Why You’ll Love Easy Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it brings together simplicity and indulgence: the potatoes get bathed in a luscious cheese-cream mixture, giving you plenty of sauce in every bite (rather than the drier, tightly layered gratin style). It’s faster to prep, uses everyday ingredients, and presents beautifully as a side or even a vegetarian main.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Potatoes (cubes rather than thin slices)
Milk
Thickened cream (or heavy cream)
Mayonnaise (or extra cream if skipping mayo)
Fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme)
Garlic cloves, minced
Salt & black pepper
Shredded cheese (for mixing through)
Shredded mozzarella (for topping)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 180 °C / 350 °F.
Peel and cut the potatoes into approximately 1 ¾ cm (about 2/3″) cubes. Place the cubed potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
Add milk, thickened cream, mayonnaise (or extra cream if skipping mayo), thyme, garlic, salt and pepper to the bowl with the potatoes. Mix everything so the potatoes are evenly coated.
Stir in the shredded cheese (not the mozzarella) so it’s distributed throughout.
Pour the potato-sauce mixture into a baking dish (a 3 L / 3-quart dish works well, e.g., ~22 cm/9″ square). Cover the dish with foil. Bake covered for about 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced.
After 60 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional ~25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let the bake rest for 5‑10 minutes before serving, garnished with extra thyme if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: approximately 10 (as a side dish)
Prep time: about 10 minutes
Cook time: about 1 hour 25 minutes (60 minutes covered + 25 minutes uncovered)
Total time: approximately 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

Use different types of cheese such as Gruyère, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite melting cheese.
Add herbs or seasonings like smoked paprika, mustard powder, or sautéed onions for a flavor boost.
Reduce cream or use low-fat milk for a lighter version, though the dish will be less rich.
Add chopped cooked bacon or ham, or stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra substance.
Swap the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a twist, or use a mix of both for contrast.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Once cooled, cover the dish tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in an oven preheated to 180 °C (350 °F), covered with foil for 20–30 minutes until heated through. Uncover for the last few minutes to re-crisp the top.
Make-ahead: Bake the dish until the potatoes are tender (before topping with mozzarella), refrigerate, then add the cheese and finish baking before serving.

FAQs

What type of potatoes should I use?

Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold. They soften well and soak up the sauce, giving a better texture than waxy varieties.

Can I skip the mayonnaise?

Yes, you can use extra cream instead. The mayo adds richness, but the dish is still delicious without it.

Can I use a different cooking method like the microwave?

The oven is recommended for best results. A microwave won’t give the same creamy sauce or golden top.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

Insert a knife into a few cubes—if it slides in easily, they’re done. The sauce should be bubbling and thickened.

Why is the bake so rich and creamy?

The richness comes from the combination of cream, milk, cheese, and optional mayonnaise. It’s meant to be a luxurious, comforting dish.

Can I reduce the cooking time?

You can cut the potatoes smaller to reduce bake time slightly, but be careful not to compromise the sauce consistency.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best not to freeze it, as the sauce may separate when thawed. For best results, refrigerate and enjoy within a few days.

My top browned too quickly. What can I do?

Cover the dish loosely with foil if the top is browning too fast before the bake is done.

Can I turn this into a full meal?

Yes, add cooked chicken, ham, or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to make it heartier.

How do I make the top extra crispy?

After baking, broil the dish for 1–2 minutes to crisp up the cheese. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Conclusion

This easy creamy cheesy potato bake is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor with minimal prep. Whether you serve it as a side dish or load it up to make a main, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any table. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or when you just want something truly satisfying, this is a dish worth adding to your go-to recipe list.