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Cheesy Herb-Infused Potato Bake

Cheesy Herb-Infused Potato Bake

The Cheesy Herb-Infused Potato Bake is a comforting and versatile dish featuring tender, thinly sliced starchy potatoes baked in a creamy, savory cheese sauce infused with fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary. This naturally gluten-free recipe combines rich cheddar or Gruyère cheese with aromatics like garlic and onions to create a rich, herbaceous bake that works perfectly as a side or a hearty vegetarian main. Easy to prepare and make ahead, it delivers satisfying, layered flavors with a golden, bubbling cheese crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes & Vegetables

  • 4 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Cheese

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes and Vegetables: Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick, for even cooking. Thinly slice the onions and mince the garlic to release their aromas.
  2. Make the Creamy Herb Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream or whole milk, then stir in the finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the mixture to heat gently until it just begins to simmer to fully infuse the flavors.
  3. Layer the Bake: Butter a baking dish and arrange a layer of potato slices evenly. Sprinkle a portion of the thinly sliced onions over the potatoes, then add a handful of shredded cheese, and spoon some of the creamy herb sauce on top. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top to create a golden crust.
  4. Bake Until Golden and Tender: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the potato bake rest for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken and the slices to hold together beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • Use a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife to slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
  • Always prefer fresh herbs to get the brightest flavor and aroma; dried herbs can be used but quantities should be reduced.
  • Bake low and slow to ensure creamy potatoes without drying out the sauce.
  • Let the dish rest after baking so it firms up and slices hold their shape better.
  • Reserve extra cheese to top the dish for a crispy and golden cheese crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato bake, cheesy potato casserole, herb-infused potato bake, gluten free potato dish, vegetarian potato casserole