Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Featured in: Cozy Comfort Meals

This budget-friendly potato layer bake features thinly sliced potatoes layered with savory onions and melted cheddar cheese, all gently enveloped in a creamy milk and cream sauce. Baked until golden and bubbling, it offers a hearty and comforting main course suitable for vegetarian diets. Easy to prepare, it takes about an hour of baking time, delivering rich flavors and a satisfying texture perfect for any occasion. Optional toppings like fresh parsley add a bright touch.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:37:00 GMT
Golden crust of Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, showcasing tender potato slices and bubbling cheese. Save
Golden crust of Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, showcasing tender potato slices and bubbling cheese. | flavza.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 my go-to comfort food during chilly evenings.

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
  • Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp ground optional
  • Parsley: 2 tbsp chopped fresh for garnish

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a medium baking dish with butter.
Step 2:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in the milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Heat gently until just warmed do not boil. Remove from heat.
Step 4:
Layer half the potato slices in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sliced onions and half of the cheese.
Step 5:
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.
Step 6:
Pour the warm milk and cream mixture evenly over the layers.
Step 7:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Step 8:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
Step 9:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Creamy, cheesy Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, perfect for a comforting vegetarian main course. Pin it
Creamy, cheesy Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, perfect for a comforting vegetarian main course. | flavza.com

This dish often brings my family together for a cozy dinner.

Notes

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

Required Tools

Sharp knife, cutting board, saucepan, baking dish approximately 22x28 cm, aluminum foil

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 370, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 44 g, Protein 10 g

A warm, delicious serving of Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, with herbs adding freshness to each bite. Pin it
A warm, delicious serving of Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, with herbs adding freshness to each bite. | flavza.com

This potato layer bake is a perfect weeknight meal that comforts and satisfies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of potatoes work best for this bake?

Thinly sliced starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds hold their shape well and become tender when baked.

Can I use other cheeses instead of cheddar?

Yes, Gruyère or mozzarella are excellent alternatives that melt beautifully and add distinct flavors.

How do I prevent the top from burning during baking?

Cover the dish tightly with foil for the first 40 minutes, then uncover to brown the top in the last 20 minutes.

Is there a way to add more flavor to the dish?

Adding sliced tomatoes between layers or sprinkling cooked bacon (if not vegetarian) enhances flavor.

What is the best way to serve this casserole?

Serve warm as a main course with a fresh green salad or as a hearty side to complement other dishes.

Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Tender potato slices baked with onions and creamy cheese for a comforting, budget-friendly dish.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes

Category: Cozy Comfort Meals

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: European

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

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)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven 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 sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Combine dairy and seasoning: Pour in whole milk and heavy cream. Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Heat gently until warmed without boiling, then remove from heat.

Step 04

Assemble first layer: Arrange half of the potato slices evenly in the prepared dish. Top with half of the sliced onions and half of the grated cheese.

Step 05

Assemble second layer: Repeat layering with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.

Step 06

Pour dairy mixture: Evenly pour the warm milk and cream mixture over the layered ingredients.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Finish baking uncovered: Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top turns golden and potatoes are tender.

Step 09

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

Tools You'll Need

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish approximately 9x11 inches
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy products (milk, cheese). Verify packaging for potential allergens.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 370
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 44 g
  • Protein: 10 g