Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Featured in: Simple Home Meals

This dish features thinly sliced potatoes layered with savory onions and grated cheddar, all bathed in a warm, creamy milk and cream mixture seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg. After baking covered, the dish is finished uncovered to develop a golden, bubbling top. It's an easy, budget-friendly casserole with rich flavors that pairs well with fresh parsley garnish.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:25:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, a warm casserole of tender potato slices and melted cheese. Save to Pinterest
Golden, bubbly Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, a warm casserole of tender potato slices and melted cheese. | lovelyserena.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 staple in my family for years, especially during chilly evenings when comfort food is a must.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced
  • Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced
  • Whole milk: 200 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp)
  • Heavy cream: 150 ml (2/3 cup)
  • Grated cheddar cheese: 120 g (1 cup)
  • Unsalted butter: 30 g (2 tbsp), plus extra for greasing
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp (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.
Prepare cream 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 cream 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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| lovelyserena.com

Family gatherings have always been special when this bake is on the table; everyone enjoys the warm, cheesy layers and comfort it brings.

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, cheesy Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, showcasing layered potatoes baked until perfectly browned and fragrant. Save to Pinterest
Creamy, cheesy Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, showcasing layered potatoes baked until perfectly browned and fragrant. | lovelyserena.com

This potato layer bake is the perfect comfort food that’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ask About This Recipe

What potatoes work best for this dish?

Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold provide a tender texture and absorb the creamy sauce well.

Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?

Yes, Gruyère or mozzarella are excellent alternatives that melt smoothly and add unique flavor.

How can I add extra flavor layers?

Try adding sliced tomatoes or cooked bacon between the potato layers for added depth and richness.

What is the best way to ensure potatoes cook evenly?

Slice potatoes uniformly thin and layer them evenly in the dish to promote consistent cooking.

Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the layers and refrigerate covered, then bake fresh when ready to serve for optimal texture.

Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Tender potato slices layered with onions and cheese, baked until golden and bubbling.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
60 minutes
Overall Time
75 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine European

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details No Meat, Wheat-Free

What You 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 fresh parsley, chopped

How To Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Infuse Butter with Garlic: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 03

Combine Dairy Ingredients: Stir in milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Warm gently without boiling, then remove from heat.

Step 04

Assemble Layers: Arrange half the potatoes evenly in the dish, then layer half the onions and half the cheese over them.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add Dairy Mixture: Pour the warm milk and cream mixture evenly over all layers.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove foil and bake 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
  • 9x11 inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains dairy products including milk and cheese.

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 370
  • Lipids: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Proteins: 10 g