Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Featured in: Global Comforts

This comforting dish features thinly sliced potatoes arranged with onions and layers of creamy, cheesy sauce. Gently baked until golden and bubbling, it offers a warm and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. Mild spices and fresh parsley add subtle flavor notes, making it ideal for any occasion. With a simple layering process and a rich dairy sauce, this potato bake highlights familiar ingredients transformed into a hearty, savory centerpiece.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:13:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake with melted cheese and tender potato slices; a hearty meal. Save
Golden, bubbly Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake with melted cheese and tender potato slices; a hearty meal. | munchhug.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 family favorite during cozy weeknights, bringing warmth and comfort to our table every time.

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:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Prepare sauce:
Stir in the milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Heat gently until just warmed—do not boil. Remove from heat.
Layer potatoes:
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 sauce:
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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This dish often brings the family together, with everyone eager to enjoy its creamy layers and rich flavors on chilly evenings.

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 per serving. Total Fat: 17 g. Carbohydrates: 44 g. Protein: 10 g.

A creamy and cheesy Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, showcasing beautifully baked potato layers in a casserole dish. Save
A creamy and cheesy Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, showcasing beautifully baked potato layers in a casserole dish. | munchhug.com

This simple yet delicious potato layer bake is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a comforting side for special meals.

Recipe Guide

What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Cheddar is recommended for its sharp flavor and melting qualities, but Gruyère or mozzarella can be used for variation.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it earlier and refrigerate before baking, but bake as directed to ensure creamy texture.

How do I know when the potatoes are cooked through?

The potato slices should be tender when pierced with a fork after baking, and the top should be golden brown.

Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil while baking?

Covering with foil initially helps the potatoes cook evenly and retain moisture, then uncovering allows the top to brown.

Can I add other vegetables to this bake?

Yes, adding sliced tomatoes or cooked bacon enhances flavor and texture, but keep additional moisture in mind.

Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

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

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
60 min
Complete duration
75 min
Created by Samantha Reed


Skill level Easy

Heritage European

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition preferences Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Vegetables

01 2.6 pounds peeled, thinly sliced potatoes
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)

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Layer Ingredients: Arrange half the potato slices in the baking dish. Top with half the onions and half the grated cheddar cheese.

Phase 05

Repeat Layers: Add remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese in layers.

Phase 06

Pour Cream Mixture: Evenly pour the warm milk and cream mixture over the layered potatoes and onions.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

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

Tools needed

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Saucepan
  • Medium baking dish (approximately 9 x 11 inches)
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains dairy: milk, cream, and cheese.
  • Check dairy product labels for additional allergens or additives.

Dietary info (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 370
  • Lipids: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Proteins: 10 g