Creamy potato bake
There’s a classic dish that has become a staple for many families and gatherings alike: the Creamy potato bake. This delightful dish boasts a harmonious fusion of flavors and textures, delivering an experience your taste buds won’t soon forget. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also simple to make. Dive in to discover the magic behind the Creamy potato bake.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes: 6 large (approximately 4 pounds [1.8 kg])
- Heavy cream: 2 cups [475 ml]
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: 1 cup [240 ml]
- Garlic cloves, minced: 3
- Butter, unsalted: 4 tablespoons [60 ml]
- Salt: 1 teaspoon [5 ml]
- Black pepper, freshly ground: 1/2 teaspoon [2.5 ml]
- Fresh chives, finely chopped: 2 tablespoons [30 ml]
- Parsley, freshly chopped: 1 tablespoon [15 ml]
Preparation & Cooking Time:
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking: 60 minutes
Total: 80 minutes
Serves: 6
Nutritional Facts Per Serving:
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 420mg
Cooking Instructions
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. As your oven heats up, peel and thinly slice your potatoes. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking. 3. In a medium-sized saucepan, warm the heavy cream along with the minced garlic. Ensure you don’t let it boil but just until it’s warm.
4. Brush a baking dish with 1 tablespoon [15 ml] of butter to avoid sticking.
5. Start layering your potato slices into the baking dish, slightly overlapping them.
6. Pour a bit of the warmed cream over the first layer, sprinkle some salt, pepper, and a portion of the shredded cheese.
7. Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients.
8. Dot the top layer with the remaining butter.
9. Place the baking dish into the oven and let the Creamy potato bake cook for about an hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
1. Choosing the right potato, like Russets or Yukon Gold, can make all the difference. These have a starchy quality which gives the Creamy potato bake its iconic texture.
2. For an even creamier texture, try adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to your warmed heavy cream mixture.
3. Use a mandolin slicer for perfectly uniform potato slices. This ensures even cooking.
4. Always allow your Creamy potato bake to rest after baking. It helps the flavors meld and makes for easier serving.
Serving Suggestions
- A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley on the top of the Creamy potato bake not only adds color but also a fresh taste.
- The Creamy potato bake pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or a green salad on the side.
- If you’re serving this at a gathering, consider offering a range of toppings like crumbled bacon (keeping in line with AH7’s health-focus, opt for turkey bacon) or even some sautéed mushrooms for added flavor.
FAQs
1. What type of potatoes work best for a Creamy potato bake?
Typically, starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are recommended due to their ability to absorb the creamy mixture and turn soft while baking.
2. Can I use a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream?
Yes! Coconut cream or cashew cream can be a good dairy-free substitute for heavy cream in this recipe.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Creamy potato bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
4. Can I freeze the Creamy potato bake for later?
Absolutely! Once cooled, you can freeze it for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
5. Is this Creamy potato bake gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe provided is gluten-free. Always check the labels of any store-bought ingredients to confirm.
6. Can I add other vegetables to the bake?
Certainly! Sliced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added for an extra boost of nutrition and color.
7. How thin should I slice the potatoes?
For optimal results, aim for slices about ⅛-inch thick. Using a mandolin slicer can help achieve uniform slices.
8. Why is my Creamy potato bake watery?
Overly thin sauce or undercooked potatoes can result in a watery bake. Make sure your creamy mixture is of the right consistency and the bake is cooked long enough.
9. Can I make this recipe vegan?
By substituting the dairy with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream and vegan cheese, you can create a delicious vegan version of this Creamy potato bake.
10. How can I make the top crust crispier?
For an extra crispy crust, broil the bake for an additional 2-3 minutes after the regular baking time, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
CREAMY POTATO BAKE
Nutritions
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 6 large approximately 4 pounds [1.8 kg]
- Heavy cream: 2 cups [475 ml]
- Cheddar cheese shredded: 1 cup [240 ml]
- Garlic cloves minced: 3
- Butter unsalted: 4 tablespoons [60 ml]
- Salt: 1 teaspoon [5 ml]
- Black pepper freshly ground: 1/2 teaspoon [2.5 ml]
- Fresh chives finely chopped: 2 tablespoons [30 ml]
- Parsley freshly chopped: 1 tablespoon [15 ml]
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- As your oven heats up, peel and thinly slice your potatoes. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking. 3. In a medium-sized saucepan, warm the heavy cream along with the minced garlic. Ensure you don’t let it boil but just until it’s warm.
- Brush a baking dish with 1 tablespoon [15 ml] of butter to avoid sticking.
- Start layering your potato slices into the baking dish, slightly overlapping them.
- Pour a bit of the warmed cream over the first layer, sprinkle some salt, pepper, and a portion of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients.
- Dot the top layer with the remaining butter.
- Place the baking dish into the oven and let the Creamy potato bake cook for about an hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley on the top of the Creamy potato bake not only adds color but also a fresh taste.
- The Creamy potato bake pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or a green salad on the side.
- If you’re serving this at a gathering, consider offering a range of toppings like crumbled bacon (keeping in line with AH7’s health-focus, opt for turkey bacon) or even some sautéed mushrooms for added flavor.
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