Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Featured in: Weeknight Spoonfuls

This comforting bake layers peeled, thinly sliced potatoes with savory onions and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Garlic-infused milk and cream are gently warmed and poured over the layers before baking until bubbling and golden. Simple to prepare and ideal for a hearty main dish, it offers tender textures and a flavorful, cheesy finish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness and serve warm for a satisfying meal.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:53:00 GMT
Golden brown Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, showcasing tender potato slices and bubbly cheese. Save
Golden brown Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, showcasing tender potato slices and bubbly cheese. | cookinget.com

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

This potato layer bake has been a go-to for my family when I want an easy yet delicious dinner that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 1.2 kg peeled and thinly sliced
  • Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced
  • Whole milk: 200 ml
  • Heavy cream: 150 ml
  • Cheddar cheese: 120 g grated
  • Unsalted butter: 30 g 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

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a medium baking dish with butter.
Step 2:
In a small saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in the milk cream salt pepper and nutmeg if using. Heat gently until just warmed do not boil. Remove from heat.
Step 4:
Layer half the potato slices in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sliced onions and half of the cheese.
Step 5:
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes onions and cheese.
Step 6:
Pour the warm milk and cream mixture evenly over the layers.
Step 7:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Step 8:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
Step 9:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
This savory, layered Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake is baked to perfection and bubbling hot. Save
This savory, layered Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake is baked to perfection and bubbling hot. | cookinget.com

My family bonds over this dish especially on chilly evenings when comfort food is needed most.

Notes

Serve as a main course with a green salad or as a hearty side dish.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

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

A creamy, cheesy Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake with layered potatoes, ready to be served. Save
A creamy, cheesy Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake with layered potatoes, ready to be served. | cookinget.com

This dish is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

Recipe FAQs

What type of potatoes work best for this bake?

Firm, waxy potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape well during baking, ensuring nice layers without becoming mushy.

Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another variety?

Yes, Gruyère or mozzarella provide excellent alternatives, each bringing a unique melt and flavor to the dish.

How can I add extra flavor to the bake?

Layering in sliced tomatoes or cooked bacon adds depth and richness to the casserole, enhancing overall taste.

Is it necessary to cover the dish during baking?

Covering with foil allows the potatoes to steam and cook evenly before uncovering to brown the top and create a golden crust.

What is the best way to serve this potato layer bake?

It pairs nicely as a main course with a fresh green salad or as a hearty side alongside roasted or grilled vegetables.

Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

A comforting, budget-friendly casserole layered with potatoes, onions, and creamy cheese, baked until golden.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
60 minutes
Overall Time
75 minutes
Recipe by Sophie Daniels


Skill Difficulty Easy

Cuisine European

Output 4 Portion Count

Diet Preferences Vegetarian Option, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 2.6 lbs peeled potatoes, thinly sliced
02 1 large onion, thinly sliced

Dairy

01 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp whole milk
02 2/3 cup heavy cream
03 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
04 2 tbsp unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

Pantry

01 2 cloves garlic, minced
02 1 tsp salt
03 1/2 tsp black pepper
04 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

Optional Toppings

01 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Set the oven to 375°F. Generously grease a medium baking dish with butter.

Step 02

Sauté garlic: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 03

Prepare cream mixture: Add whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to the saucepan. Warm gently without boiling. Remove from heat.

Step 04

Layer potatoes, onions, and cheese: Arrange half of the potato slices in the baking dish, followed by half the sliced onions and half the grated cheddar cheese.

Step 05

Repeat layering: Add remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese in layers to fill the dish evenly.

Step 06

Pour cream mixture: Evenly pour the warmed milk and cream mixture over the layered ingredients.

Step 07

Bake covered: Seal the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Step 08

Bake uncovered until golden: Remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.

Step 09

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

Essential Tools

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Saucepan
  • Medium baking dish (approx. 9x11 inches)
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens. Ask a medical expert when uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cheese)

Nutrition Facts (per portion)

These numbers offer reference only, not medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 370
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Proteins: 10 g