A rich, creamy, and cheesy potato bake that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
Sauce
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4 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon garlic, minced (or 4 large cloves, minced)
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4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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4 cups milk (skim, 2%, or whole)
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1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder or Kosher salt
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1 pinch salt, to taste
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½ teaspoon black pepper
Main
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2½ lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled & sliced ⅛–¼ inch thick
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon fresh chives, divided
Instructions
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Preheat Oven – Heat to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Make Garlic Cream Sauce
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In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add garlic; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Whisk in flour; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly to make a smooth roux.
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Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually whisk in milk, ¼ cup at a time, to keep it lump-free.
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Bring to a gentle boil; cook until slightly thickened.
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Stir in bouillon powder, salt (if needed), and black pepper. Remove from heat.
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Assemble Layers
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Arrange half the potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
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Pour over half the cream sauce.
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Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan.
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Repeat with remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheeses.
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Bake
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Cover tightly with foil and bake 40 minutes, until potatoes are nearly tender.
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Remove foil; bake another 30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
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For a crisp top, broil 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
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Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh chives before serving.
Tips
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For richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of milk.
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Slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
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If you love extra garlic, roast a head of garlic and mash it into the sauce.