Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Featured in: Comfort Bakes

This comforting potato layer bake blends tender sliced potatoes with savory onions and a creamy cheese sauce. Layered carefully, then baked to a golden finish, it offers rich flavors and a bubbling, hearty texture. Enhanced by gentle seasoning and a hint of nutmeg, it’s an easy-to-make dish ideal for any cozy meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.

Preparation involves warming a milk and cream mixture infused with garlic, then layering ingredients before baking covered and uncovered to achieve perfect tenderness and browning. Versatile substitutions include different cheeses or optional toppings, making this a flexible, satisfying choice.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:15:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, a comforting casserole with creamy cheese and tender potatoes. Save
Golden, bubbly Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, a comforting casserole with creamy cheese and tender potatoes. | ovenharmony.com

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

This dish has been a family favorite for years, perfect for cozy dinners and leftovers.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced
  • Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced
  • Whole milk: 200 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp)
  • Heavy cream: 150 ml (2/3 cup)
  • Cheddar cheese: 120 g (1 cup), grated
  • Unsalted butter: 30 g (2 tbsp), plus extra for greasing
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp (optional)
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a medium baking dish with butter.
Melt butter and cook garlic:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Prepare milk mixture:
Stir in the milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Heat gently until just warmed—do not boil. Remove from heat.
Layer ingredients:
Layer half the potato slices in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sliced onions and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.
Pour milk mixture:
Pour the warm milk and cream mixture evenly over the layers.
Bake covered:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Bake uncovered:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
Rest and garnish:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Save
| ovenharmony.com

We enjoy this casserole as a main course paired with a green salad, perfect for family dinners and leftovers.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

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

Nutritional Information

Calories 370 per serving, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 44 g, Protein 10 g

Close-up of a bubbling Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, ready to serve with fresh parsley garnish. Save
Close-up of a bubbling Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, ready to serve with fresh parsley garnish. | ovenharmony.com

This potato layer bake is a delicious and easy dish that suits any occasion and leaves everyone satisfied.

Recipe FAQ

How do you achieve tender potato slices in the bake?

Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures even cooking. Baking covered initially traps steam, softening the slices before the top crisps.

Can different cheeses be used in this dish?

Yes, cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella can replace cheddar for varied flavor and texture.

What is the purpose of nutmeg in the sauce?

Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth to the creamy cheese sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.

Is the garlic cooked before adding to the sauce?

Yes, garlic is gently cooked in butter to release aroma without browning, enriching the sauce base.

How long should the dish rest after baking?

Letting the bake rest for about 5 minutes helps it set, making it easier to serve and improving flavor melding.

Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Tender potato slices and savory onions baked with creamy cheese sauce until golden and bubbling.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
60 min
Complete duration
75 min
Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Comfort Bakes

Complexity Easy

Heritage European

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free, Without gluten

Components

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 for garnish

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a medium baking dish approximately 9x11 inches with butter.

Phase 02

Cook Garlic in Butter: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Warm Milk Mixture: Add whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to the saucepan. Heat gently until warmed through without boiling, then remove from heat.

Phase 04

Assemble Layers: Arrange half of the potato slices in the greased baking dish. Top with half of the sliced onions and half of the grated cheese.

Phase 05

Build Remaining Layers: Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

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

Necessary tools

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish approximately 9x11 inches
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.
  • Contains dairy products including milk and cheese.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 370
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Proteins: 10 g