This Cheesy Garlic Butter Potato Bake is a warm and comforting dish that brings together tender potatoes and creamy cheese, all smothered in buttery, garlicky goodness!
What’s not to love? It’s like a cozy hug on a plate! I enjoy pairing it with a fresh salad for a yummy balance. You’ll be going back for seconds, I promise! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for creaminess or Yukon Golds for a buttery flavor. If you have a preference, sweet potatoes can be a delicious alternative for a sweeter twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the saltiness. If dairy is an issue, consider using olive oil or a vegan butter substitute for cooking and flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs the most flavor, but if fresh isn’t available, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
Cheese: Cheddar provides great flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or Gouda for added creaminess. Lactose-free versions are also available.
Heavy Cream and Milk: You can substitute half-and-half for a richer sauce. For a lighter option, use low-fat milk instead; just keep in mind it may be slightly less creamy.
Thyme: If fresh thyme isn’t available, use about one-third of the amount in dried thyme. Oregano or basil can also add nice flavor if you prefer.
How Do You Ensure the Creamy Cheese Mixture is Perfect?
The creamy cheese mixture is a key part of this dish. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start by melting the butter over medium heat, adding the minced garlic only until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
- When adding the cream and milk, warm them gently—don’t let it boil. This preserves the creamy texture.
- Stir in the cheeses a little at a time to prevent clumping. If the mixture feels too thick, you can adjust with more milk to reach the desired consistency.
By taking your time with the mixture, you’ll achieve a smooth and creamy base that perfectly coats the potatoes.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Potato Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 6 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or several sprigs fresh thyme for garnish)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra crust)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheesy Garlic Butter Potato Bake will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 1 hour to bake. This includes 40 minutes covered with foil and an additional 20-25 minutes uncovered to achieve that golden brown top. If you decide to broil at the end for a few extra minutes, just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Greasing a baking dish with a bit of butter will prevent sticking and help with browning.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown as this can make it taste bitter.
3. Make the Cream Mixture:
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, warming the mixture just until it’s warm (do not let it boil!). Once warm, take it off the heat.
4. Combine Cheese and Seasoning:
Add salt, black pepper, and half of the shredded cheese into the warm cream mixture. Stir until the cheese starts to melt and everything is well mixed.
5. Layer the Potatoes:
In the greased baking dish, arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom. Then, pour half of the creamy cheese mixture over this layer, making sure it’s well distributed.
6. Add Remaining Potatoes and Sauce:
Now, add the rest of the sliced potatoes on top. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the final layer of potatoes so they are completely covered.
7. Add the Finishing Touches:
If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it generously over the top. Scatter some thyme leaves or sprigs over the potatoes for added flavor and decoration.
8. Bake the Dish:
Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in, and bake for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender (you can check by piercing them with a fork).
9. Broil for Extra Browning (Optional):
If you like an extra crispy top, you can place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end. Just be sure to keep a close eye on it to prevent any burning!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the potato bake cool slightly before serving. If you like, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely finishing touch.
Now dig into your cheesy, garlicky, buttery potato bake, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While starchy potatoes like Russets are ideal for a creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Golds for a buttery flavor. If you’re looking for something sweeter, sweet potatoes can make a delicious alternative too!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to the baking stage and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just cover the dish tightly with foil. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until heated through. You can add a splash of milk to keep it creamy!
Can I Customize the Cheese in This Recipe?
Definitely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix in cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavors. Just ensure that the total amount remains around 1.5 cups for the best texture.
