A Recipe for Easy and Yummy Potato Bake That is Pocket-Friendly

Potato bake is one of those great dishes that has stood the test of time. It will always be a hit, whether you are having a family dinner or hosting a group of friends. Moreover, it is not only easy to cook but also delicious and affordable. In this article, we will lead you through creating an appetizing potato bake that will make everyone ask for seconds.

 

Ingredients Needed

You need the following ingredients to prepare this potato bake:

Potatoes: Choose firm and waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best results.

Cheese: Cheddar cheese does both melting and taste well.

Milk: Whole milk or cream adds richness to the creamy sauce.

Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for controlling the sodium content.

Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices of your choice to enhance the flavor.

 

Preparing the Potatoes

Begin by washing and peeling them before cutting them into thin rounds with a sharp knife or mandoline slicer so as they can be uniform.

 

Making a Creamy Sauce

The butter should be melted in a pot at medium heat. Regularly add the flour with continuous stirring until it turns golden brown. Keep on whisking continuously while pouring in milk gradually until the sauce thickens. Add salt, pepper and any other spices desired.

 

The Dish

Slice potatoes and layer them alternatively in between greased baking dish having creamy sauce plus grated cheese. Repeat this till all the ingredients are finished ensuring that cheese is on top.

 

Baking Process

The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C). The baking dish then must be covered by foil and baked for approximately 30 minutes. After that, take off foil and bake again for around 20-30 minutes or until potatoes become tender and gold brown color comes out.

 

Ways of Serving

To garnish your potato bake, use vanishing herbs such as parsley or chives which would add some taste to it. Serve hot as an independent dish or side dish accompanied with roasted meats or grilled vegetables.

 

Ideas for Change

Unleash your imagination to include layers of caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or sliced mushrooms into your potato bake. If you want a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk and use vegan cheese instead.

 

Success Tips

While preparing the dish, remember to choose potatoes of nearly equal size for uniform cooking and do not forget to parboil them briefly. This way they become softer upon baking. Also, ensure that the sauce is silky and velvety so as to achieve a perfect consistency.

 

Health Benefits of Potatoes

Potatoes, despite being branded as starch-rick vegetables, are an important source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium and fiber. When you eat them in moderation and cook them healthily, they can be part of a diet that is balanced.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, this simple but tasty potato bake recipe will definitely make your day if you want a delicious meal that will not cost much. Sometimes it can take longer time to prepare such food than would take while ordering from a restaurant. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy affordable delicacy that will leave everyone at the table happy.

 

Ingredients:

4 peeled large potatoes sliced thinly

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter/margarine

2 tablespoons plain flour (all-purpose/plain flour)

Salt and pepper—to taste—

Optional: chopped fresh parsley—garnish—

 

instructions .

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use butter or cooking spray to grease a baking dish.

Heat some butter in a saucepan until it melts. Then whisk the flour into the melted butter to create roux that is velvety and smooth.

To prevent lumps from forming while pouring, stir constantly and slowly into the milk. Cook the sauce until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Add salt and pepper if you like.

Put half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom overlapping slightly if needed into greased baking dish. Then pour, using a spoon to spread evenly on top of potatoes, half of the sauce prepared.

Sprinkle half of shredded cheese over this layer of sauce

Repeat with remaining potatoes, sauce and cheese as layers.

Cover with aluminum foil before placing in preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Uncover after 30 minutes more or less before continuing baking for another twenty or twenty five minutes till potatoes are cooked through and cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

However, once done remove from oven and let it cool down for few minutes before serving potato bake as you wish it.

For garnish use chopped fresh parsley if desired then enjoy this tasty potato bake either as an accompaniment or a hearty main course!