Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Featured in: Warm Bakes

This budget-friendly potato layer bake features thinly sliced potatoes and onions layered with a creamy cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbling. The dish is easy to prepare with simple ingredients like milk, cream, garlic, and cheddar cheese. Layers are covered with a warm milk and cream mixture before baking, creating a comforting texture and rich flavor. After baking, it rests to set before serving, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:20:00 GMT
Golden, bubbling Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, a comforting casserole with creamy cheese and tender potatoes. Save
Golden, bubbling Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, a comforting casserole with creamy cheese and tender potatoes. | moonthyme.com

A comforting, wallet-friendly casserole featuring tender potato slices, savory onions, and a creamy cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbling.

This potato layer bake has been a favorite in my family for years especially during chilly evenings when comfort food is a must.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 1.2 kg peeled and thinly sliced
  • Onion: 1 large thinly sliced
  • Whole milk: 200 ml
  • Heavy cream: 150 ml
  • Grated cheddar cheese: 120 g
  • Unsalted butter: 30 g plus extra for greasing
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp optional
  • Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp for garnish

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a medium baking dish with butter.
Step 2:
In a small saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in the milk cream salt pepper and nutmeg if using. Heat gently until just warmed do not boil. Remove from heat.
Step 4:
Layer half the potato slices in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sliced onions and half of the cheese.
Step 5:
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes onions and cheese.
Step 6:
Pour the warm milk and cream mixture evenly over the layers.
Step 7:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Step 8:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
Step 9:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
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During family dinners this dish always brings everyone together and fills the kitchen with the most inviting aromas.

Allergen Information

Contains milk and cheese dairy. Check cheese and cream packaging for potential allergens or additives.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 370 calories 17 g total fat 44 g carbohydrates 10 g protein.

Required Tools

Sharp knife cutting board saucepan baking dish approx 22x28 cm 9x11 in aluminum foil.

Close-up of a bubbling Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, showcasing tender potatoes and melted cheese, perfect for dinner. Save
Close-up of a bubbling Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, showcasing tender potatoes and melted cheese, perfect for dinner. | moonthyme.com

This potato layer bake is a simple delicious way to satisfy your comfort food cravings anytime.

Recipe FAQ

How should the potatoes be prepared for this dish?

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook through uniformly and layer nicely.

Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with other types?

Yes, gruyère or mozzarella work well and will offer slightly different but delicious flavors.

What is the purpose of warming the milk and cream mixture?

Warming helps blend the flavors and prevents curdling when poured over the layers, ensuring a smooth sauce.

Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil while baking?

Covering traps moisture, allowing potatoes to cook tenderly before uncovering to brown the top.

How long should the bake rest before serving?

Let it rest for about 5 minutes to set properly and make serving easier without losing the creamy texture.

Can I add extra ingredients to enhance flavor?

Yes, layering sliced tomatoes or sprinkling cooked bacon can add depth, depending on dietary preferences.

Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Tender potato slices with onions and creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
60 min
Total Duration
75 min
Created by Lydia Brooks

Type Warm Bakes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine European

Portions 4 Serving Size

Diet Info Vegetarian Friendly, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 2.6 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
02 1 large onion, thinly sliced

Dairy

01 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk
02 2/3 cup heavy cream
03 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
04 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

Pantry

01 2 cloves garlic, minced
02 1 teaspoon salt
03 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Optional Toppings

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a medium baking dish with butter.

Step 02

Prepare Cream Mixture: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Warm gently without boiling, then remove from heat.

Step 03

Layer Ingredients: Arrange half of the potato slices evenly in the baking dish. Top with half of the sliced onions and half of the grated cheese. Repeat layering with remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.

Step 04

Add Cream Mixture: Pour the warm milk and cream mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.

Step 05

Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Step 06

Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and potatoes are tender.

Step 07

Rest and Garnish: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tools Needed

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish (approx. 9x11 inches)
  • Aluminum foil

Allergen Details

Review every ingredient for allergens and ask a medical professional when unsure.
  • Contains dairy: milk and cheese. Check packaging for additional allergens.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

These details are for reference only, and shouldn't replace healthcare advice.
  • Energy: 370
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Proteins: 10 g