Sunday Cheesy Potato Bake

Name: Sunday Cheesy Potato Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup milk; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Butter for greasing the baking dish

Highlighted under: Dessert Delights Co.

I absolutely love making a Sunday Cheesy Potato Bake for family gatherings or just a cozy evening at home. This dish combines the creamy richness of potatoes with a blend of cheeses that melts beautifully together. The hint of garlic and herbs elevates it to a comforting classic that everyone expects when they visit. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover potatoes and cheese. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your weekly meal rotation, especially during the colder months!

Created by

Arabella Scott

Last updated on 2026-01-06T10:43:17.569Z

During one of my family gatherings, I decided to whip up my cherished Sunday Cheesy Potato Bake. The kitchen filled with the aroma of garlic and melted cheese, beckoning everyone to the table. I experimented with different cheese blends and found that a mix of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella delivers the perfect flavor balance. The result? A golden, bubbling dish that quickly disappeared!

I also discovered that letting the baked potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully. This little tip ensures each bite is as cheesy and delicious as the last!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent layers of cheese that create a beautiful gooey texture
Comforting and hearty, perfect for family gatherings
Customizable with your favorite herbs and toppings

      

Understanding Your Ingredients

The type of potatoes you choose plays a crucial role in the final texture of your Cheesy Potato Bake. For the best results, opt for starchy varieties like Russets. They’ll break down during cooking, creating a creamy interior that contrasts beautifully with the melted cheese on top. If you’re using waxy potatoes, like red or new potatoes, be aware that they retain their shape better, which can lead to a less creamy texture.

When it comes to cheese, don't hesitate to mix and match! While sharp cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices for this recipe, feel free to incorporate cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for an extra depth of flavor. Just be sure that the combined cheeses melt well together; you want that gooey, stringy texture without any graininess.

Mastering Layers

Layering is essential in ensuring every bite of your Cheesy Potato Bake is full of flavor. Use a mandoline slicer for evenly cut potatoes, ensuring they cook uniformly. Be mindful to not overcrowd the layers – this can lead to longer cooking times and uneven cooking. Aim for about ½ inch thickness for each slice, which strikes the perfect balance between texture and cook time.

Interspersing layers of the creamy cheese sauce with potatoes not only adds flavor but also helps to bind the layers together during baking. To achieve ideal cohesion, consider letting your potato bake rest for 10-15 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the sauce to settle a bit, making it easier to slice and serve.

Serving and Storage Tips

Garnishing your Cheesy Potato Bake can elevate its presentation. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley sprinkled on top right before serving add a pop of color and a fresh bite to counteract the richness. Pair your bake with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal that showcases the dish’s heartiness.

If you have leftovers, which is rare but can happen, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, approximately 20 minutes. For longer storage, consider freezing in individual portions; just let it cool completely first. This makes for a convenient meal on busy weeknights!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious and cheesy dish.

Cheesy Potato Bake Ingredients

4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Butter for greasing the baking dish

With your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this bake to life!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Sunday Cheesy Potato Bake.

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.

Mix the Cheese Sauce

In a bowl, combine the sour cream, milk, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese.

Layer the Potatoes

Place a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared dish. Spread a portion of the cheese mixture over the potatoes, and repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with the cheese mixture on top.

Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top layer.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Cool and Serve

Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. Enjoy your hearty dish!

Now that your dish is ready, enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor twist, consider adding cooked bacon bits or sautéed onions between the layers.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when making a Cheesy Potato Bake is a runny consistency. This can happen if the potatoes release excess starch during cooking. To remedy this, make sure to layer the potatoes with the cheese mixture thoroughly, allowing the sauce to bind everything tightly. Pre-cooking the potatoes slightly by parboiling can also reduce moisture.

If your top isn’t browning as expected, consider broiling it for the last few minutes of baking. Keep an eye on it during this stage to prevent burning. Broiling should transform the top to a gorgeous golden brown while maintaining the creamy texture underneath.

Creative Variations

Feel free to customize the recipe to fit seasonal ingredients or dietary preferences. Adding sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic can enhance the flavor profile significantly. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute some of the creaminess with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein and fewer calories.

For a vegetarian twist, consider swapping regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with savory cheeses and adds a unique flavor dimension to the dish. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as sweet potatoes can cook faster than regular potatoes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

→ What type of potatoes works best?

Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe as they hold their shape well during baking and have a nice starchy texture.

→ Can I use dairy-free alternatives?

Absolutely! You can substitute dairy products with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives to make it suitable for dietary restrictions.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.