Get ready for the ultimate comfort food! This creamy potato bake is an absolute dream – rich, incredibly cheesy, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re planning a lively braai with friends, need the perfect side for your next dinner, or simply crave a warm, hearty dish, this beloved South African favourite consistently delivers pure deliciousness.
Creamy South African Potato Bake
Discover an authentic and easy creamy South African potato bake recipe! This ultimate comfort food features tender potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect as a comforting side dish for a braai, Sunday lunch, or any family dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 potatoes medium
- 1 tsp butter for greasing
- 1 packet potato bake mix
- 250 ml milk full cream
- 250 ml cream
- ½ tsp salt or potato seasoning
- 1 cup chedder grated
Instructions
- Parboil potatoes on the stove until almost soft or microwave for 8 minutes.
- Let them cool.
- Grease oven pan.
- Slice potatoes into the pan.
- Season with salt or potato seasoning.
- Whisk together cream, milk and Potato Bake mix.
- Pour over potatoes.
- Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and top with cheese.
- Bake for a further 15 minutes.
Video
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Potato Bake:
- Don't Overcook Potatoes: Parboil potatoes just until fork-tender but still firm. They will continue to cook in the oven, and you want them to hold their shape.
- Layering is Key: Ensure potatoes are evenly spread in layers for consistent cooking and to allow the sauce to penetrate everywhere.
- Golden Crust: For an extra golden and bubbly crust, consider broiling for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- Resting Time: Allow the potato bake to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.
- This creamy potato bake is incredibly versatile! It's an absolute must-have at any South African braai (barbecue).
- It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, beef, lamb, or pork.
- A fantastic accompaniment to a traditional Sunday roast or holiday meal.
- Serve alongside your favorite vegetable or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Garlic Lover's Dream: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the cream mixture for an extra punch of flavor.
- Herbal Infusion: Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of dried mixed herbs, dried thyme, or rosemary with the potato seasoning for an aromatic twist.
- Extra Cheesy: Sprinkle an additional layer of Parmesan cheese or a blend of your favorite cheeses between the potato layers.
- Crispy Topping: For added texture, mix a handful of breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking.
- Bacon Delight: Fry up some crispy bacon bits and scatter them over the layers for a smoky, savory addition.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the cream mixture can add a subtle warmth.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the potato bake a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Nutrition
Calories: 213kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 176mgPotassium: 527mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 532IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 73mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
One Response
Delicious!