Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Featured in: Quick Snack Bites

This easy-to-make potato bake features thinly sliced potatoes layered with savory onions and rich cheddar cheese. A creamy sauce made from milk, cream, and spices gently bathes the layers, which are baked until tender and golden brown. Ideal for a comforting vegetarian main dish that pairs well with fresh herbs and green salad. Preparation takes just 15 minutes, making it a practical and flavorful choice for casual meals.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:00:00 GMT
Golden-brown Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, bubbling hot from the oven, ready to serve and enjoy. Save
Golden-brown Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, bubbling hot from the oven, ready to serve and enjoy. | fryzia.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 become a favorite in my household especially during colder months when we crave comfort food that doesn't break the bank.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) peeled and thinly sliced
  • Onion: 1 large thinly sliced
  • Milk: 200 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) whole milk
  • Heavy cream: 150 ml (2/3 cup)
  • Cheddar cheese: 120 g (1 cup) grated
  • Butter: 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted 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

Preheat:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) Grease a medium baking dish with butter
Melt butter and garlic:
In a small saucepan melt the butter over medium heat Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
Prepare milk mixture:
Stir in the milk cream salt pepper and nutmeg if using Heat gently until just warmed do not boil Remove from heat
Layer ingredients:
Layer half the potato slices in the prepared baking dish Top with half of the sliced onions and half of the cheese
Repeat layers:
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes onions and cheese
Add milk mixture:
Pour the warm milk and cream mixture evenly over the layers
Bake covered:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes
Bake uncovered:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender
Rest and garnish:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving Garnish with chopped parsley if desired
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My family loves gathering around this dish especially on weekends it's always a crowd-pleaser with everyone asking for seconds.

Required Tools

Sharp knife Cutting board Saucepan Baking dish approx 22x28 cm 9x11 in Aluminum foil

Allergen Information

Contains milk and cheese dairy Check cheese and cream packaging for potential allergens or additives

Nutritional Information

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

Creamy layers of potatoes and cheese create the flavor inside this inviting Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake. Save
Creamy layers of potatoes and cheese create the flavor inside this inviting Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake. | fryzia.com

Enjoy this simple yet satisfying potato bake any time you want a comforting and easy meal.

Recipe FAQ Section

What type of potatoes work best for this dish?

Starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold hold their shape well and create tender layers once baked.

Can I substitute cheddar with another cheese?

Yes, Gruyère or mozzarella work wonderfully, offering different flavor profiles and melt qualities.

How should I prepare the milk and cream mixture?

Gently warm the milk and cream with garlic and spices without boiling to preserve their smooth texture.

What is the baking process for this layered dish?

Cover tightly and bake for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake another 20 minutes till golden and bubbling.

Are there optional ingredients to enhance the flavor?

Adding sliced tomatoes or cooked bacon layers can introduce extra richness and texture.

Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Hearty layers of tender potatoes, onions, and melted cheddar baked to golden perfection.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
60 min
Complete duration
75 min
Created by Samantha Rivera

Classification Quick Snack Bites

Complexity Level Easy

Heritage European

Output 4 Portion Count

Dietary considerations Meat-Free, No Gluten

Components

Vegetables

01 2.6 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
02 1 large onion, thinly sliced

Dairy

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

Pantry

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

Optional Toppings

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Preparation Steps

Phase 01

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a medium baking dish with butter.

Phase 02

Prepare Cream Sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Heat Dairy Mixture: Stir in milk, cream, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Warm gently until just heated through without boiling, then remove from heat.

Phase 04

Assemble Layers: Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish, followed by half the onions and half the cheese.

Phase 05

Repeat Layers: Repeat layering with remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.

Phase 06

Add Sauce and Cover: Pour the warm milk and cream mixture evenly over all layers. Cover dish tightly with foil.

Phase 07

Bake Covered: Bake covered for 40 minutes.

Phase 08

Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until top is golden and potatoes are tender.

Phase 09

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

Necessary tools

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish (approximately 9 by 11 inches)
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy information

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any item.
  • Contains dairy: milk, cream, and cheese.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are approximate and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 370
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Protein Content: 10 g