Cheesy Potato Bake

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the potatoes from sticking.

2. **Prepare the potatoes:** Wash and peel the potatoes. Slice them into thin, even rounds (about 1/8-inch thick) using a sharp knife or mandolin. This ensures they cook evenly and become perfectly tender during baking.

3. **Cook the aromatics (optional):** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step adds depth to the flavor of the dish, but if you prefer a simpler recipe, you can skip this step and directly add the garlic in the next part.

4. **Make the creamy sauce:** To the saucepan, add the heavy cream and milk, stirring until combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

5. **Layer the potatoes:** Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the potatoes, ensuring the slices are evenly covered. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

6. **Repeat the layers:** Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese. This will ensure that the cheesy goodness is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

7. **Bake:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

8. **Garnish and serve:** Once the cheesy potato bake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to firm up. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.

### Why This Cheesy Potato Bake is So Good

1. **Perfectly Creamy Texture:** The combination of heavy cream and milk creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats each potato slice. The cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, creating a luscious, gooey texture that makes every bite irresistible.

2. **Cheese Lover’s Dream:** With two types of cheese — cheddar and Parmesan — this dish is a dream come true for cheese lovers. The sharpness of cheddar adds depth, while the Parmesan gives it a touch of nuttiness and an extra crispy bite on top.

3. **Versatility:** This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can add bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach for extra flavor and texture. If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a spicy kick.

4. **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare this cheesy potato bake a day in advance, then bake it the next day. Simply assemble everything, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or for holiday meals where you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.

### Tips for the Best Cheesy Potato Bake:
– **Use starchy potatoes:** Russet potatoes or Yukon Golds work best for this recipe because they’re starchy and break down into a creamy texture when baked. They hold their shape well and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.

– **Thinly slice the potatoes:** To ensure even cooking, slice the potatoes as evenly as possible. If you have a mandolin slicer, use it to get perfectly uniform slices.

– **Don’t skip the foil:** Covering the baking dish with foil in the first part of the baking process helps to steam the potatoes, ensuring they cook through without becoming dry. The last few minutes of uncovered baking will give the top a golden, crispy finish.

### A Dish That’s Sure to Please

Cheesy potato bake is the kind of dish that brings people together. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Its rich, creamy texture, combined with the golden, cheesy top, makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Plus, with its ease of preparation and versatility, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Once you try this cheesy potato bake, it’s likely to become your go-to comfort food for years to come. Prepare to indulge in a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly good — one bite and you’ll see why it’s a timeless favorite!