Description
The Cheesy Herb-Infused Potato Bake is a warm, comforting dish featuring tender potato slices layered with a creamy blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, fresh herbs, and a silky garlic cream sauce. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe is simple to prepare, versatile, and delivers rich, cheesy flavors with a golden, bubbling finish.
Ingredients
																
							Scale
													
									
			Potatoes
- 4–5 large starchy potatoes (Russets for fluffiness or Yukon Gold for buttery texture), peeled and thinly sliced
Cheese Blend
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Fresh Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Cream Sauce
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing and richness)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes uniformly using a mandoline slicer or knife for even cooking. Rinse the slices in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them dry thoroughly.
- Make the Creamy Herb Sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, gently warm the heavy cream with minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, thyme, chives, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally to meld the flavors without boiling to maintain a silky texture.
- Layer the Potatoes and Cheese: Grease a baking dish with butter. Arrange a layer of potato slices, sprinkle a generous amount of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend, then drizzle some creamy herb sauce over the layer. Repeat these layers until all the potatoes, cheese, and sauce are used, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the potato bake rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to thicken and allow the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- Use thin, even potato slices to ensure uniform cooking and perfect layering.
- Let the dish rest after baking for improved texture and flavor absorption.
- Fresh herbs provide brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Combining sharp cheddar with mild mozzarella ensures balanced flavor and excellent meltability.
- Heavy cream adds richness and prevents the bake from drying out during cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: potato bake, cheesy potato casserole, herb-infused potato bake, comfort food, baked potatoes, cheesy herb dish, holiday side dish, easy potato recipe
