The great thing about my Easy Cheat’s Potato Bake recipe (apart from the fact that it’s absolutely delicious!) is that it doesn’t require an age to cook in the oven. It’s made using steamed potatoes cooked in the microwave, which speeds up the cooking time. Then all you need to do is top with sauce and cheese and pop under the grill (broiler) for a few minutes! This recipe is great for an indulgent midweek meal, a relaxing weekend dish or for entertaining!
Is Easy Cheat’s Potato Bake suitable for leftovers?
Yes, Easy Cheat’s Potato Bake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave. Not suitable to freeze.
Easy Cheat’s Potato Bake
Share Pin Recipe PrintWith a neat shortcut of first steaming potatoes in the microwave, then finishing the dish under the oven grill (broiler), this Easy Cheat's Potato Bake recipe is a cinch to make. A delicious side to all kinds of meals, from roasts to schnitzel, the potatoes are cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce until bubbling and golden.
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2 lb) medium or small potatoes (any variety), washed, skin on
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
- 625 ml (2½ cups) full-cream (whole) milk
- 1 tsp chicken or vegetable stock powder (bouillon)
- 125 g (1 cup) freshly grated colby (jack cheese) or cheddar
- 1 thyme sprig, leaves picked (optional)
Instructions
- Microwave the potatoes – Add the whole potatoes (skin on) and 125 ml (½ cup) of tap water to a large microwave-safe container. Place the lid on slightly ajar, and cook the potatoes in the microwave for 10 minutes. You should easily be able to pierce the potatoes with a fork once cooked. If firm, continue cooking in 2-minute bursts (see note 1 for stovetop method).
- Peel the potatoes – Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, use a butter knife to peel the skin off; it will slip off easily.
- Slice and layer potatoes in dish – Slice the potatoes and layer them in a baking dish (you will need a dish approximately 25 x 15 cm/10 x 6 inches).
- Preheat – Preheat the oven grill (broiler).
- Make a roux – Heat the unsalted butter in a small pot over low heat. Once melted, add the flour. Stir for 1 minute until a paste is formed.
- Add the milk – Add the milk slowly, stirring with a whisk. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cook, stirring, for 6–8 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the stock powder – Once the sauce is nice and thick and coats the back of a spoon, it’s ready. Add the chicken stock powder and whisk until it’s dissolved.
- Pour sauce over potatoes – Pour the sauce straight on top of the potatoes, taking care to distribute it evenly.
- Add cheese – Top with the cheese and thyme leaves (if using).
- Melt the cheese, then serve – Place under the grill for 2–4 minutes and cook until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Serve.
Nutrition information
Nutrition Facts
Easy Cheat’s Potato Bake
Amount per Serving
Calories
333
% Daily Value*
Fat
15
g
23
%
Saturated Fat
10
g
63
%
Trans Fat
0.2
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
4
g
Cholesterol
46
mg
15
%
Sodium
265
mg
12
%
Potassium
897
mg
26
%
Carbohydrates
37
g
12
%
Fiber
4
g
17
%
Sugar
7
g
8
%
Protein
12
g
24
%
Vitamin A
550
IU
11
%
Vitamin C
33
mg
40
%
Calcium
298
mg
30
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes
Recipe notes
Note 1 – Stovetop potatoes Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water so they are submerged by at least 5 cm (2 inches). Bring to the boil, then simmer for 20–25 minutes until they can be easily pierced with a fork. Drain and set aside, ready to use.
