of palates. Plus, it’s easy to tweak to suit various dietary needs and ingredient availability.
Full Recipe:
Why This Recipe is Timeless
Potatoes, often referred to as the humble staple, have been a cornerstone of home cooking for centuries. From creamy gratins in French cuisine to simple boiled potatoes in Scandinavian traditions, this ingredient holds a special place in countless kitchens. The inclusion of sweet potatoes adds a modern twist, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional profile of this dish. Paired with a fresh salad, this meal strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and lightness.
The timeless appeal of this recipe lies in its versatility, simplicity, and ability to bring people together. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, these creamy garlic potatoes and fresh salad are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Garlic Potatoes:
- Potatoes: 4–5 medium, peeled and thinly sliced
- Sweet potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and thinly sliced
- Butter: 3 tablespoons
- Garlic: 5 cloves, minced
- Cream: 300 ml
- Cheese: 150 g (cheddar, gruyere, or a blend), grated
- Salt: To taste
- Black pepper: To taste
For the Fresh Tomato Salad:
- Cherry tomatoes: 10–12, halved
- Onion: 1/2 medium, thinly sliced
- Parsley: A handful, chopped
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- French mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Black pepper: To taste
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings
This recipe yields 4 servings, making it a perfect meal for a small family or a cozy dinner with friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and thinly slice both the regular and sweet potatoes. Aim for uniform slices, about 3–4 mm thick, to ensure even cooking.
3. Make the Garlic Cream Mixture
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the cream, season with salt and black pepper, and stir well. Heat gently until the mixture is warm but not boiling.
4. Assemble the Potato Bake
Layer the potato and sweet potato slices in the prepared baking dish, alternating between the two types. Pour the garlic cream mixture over the layers, ensuring it seeps into all the crevices. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly on top.
5. Bake the Potatoes
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Prepare the Salad
While the potatoes are baking, prepare the salad. In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced onion, and chopped parsley. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the potato bake is ready, let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Plate generous scoops of the creamy garlic potatoes alongside a portion of fresh tomato salad. Enjoy this harmonious blend of rich and fresh flavors!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
Tips for Making the Perfect Potato Bake and Salad
- Slice Potatoes Evenly: Uniform slices ensure even cooking. Use a mandoline slicer for precision and efficiency.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic choice, consider using gruyere or parmesan for a more gourmet flavor.
- Enhance the Salad: Add other vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers for additional crunch and flavor.
- Add Herbs to the Potato Bake: A sprinkle of thyme or rosemary between the potato layers can add an aromatic depth.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover potato bake and salad in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the potato bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes. The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be served cold from the fridge.
- Freezing: The potato bake can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different varieties. Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes work particularly well for their creamy texture.
Can I substitute the cream?
For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or almond milk.
Is the salad dressing customizable?
Absolutely! You can swap the mustard for honey or balsamic vinegar for a sweeter or tangier dressing.
Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the potato bake a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Simply bake it when you’re ready. The salad, however, is best prepared fresh.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Potatoes with Fresh Tomato Salad is a celebration of comfort and freshness in one meal. The creamy, cheesy potato bake offers a rich and indulgent experience, while the vibrant tomato salad brings a refreshing burst of flavors. Together, they create a perfectly balanced dish that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing.
What makes this recipe truly timeless is its adaptability. It can be a centerpiece for casual family dinners or an elegant side for festive gatherings. Its ingredients are pantry staples, yet the flavors they produce are anything but ordinary.
So, whether you’re revisiting this classic recipe or trying it for the first time, it’s sure to become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire. Enjoy every bite of this comforting, flavorful dish!