Imagine a dish so irresistibly creamy, so perfectly cheesy, that it transforms ordinary potatoes into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This Garlic Cheese Potato Bake is not just a side dish – it's a culinary experience that combines the rich, comforting flavors of melted cheddar, aromatic garlic, and tender potato slices into one extraordinary creation that will elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Wash and peel the potatoes. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the potatoes into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. The smaller the mince, the more evenly the garlic flavor will distribute throughout the dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well incorporated, creating a flavorful cream base.
- Layer the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice. After each layer, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese and drizzle a portion of the garlic cream mixture.
- Continue layering potatoes, cheese, and cream until all ingredients are used. The top layer should be generously covered with cheese.
- Dot the top layer with small pieces of butter to help create a golden, crispy surface during baking.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and ensure even cooking.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes covered.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cream to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Slice Consistency is Key: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform potato slices around 1/8 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and a perfect texture in every bite.
- Garlic Tip: Finely mince the garlic to distribute its flavor more evenly throughout the dish. The smaller the mince, the more intense and balanced the garlic flavor will be.
- Layering Technique: Take your time when layering potatoes, cheese, and cream. Each layer should be carefully arranged to ensure maximum flavor distribution.
- Prevent Burning: The aluminum foil cover during initial baking prevents excessive browning while allowing the potatoes to cook thoroughly.
- Resting Time Matters: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking. This allows the cream to set and makes serving much easier and more elegant.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can add a pop of color and fresh flavor to your finished dish.
- Cheese Selection: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with different cheese blends like gruyère or a mix of cheeses for added complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 70mg
