Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Sage & Cheddar Potato Bake?
It is a comforting layered potato dish featuring Yukon Gold potatoes, onions, and sharp cheddar cheese in a sage-infused cream sauce.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
What type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes.
Do the potatoes need to be peeled?
Yes, the potatoes should be peeled and thinly sliced.
What ingredients are in the seasoning mix?
The seasoning mix consists of rubbed sage, salt, and black pepper.
How much sage is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of rubbed sage.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 13x9 inch baking dish is recommended.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, the baking dish should be lightly greased before layering.
How many onions are used?
One large onion, thinly sliced, is used in the layers.
What kind of cheese is used in this bake?
Eight ounces (approximately 2 cups) of shredded cheddar cheese is used.
How many layers of potatoes are there?
The recipe involves layering the potatoes in three separate parts.
What liquids are used for the sauce?
A mixture of 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth is poured over the dish.
Is the heavy cream whipped?
No, the heavy cream should be unwhipped.
What type of chicken broth is suggested?
Low sodium chicken broth is recommended.
How long does the dish bake while covered?
The dish should be baked covered with aluminum foil for 50 minutes.
How long does the dish bake uncovered?
After removing the foil, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
How do I know when the potato bake is done?
The top should be golden brown and the potatoes should be tender.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, allow the gratin to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
What is the purpose of letting the dish rest?
Resting allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to set slightly.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The recipe uses chicken broth, but it can be made vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth.
How much salt is included?
The recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons of salt, or to taste.
How much black pepper is used?
Use 0.5 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar is specified, other melting cheeses like Gruyere could be used for a different flavor profile.
Is the onion cooked before adding it to the dish?
No, the onion is thinly sliced and layered raw; it cooks during the baking process.
How are the layers organized?
Layers are built with potatoes, onions, seasoning, and cheese, repeated until all ingredients are used.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The texture is creamy and luscious with tender potato slices.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it can be served as a hearty vegetarian main dish or a side dish.
What is rubbed sage?
Rubbed sage is dried sage leaves that have been rubbed into a fine, fuzzy powder.
Do I need to whisk the cream and broth?
Yes, whisk the heavy cream and chicken broth together before pouring them over the potatoes.
What are the primary flavor notes?
The primary flavors are aromatic sage, sharp cheddar, and sweet onions.