Crispy Potato Bake

Crispy Potato Bake

This Crispy Potato Bake is a deliciously crispy, cheesy, and creamy potato dish that is perfect for a comforting side or a hearty main. The potatoes are thinly sliced, layered with butter, garlic, herbs, and cheese, and baked until golden brown and crisp on top.

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Ingredients

(Serves 4-6)

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme, chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly (about 1/8-inch thick) using a mandolin or a sharp knife.

2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. Assemble the Potato Bake

• Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or similar sized casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
• Layer the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the dish. Pour some of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
• Continue layering the potatoes, pouring more cream mixture, and sprinkling cheese between each layer. Make sure the top layer has a good amount of cheese for a crispy, golden finish.

4. Bake

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
• After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Remove the potato bake from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
• Sprinkle the top with a little paprika (optional) and fresh parsley for color and freshness.

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Tips

• For Extra Crispy Potatoes: You can use a broiler for the last 5 minutes of baking to achieve extra crispy edges, but be careful not to burn the cheese.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan for a different flavor.
• Add-ins: You can add extras like cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms between the layers for added flavor.

This Crispy Potato Bake is indulgent, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect as a side dish for steak, roast chicken, or as a cozy main for a comforting meal! 🧀🥔