Magic 4-Ingredient Potato Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Magic 4-Ingredient Potato Bake is a simple yet delicious side dish that combines creamy potatoes with savory French onion flavor and melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, thinly sliced
- 300 ml (1¼ cups) thickened cream (heavy cream)
- 1 packet (approx. 40g) French onion soup mix
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or your choice)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the thickened cream with the French onion soup mix, stirring well.
- Step 3: Add the thinly sliced potatoes to the cream mixture and toss until they are fully coated.
- Step 4: Grease a baking dish, then layer the coated potatoes evenly inside. Pour any remaining cream mixture over the top.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the potato layers.
- Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Step 7: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
- Step 8: Let the potato bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cream mixture before baking.
- Use a sharp cheese such as aged cheddar or Gruyère for a richer taste.
- Try mixing in caramelized onions for a deeper onion flavor and added texture.
- If you prefer a lighter version, swap half the cream with milk, but keep the cream to maintain richness.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through to preserve the creamy texture and prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this potato bake in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a few hours ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Waxy or all-purpose potatoes are ideal since they hold their shape well during baking. Avoid starchy varieties like Russets, as they can become too soft.
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Magic 4-Ingredient Potato Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A simple and delicious 4-ingredient potato bake featuring thinly sliced potatoes coated in a creamy French onion soup mix, topped with melted cheese, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, thinly sliced
Cream Mixture
- 300 ml (1¼ cups) thickened cream (heavy cream)
- 1 packet (approx. 40g) French onion soup mix
Topping
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or your choice)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the potato dish.
- Mix Cream and Soup Mix: In a large bowl, combine the thickened cream and the French onion soup mix thoroughly to create a flavorful creamy sauce.
- Coat Potatoes: Add the thinly sliced potatoes into the cream mixture and stir gently to coat all the slices evenly with the creamy onion soup blend.
- Arrange Potatoes: Grease a baking dish and layer the coated potato slices neatly. Pour any remaining cream mixture over the layered potatoes to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the grated cheese over the top layer of potatoes to form a delicious cheesy crust.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil to help the potatoes cook through without drying out and bake for 45 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 20–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the potato bake to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and cool slightly, making it easier to serve.
Notes
- For best results, use thinly sliced potatoes to ensure even cooking and creamy texture.
- Cheddar cheese is recommended, but feel free to use your favorite melting cheese variety.
- Covering with foil prevents the dish from drying out during the initial bake.
- Resting the dish before serving helps the bake set and improves the texture.
- You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: potato bake, French onion soup, cheesy potatoes, easy side dish, creamy potato casserole
