Deliciously Cheesy Potato Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Deliciously Cheesy Potato Bake, a twist on traditional au gratin potatoes. Layers of thinly sliced, tender baking potatoes are enveloped in a creamy, savory cheddar cheese sauce enriched with the aromatic touch of garlic. Topped with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and a hint of paprika, this dish is sure to please both family and guests alike. Perfect for cozy dinners, holiday feasts, or any occasion that calls for hearty, cheesy goodness. Serve it hot and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!
8
Servings
360
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
condensed cheddar cheese soup
10 3/4 ounces (none)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (none)
milk
3/4 cup (none)
ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
garlic clove
1 (pressed)
medium baking potatoes
8 (peeled and thinly sliced)
fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (none)
paprika
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and ground black pepper. Mix until creamy and well blended.
3
Add the pressed garlic and the thinly sliced potatoes to the cheese mixture. Carefully stir until the potatoes are thoroughly coated with the cheesy goodness.
4
Transfer the cheesy potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer. Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of paprika for flavor and color.
5
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour. After an hour, carefully remove the foil and return the dish to the oven.
6
Continue baking uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden bubbly. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
34.5g
Carbs
10.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deliciously Cheesy Potato Bake?
It is a comfort food side dish featuring layers of thinly sliced baking potatoes in a creamy garlic and cheddar cheese sauce, topped with Parmesan and paprika.
What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 medium baking potatoes. Starchy potatoes like Russets are typically best as they hold their shape while absorbing the creamy sauce.
How should I prepare the potatoes?
The potatoes should be peeled and then sliced very thinly to ensure they cook evenly and become tender during the baking process.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
You should preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is the recommended size for this amount of ingredients.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the cheese sauce?
The sauce is made from a combination of condensed cheddar cheese soup, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, ground black pepper, and pressed garlic.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is between 75 and 80 minutes: 1 hour covered and an additional 15-20 minutes uncovered.
Why do I need to cover the dish with aluminum foil?
Covering the dish with foil for the first hour traps steam to cook the potatoes thoroughly without burning the cheese on top.
When should I remove the aluminum foil?
Remove the foil after the first hour of baking to allow the top to become golden and bubbly.
What is the purpose of adding paprika?
Paprika is sprinkled on top to provide a hint of flavor and a vibrant golden color to the finished dish.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan?
You should lightly spray the 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray before adding the potato and cheese mixture.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of the Deliciously Cheesy Potato Bake contains approximately 360 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 18.75 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides about 10.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
A single serving contains approximately 34.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
The recipe specifically calls for one pressed garlic clove to provide an aromatic and fresh flavor to the sauce.
Is Parmesan cheese used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of fresh grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top before baking for extra flavor and texture.
Can this be considered a holiday recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday recipe and is perfect for festive feasts or cozy family dinners.
Should the sauce be mixed before adding the potatoes?
Yes, you should combine the soup, shredded cheese, milk, and pepper in a large bowl and mix until creamy before adding the potatoes.
How do I know the potatoes are fully cooked?
The potatoes are done when they are tender (easy to pierce with a fork) and the cheese sauce is bubbly and golden on top.
Do I need to rest the dish after baking?
Yes, letting the bake rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
What type of shredded cheese is best?
The recipe uses shredded cheddar cheese, which melts well and provides a sharp, savory flavor.
Can I use pre-sliced potatoes?
While you can, slicing them fresh yourself ensures they are the right thickness and haven't lost moisture or texture.
How much milk is required for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of milk to thin the condensed soup into a creamy sauce.
Is this dish considered a casserole?
Yes, it is categorized as a casserole because it is baked in a single dish and served directly from it.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Based on the ingredients listed, it is vegetarian-friendly, provided the condensed cheddar cheese soup does not contain animal-derived broths.
Can I add more black pepper?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon, but you can adjust the amount to your personal taste preferences.
How much paprika should I use?
A dash of paprika, specifically 1/4 teaspoon, is recommended for the topping.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is savory, very cheesy, and rich, with subtle notes of garlic and a mild warmth from the black pepper and paprika.