Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Featured in: Comfort Food Favorites

This layered potato bake offers tender, thinly sliced potatoes combined with savory onions and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The dish is baked until the top is golden and the layers are bubbling hot. Simple steps like gently warming the milk and cream with garlic and spices enhance the flavor. Perfect as a vegetarian main or hearty side, this bake is easy to prepare and delivers warmth and comfort with every bite.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 14:42:00 GMT
Golden, bubbling Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, a creamy casserole with tender potato slices and melted cheese. Save It
Golden, bubbling Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, a creamy casserole with tender potato slices and melted cheese. | zetluna.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 family favorite, perfect for cozy dinners and leftovers.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 1.2 kg peeled and thinly sliced
  • Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced
  • Milk: 200 ml whole milk
  • Cream: 150 ml heavy cream
  • Cheddar cheese: 120 g grated
  • Butter: 30 g unsalted plus extra for greasing
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp optional
  • Parsley: 2 tbsp chopped fresh for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a medium baking dish with butter.
Melt butter and cook garlic:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Heat 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.
Pour 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.
A close-up of a steaming Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, showcasing its cheesy, golden-brown top. Save It
A close-up of a steaming Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, showcasing its cheesy, golden-brown top. | zetluna.com

This dish always brings the family together for a warm hearty meal.

Notes

For extra flavor add a layer of sliced tomatoes or sprinkle in cooked bacon if not vegetarian. Gruyère or mozzarella can replace cheddar. Serve as main course with green salad or as hearty side dish.

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.

This hearty Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake features soft potato layers in a creamy cheese sauce, ready to serve. Save It
This hearty Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake features soft potato layers in a creamy cheese sauce, ready to serve. | zetluna.com

This potato layer bake is simple yet satisfying making it the perfect comfort food.

Common Questions About Recipes

What type of potatoes work best for this dish?

Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for tender layers that hold shape well during baking.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute milk, cream, and cheese with suitable plant-based alternatives to maintain creaminess.

How do I achieve a golden top layer?

Bake uncovered for the last 20 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and the surface to crisp gently.

What herbs can enhance the flavor?

Fresh parsley is traditional, but thyme or rosemary also complement the savory layers nicely.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate the layered dish before baking. Bring to room temperature before placing in the oven.

Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Tender potato slices layered with onions and cheese, baked until golden and bubbling for a comforting meal.

Prep Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
60 mins
Overall Time
75 mins
Authored by Clara


Skill Level Required Easy

Cuisine Type European

Recipe Output 4 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs Veggie-Friendly, Free of Gluten

The Ingredients You'll Need

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)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Infuse butter with garlic: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Prepare cream sauce: Stir in whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg into the butter-garlic mixture. Heat gently until warmed through without boiling. Remove from heat.

Step 04

Assemble potato layers: Arrange half of the potato slices in the prepared dish. Top with half of the sliced onions and half of the grated cheddar cheese.

Step 05

Repeat layering: Lay remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese over the first layers.

Step 06

Add cream mixture: Pour the warm milk and cream sauce evenly over the layered ingredients.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden and potatoes are tender.

Step 09

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Contains dairy (milk and cheese).

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 370
  • Fats: 17 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 44 grams
  • Proteins: 10 grams