If you’re craving a side dish (or even a main dish!) that is irresistibly creamy, deeply comforting, and guaranteed to impress, this Decadent Creamy Potato Bake is exactly what you need. Layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes soak up a luxurious mixture of heavy cream, garlic, butter, and cheese, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
Whether you’re preparing a holiday spread, a family dinner, or simply treating yourself to something warm and indulgent, this potato bake delivers perfection in both taste and texture. It’s rich without being overwhelming, elegant yet incredibly easy to make.
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, divided
- 3 pounds russet potatoes (4 or 5 medium), peeled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
⭐ 1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare Your Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375˚F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish generously with 2 tablespoons of the softened butter.
This not only prevents sticking but also enriches the bottom layer of potatoes as they cook, creating a buttery foundation.
⭐ 2. Slice the Potatoes
For the creamiest, most cohesive bake, you’ll want very thin slices, ideally 1/8 inch thick.
Using a mandolin ensures perfect, uniform slices, but a sharp knife works too—just take your time.
Thin slices allow the potatoes to absorb the creamy mixture fully and cook evenly.
⭐ 3. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
- Heavy cream
- White cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons of Parmesan
- Minced garlic
Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth, rich, and aromatic.
The garlic infuses the cream with deep savory notes, while the cheddar provides mild creaminess and the Parmesan adds sharpness.
⭐ 4. Coat the Potatoes
Add all sliced potatoes to the bowl and gently toss until every piece is fully coated.
This step is essential—the cream mixture shouldn’t just sit on top; it should cling to every slice to ensure maximum flavor.
Season generously with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that potatoes absorb seasoning well.
⭐ 5. Assemble the Bake
Arrange the potato slices upright in the buttered baking dish, forming slightly curved stacks or rows.
This arrangement creates beautiful layers and allows the cream to flow between the slices as they cook.
Once all potatoes are arranged, pour any remaining cream mixture over the dish.
Lightly season the top with salt and pepper.
⭐ 6. Add Butter & Bake
Dot the top of the potatoes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
This adds richness and helps the top layer turn golden and crisp.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35–40 minutes.
The foil traps steam, helping the potatoes soften.
⭐ 7. Final Bake & Broil
Remove the foil, sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, and return to the oven.
Bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender and the top begins to brown beautifully.
For an even more decadent finish, turn your broiler to high and broil for 1 minute—just long enough to achieve a gorgeous golden crust.
⭐ 8. Cool & Serve
Let the dish cool for 10 minutes before serving.
This helps the layers set and makes slicing much easier.
⏱ Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes