Creamy Potato Stacks
These Creamy Potato Stacks are a total game-changer. Imagine crispy, golden potato slices stacked high and baked to perfection, with a creamy, cheesy filling in every layer. They’re the perfect balance of crunchy, tender, and decadent, making them a show-stopping side dish for any meal. Whether you’re serving them for a special dinner, holiday gathering, or just because, these little potato stacks are sure to impress and satisfy. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Potato Stacks
These potato stacks are not just your average side dish; they’re something truly special. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and an easy process come together to create something fancy-looking and delicious!
Customizable: You can add garlic, herbs, or bacon to the creamy layers for even more flavor—make it your own!
Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside—what more could you ask for?
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion, these stacks are always a hit with guests.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these in advance, making your dinner or gathering stress-free.
Ingredients in Creamy Potato Stacks
Here’s what you need to make these mouthwatering stacks:
Russet Potatoes: The perfect choice for a crispy, yet tender texture. They hold up well when stacked and baked.
Heavy Cream: This makes the potatoes wonderfully creamy and rich.
Cheddar Cheese: The classic choice for creamy, melty, and flavorful cheese between each layer.
Butter: For added richness and a golden, crispy finish.
Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way in enhancing the savory flavor of the potatoes.
Fresh Thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic touch that complements the creamy potatoes beautifully.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
(Note: Measurements are available in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s walk through the simple steps to create these crispy, creamy potato stacks:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the potatoes cook evenly and get that perfect golden crisp.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin rounds (about 1/8-inch thick). You can use a mandolin slicer for even, consistent slices. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
3. Make the Creamy Mixture:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the mixture is heated through. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
4. Layer the Potatoes:
Grease a muffin tin (or any small baking dish) with butter or oil. Start stacking the potato slices in the muffin cups, layering them in a spiral pattern. After each layer, drizzle some of the creamy mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with a little bit of cheese.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Once you’ve stacked the potatoes, cover the muffin tin with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy on the edges and tender in the middle.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the potato stacks to cool slightly before gently removing them from the muffin tin. Serve them as a stunning side dish or even a special appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~300 (depends on portion size and ingredients used)
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the specific ingredients you use.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Potato Stacks
These creamy potato stacks pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes:
- With Roasted Meat: They’re the perfect side to serve with roast chicken, beef tenderloin, or a juicy steak.
- With a Salad: A light, fresh salad balances out the richness of the potatoes beautifully.
- On Their Own: Honestly, these stacks are so delicious, they can stand on their own!
Additional Tips
- If you like extra crispy potatoes, increase the cooking time by a few minutes at the end, keeping a close eye on them.
- Want to add some extra flavor? Add cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions between the potato layers.
- You can make these stacks ahead of time, bake them, and then reheat them when you’re ready to serve.
- If you don’t have thyme, rosemary also works well for a fragrant, savory touch.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Russet potatoes work best for this recipe, but Yukon Gold potatoes can be used for a creamier texture.
2. Can I make these without cheese?
Yes! You can skip the cheese for a dairy-free version or use a dairy-free alternative.
3. Can I add bacon to the stacks?
Absolutely! Crumbled bacon added between the layers will give these stacks a smoky, savory twist.
4. Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the stacks ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
5. How do I prevent the potatoes from turning brown?
Be sure to keep the potato slices covered in water if prepping in advance. Drain and dry them well before stacking.
6. Can I use a different herb instead of thyme?
Rosemary or sage would be wonderful alternatives if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
7. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the texture won’t be as rich. Heavy cream gives the stacks their creamy, luxurious texture.
8. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free!
9. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the baked potato stacks. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and reheat in the oven when ready.
10. Can I use a regular baking dish instead of a muffin tin?
Yes, you can use a regular baking dish, but the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the dish.
Conclusion
Creamy Potato Stacks are the kind of dish that makes you want to go back for seconds (and thirds). With their crispy edges, tender interior, and creamy, cheesy layers, they’re a side dish that’ll steal the spotlight. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion, these stacks will become your new favorite way to enjoy potatoes. Try them today, and get ready to wow your guests—or yourself—at the dinner table!
PrintCreamy Potato Stacks
Creamy Potato Stacks are a visually stunning and delicious side dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream, garlic, thyme, and nutmeg. Baked in a muffin tin, they form individual stacks that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions, these stacks offer a gourmet twist on traditional roasted potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 45min
- Total Time: 1hr
- Yield: 12servings
- Category: SideDish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
– 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled or unpeeled
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1 clove garlic, grated
– 1 teaspoon coarse salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, grated garlic, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Warm over medium heat until the cream is heated through, then remove from heat and discard the thyme.
3. Slice the Yukon Gold potatoes into thin rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife.
4. In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with the warm cream mixture until evenly coated.
5. Layer the potato slices into the prepared muffin tin, stacking them vertically and filling each cup to the top.
6. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the top of each stack.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the tops are golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
– For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
– Experiment with different cheeses like Parmesan or cheddar for varied flavors.
– These potato stacks can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; reheat in the oven before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1stack
- Calories: 230kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
