Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake (Print Version)

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

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

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

→ Dairy

03 - 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk
04 - 2/3 cup heavy cream
05 - 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

→ Pantry

07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

→ Optional Toppings

11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a medium baking dish with butter.
02 - 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.
03 - 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.
04 - Pour the warm milk and cream mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
05 - Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
06 - Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and potatoes are tender.
07 - Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Budget-friendly ingredients
  • Easy to prepare and bake
02 -
  • Adding sliced tomatoes or cooked bacon boosts flavor but alters vegetarian status
  • Substitute Gruyère or mozzarella for cheddar to vary taste
03 -
  • Ensure potato slices are evenly thin for uniform cooking
  • Do not boil milk mixture to preserve creaminess
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