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 several hours 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 run under the grill for a few minutes! This recipe is great for an indulgent mid-week 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. Reheat in the microwave. Not suitable to freeze.
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Easy Cheat’s Potato Bake
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Ingredients
- 1 kg medium or small potatoes (6 – 8 potatoes) (any variety), washed, skin on
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups (20 fl oz) full cream milk
- 1 tsp chicken stock powder
- 1 cup (113 g) tasty or colby cheese (or cheddar), freshly grated
- Sprig of thyme, leaves removed (optional)
Instructions
To prepare the potatoes
- Add the whole potatoes (skin on) and 1/2 cup of tap water to a large, microwave-safe container. Place the lid on, slightly ajar, and cook 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 intervals (see note 1 for stovetop method).
- Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, use a butter knife to peel the skin off; it will slip off easily.
- Slice the potatoes into rounds and layer them in a baking dish (you will need a dish approximately 25 x 15 cm or 10 x 6″).
To make the creamy sauce
- Preheat the oven grill/broiler.
- Heat the unsalted butter in a small pot on low heat. Once melted, add the flour. Stir for 1 minute until a paste is formed.
- 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.
- 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 the sauce straight on top of the potatoes, taking care to distribute it evenly.
- Top with cheese and thyme leaves.
- Place under the grill for 2-4 minutes until the cheese has bubbled and turned golden. Serve.
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 or 2″ of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer between 20-25 minutes until they are easily pierced with a fork. Drain and set aside, ready to use.
MAKE AHEAD
Once the potato bake is cooked, allow it to cool completely. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, cover with foil and cook, covered, in a 200°C/400°F (180°C fan) oven for 30 – 45 minutes until heated through. Grill/broil for 2-4 minutes until the cheese has bubbled and turned golden.
LEFTOVERS
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave. Not suitable to freeze.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: potato, side dish, easy potato bake
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: Italian
