If you’re searching for a show-stopping side dish that’s as cozy as it is elegant, look no further than Creamy Potato Stacks. Imagine layers of Yukon Gold potatoes, bathed in garlicky cream, stacked high with melty cheese, and finished with a golden, buttery crust. These irresistible little towers transform humble ingredients into pure comfort, making them perfect for holiday feasts, dinner parties, or even a cozy weeknight meal. Creamy Potato Stacks are the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, because every bite is just that good.

Creamy Potato Stacks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Potato Stacks is rooted in simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one has a special job, whether it’s adding richness, depth, or that signature cheesy pull. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Yukon Gold potatoes: These potatoes have the perfect balance of buttery flavor and creamy texture, making them ideal for stacking and baking.
Heavy cream: This is the secret to luscious, melt-in-your-mouth layers and a decadent mouthfeel.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses every layer with a subtle, savory warmth.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the potatoes and drawing out their natural flavor.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and balance.
Dried thyme: Brings an earthy, aromatic note that ties everything together.
Parmesan cheese: This cheese adds a salty, nutty punch and helps create a perfectly golden crust.
Gruyère or cheddar cheese: For ooey-gooey layers and a hint of sharpness, either cheese will work beautifully.
Unsalted butter: A little drizzle at the end gives the stacks a gorgeous finish and rich flavor.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brightens up the finished stacks and adds a pop of color.

How to Make Creamy Potato Stacks

Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 12-cup muffin tin. This ensures your Creamy Potato Stacks release effortlessly and bake evenly. The muffin tin is the secret weapon here, creating those perfect little towers with crispy edges.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. This mixture is where all the flavor magic happens, infusing every slice of potato with richness and a hint of herbaceousness.

Step 3: Layer Potatoes and Cream

Thinly slice your Yukon Gold potatoes (a mandoline slicer is fantastic for this) and begin layering them in each muffin cup. Spoon a little of the cream mixture between each layer, ensuring every bite will be tender and flavorful. The layering process is a labor of love, but it’s what gives Creamy Potato Stacks their signature look and taste.

Step 4: Add the Cheesy Goodness

Once you’ve filled the muffin cups about halfway, sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan and Gruyère (or cheddar) cheese over the potatoes. Keep layering with potatoes and cream until the cups are full, then finish with the rest of the cheese. This dual-cheese combo creates a gooey, golden top and a complex, savory flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Drizzle the melted butter over the tops of each stack for an extra boost of richness. Cover the muffin tin loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are beautifully golden and a knife slides effortlessly through the stacks.

Step 6: Cool and Garnish

Let the Creamy Potato Stacks cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before gently removing them. This short wait helps them set up and makes for easier plating. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve Creamy Potato Stacks

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also try chives, thinly sliced green onions, or even a bit of lemon zest for a fresh twist. The pop of green not only looks beautiful but also lifts the richness of the dish.

Side Dishes

Creamy Potato Stacks are incredibly versatile. Pair them with roast chicken, seared steak, or a festive holiday ham. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or sautéed greens to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, stack the potato towers on a wooden board or platter with extra herbs scattered around. You can also use individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for an upscale touch. For parties, serve them as elegant appetizers with toothpicks or mini forks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Creamy Potato Stacks (lucky you!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, and honestly, the flavors get even better overnight.

Freezing

These stacks freeze beautifully. Arrange cooled stacks on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can reheat straight from frozen.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Creamy Potato Stacks in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through and re-crisped on top. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven keeps the edges nice and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish

While Yukon Gold potatoes are the top pick for their creaminess and flavor, you can also use Russet potatoes or red potatoes. Just make sure to slice them thinly for the best texture.

What’s the best way to slice potatoes evenly?

A mandoline slicer is your best friend here! It creates ultra-thin, uniform slices that stack and cook evenly. If you don’t have one, a sharp knife and a steady hand will do the trick.

Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?

Absolutely! For a savory twist, add caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy bacon between the layers. Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage are also delicious additions.

Are Creamy Potato Stacks gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for guests with dietary restrictions. Just double-check your cheese and cream labels to be sure.

Can I make Creamy Potato Stacks ahead for a party?

Definitely. You can assemble and bake the stacks a day ahead, then reheat in the oven just before serving. They hold their shape and flavor beautifully, making them perfect for entertaining.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Creamy Potato Stacks enough for your next gathering or family dinner. They’re simple to make, utterly irresistible, and bring a touch of elegance to any table. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

Creamy Potato Stacks Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 potato stacks 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Potato Stacks are a delicious, cheesy, and elegant side dish featuring layers of thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes baked in a rich cream and garlic mixture, topped with Parmesan and Gruyère cheese. Perfect for holiday meals or any special occasion, these individual stacks offer a comforting and flavorful alternative to traditional scalloped potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced

Cream Mixture

1 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Cheese and Butter

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Mix Cream Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme until well combined.
Layer Potatoes and Cream: Place a layer of thin potato slices into each muffin cup, then spoon a small amount of the cream mixture over them. Continue layering potatoes and cream, filling each muffin cup halfway.
Add Cheese Midway: Sprinkle a portion of the grated Parmesan and shredded Gruyère cheese over the halfway point in each muffin cup to add rich flavor and texture.
Finish Layering: Continue layering the remaining potato slices and cream mixture until the muffin cups are full.
Top with Cheese and Butter: Add the remaining cheese on top of each stack and drizzle lightly with the melted unsalted butter for a golden crust.
Bake Covered: Cover the muffin tin loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.
Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Cool and Remove: Let the potato stacks cool for 5 minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin to maintain their shape.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the potato stacks for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.

Notes

For additional flavor, consider adding caramelized onions or crispy bacon between the layers of potatoes.
Using a mandoline slicer will help achieve evenly thin potato slices for uniform cooking.
These potato stacks reheat well in the oven, making them a great make-ahead side dish for holiday meals or gatherings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-Inspired