Easy Cheat’s Potato Bake
Servings: 6
Calories: 333kcal
With 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 medium or small potatoes (about 6–8) (any variety), washed, skin on
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
- 625 ml full-cream (whole) milk
- 1 tsp chicken or vegetable stock powder (bouillon)
- 125 g freshly grated colby, cheddar or tasty cheese
- 1 sprig thyme, leaves picked (optional)
Instructions
To prepare the potatoes
- Add the whole potatoes (skin on) and ½ cup (125 ml) 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).
- 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 and layer them in a baking dish (you will need a dish approximately 25 x 15 cm/10 x 6 inches).
To make the creamy sauce
- Preheat the oven grill (broiler).
- 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 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 the cheese and thyme leaves (if using).
- Place under the grill for 2–4 minutes and cook until the cheese is bubbling and 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 (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.
MAKE AHEAD
Once the potato bake is cooked, allow it to cool completely. Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When ready to serve, cover with foil and cook, covered, in a 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced) oven for 30–45 minutes until heated through. Grill (broil) for 2–4 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.LEFTOVERS
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave. Not suitable to freeze.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.
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