CREAMY POTATO BAKE

This Recipe Makes 1 Medium Sized Casserole

Creamy Potato Bake also known as Scalloped Potatoes or Potato Gratin is a potato based dish with cream & other ingredients, baked until gooey.

This was always a must have as a side dish on our table whenever we had roasts or braais. It is quick & easy to prepare & can even be eaten on it’s own.

Creamy Potato Bake Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes
• salt to taste
• ground black pepper to taste
• ½ onion, slivered (optional)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 cups grated cheese
• thyme – without the stems for garnishing (optional)
• 500 ml First Choice Cream

Method:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 180° Celsius or 356° Fahrenheit.
   2. Get out the potatoes.
   3. 
   4. Peel & rinse potatoes.
   5. 
   6. Slice potatoes vertically about an inch thick.
   7. 
   8. Add sliced potatoes to a microwave safe bowl.
   9. 
   10. To the bowl, add salt & ground black pepper to taste, as well as the garlic powder.
   11. 
   12. Using your hands, mix well – rubbing the seasoning well into the potato slices.
   13. 
   14. Place the bowl into the microwave & microwave on high for 10 minutes.
   15. 
   16. After 10 minutes, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. The potatoes should be semi-soft.
   17. 
   18. Peel & slice the onion.
   19. 
   20. Have the fresh thyme ready without the stems, this step is optional.
   21. 
   22. Grate the cheese & set aside. I have used Gouda for this recipe.
   23. 
   24. Grease a medium sized casserole with spraying oil.
   25. 
   26. Add half the potato slices at the bottom of the greased casserole, making sure to cover the surface.
   27. 
   28. Add the sliced onions over the potatoes. You may add any other ingredients you prefer such as ham, bacon, macon, etc.
   29. 
   30. Cover with 1 cup grated cheese.
   31. 
   32. Pour 250 ml cream over. You may also make a white sauce if preferred & then pour it over, I just prefer my Creamy Potato Bake this way.
   33. 
   34. 
   35. Lay the remaining slices of potatoes over.
   36. 
   37. Cover with the remaining 1 cup of grated cheese & the 250 ml cream.
   38. 
   39. Sprinkle the thyme over (optional).
   40. 
   41. 
   42. 
   43. Bake for 30 minutes until the potatoes are soft & the cheese is golden..
   44. 
   45. 
   46. 
   47. Garnish with more thyme if preferred.
   48. 
   49. 
   50. If you use a transparent casserole, you will be able to see the layers.
   51. 
   52. Slice & serve.
   53.