Easy Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake | Ultimate Comfort Food

It was a rainy Tuesday, the kind where you just want something warm and comforting bubbling away in the oven.I didn’t have the time (or patience) for thin-sliced scalloped potatoes, so this easy creamy cheesy potato bake became my go-to. So I reached for my favorite shortcut: this easy creamy cheesy potato bake. Chunky, golden, and smothered in melty cheese, this easy creamy cheesy potato bake hits all the cozy notes., without the fuss.

Ingredients

The right ingredients make this dish extra creamy and comforting. Use starchy potatoes and a good melting cheese mix for the best results.

• 1.25kg (2.5lb) potatoes (Sebago, Russet, or Yukon Gold)
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) milk (full or low fat)
• 3/4 cup (185 ml) thickened cream (heavy cream)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (whole egg) or 1/4 cup extra cream
• 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 tsp salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Colby, cheddar, tasty cheese)
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

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Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Starchy potatoes like Russet, Sebago, or Yukon Gold give you that fluffy, tender bite. Waxy types just stay too firm, even after baking.

Mayonnaise sounds odd in a bake—but trust me, it adds depth. If you’d rather skip it, just add extra cream plus a pinch of mustard powder and garlic or onion powder for balance.

For cheese, pick ones that melt smoothly. Cheddar is a classic, but mixing in Gruyere or Monterey Jack adds something special. Mozzarella on top helps everything brown beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.
2. Peel and cut potatoes into 1.75 cm (about 2/3 inch) cubes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, cream, milk, mayo (or extra cream), thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese (except the mozzarella).
4. Pour everything into a greased 3L baking dish (about 22 cm square and 6 cm deep).
5. Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes until the potatoes are soft.
6. Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 25 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Add extra thyme if you like.

Pro Tips for Success

Always rest the bake for at least 5 minutes. It helps the sauce settle into that creamy texture you want.

If the sauce looks split after the first hour—don’t panic. That’s totally normal. The final bake and resting time smooth everything out.

A 3L baking dish works perfectly here. Anything smaller might overflow.

Recipe Notes

This easy creamy cheesy potato bake works beautifully as a make-ahead option. Just bake it until the potatoes are tender, cool it completely, and store in the fridge.

To reheat, cover and microwave for 5–8 minutes or warm in the oven at 180°C for 20–30 minutes. Add the mozzarella topping before baking uncovered until golden.

Avoid waxy potatoes. They won’t give you the tender, pillowy texture we’re aiming for.

If the sauce looks like it’s separating—don’t worry. That fixes itself as it finishes baking and resting.

FAQs

Nutrition

Per serving (198g):
360 calories | Cheese and cream-heavy, but totally worth it for special dinners or comforting sides.

Easy Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe Card

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More Such Recipes

If you love hearty, cozy dishes like this, try these next:

• Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole for weeknight comfort food
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes as a crispy, low-effort side
• Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta One Pot for quick and hearty dinners
• Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes for a satisfying skillet meal

Final Thoughts

This easy creamy cheesy potato bake is one of those reliable recipes that never disappoints. It’s rich, warm, and ridiculously satisfying—perfect for Sunday dinner, family gatherings, or anytime you crave something golden and melty.

Give it a try, then explore some of my other comforting dinner recipes on Pinterest or Facebook. Happy cooking!