If you love potatoes transformed into a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience, then this Creamy Potato Stacks Recipe is destined to become your new favorite comfort food. Imagine layers of thinly sliced russets soaked in a decadent cream and herb mixture, baked to golden perfection with a bubbly cheddar crown on top. These elegant little stacks aren’t just stunning on the plate—they’re packed with flavor and rich textures that make every bite pure bliss. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy side dish, this recipe brings warmth and joy to the table like no other.

Creamy Potato Stacks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, using just a handful of ingredients that each play a key role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous goodness. You’ll find that quality potatoes, fresh herbs, and sharp cheddar really elevate the dish to irresistible heights.

Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture is perfect for stacking and soaking up that creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: Provides a luscious, smooth richness that binds the layers together.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a tangy, bold flavor and melts beautifully for a golden topping.
Unsalted butter: Melted to enrich the creamy mixture and add a subtle sweetness.
Garlic powder: Brings a gentle savory depth without overpowering the potatoes.
Dried thyme: Infuses the stacks with delicate herbal notes that brighten the dish.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the potatoes and enhancing all flavors.
Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh green garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

How to Make Creamy Potato Stacks Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or small baking dish well with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the stacks release easily after baking. This foundation step is key for a mess-free removal and tidy presentation.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes Thinly

Using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife, slice your peeled russet potatoes into thin, even slices, roughly 1/8-inch thick. The uniform slices are crucial so the stacks cook evenly and develop that tender, creamy texture throughout.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, melted butter, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir in half of your grated sharp cheddar cheese for richness and flavor infusion. This mixture is what makes your stacks so irresistibly decadent.

Step 4: Assemble the Potato Stacks

Carefully layer the potato slices upright into each well of your muffin tin. Pour the creamy mixture generously over each stack, allowing it to seep through the layers and coat every slice. Repeat until your stacks are full and dripping with creamy goodness. This layering method ensures each bite is packed with flavor and comfort.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of each stack, which will melt and brown during baking to create a stunning and delicious crust. This step amps up the dish’s texture with a delightful bubbly finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the muffin tin with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbling. This dual bake method guarantees perfectly cooked potatoes with a beautifully crisp topping.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Give your creamy potato stacks a few minutes to cool in the tin before gently removing them. This pause helps them firm up slightly for neat plating. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and prepare to impress anyone lucky enough to share this dish.

How to Serve Creamy Potato Stacks Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is an ideal garnish, adding a burst of green color and a subtle herbaceous brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy richness. For extra flair, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or finely chopped chives also works beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Potato Stacks Recipe pairs exceptionally well with simple roasted meats like chicken or pork, and a crisp green salad to balance the indulgence. A tangy cranberry chutney or steamed green beans add freshness and complement the velvety texture of the stacks.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these stacks individually in their muffin tin cups for a rustic, charming look or gently unmold onto a large platter for a festive gathering. For a twist, drizzle with a light garlic aioli or a dollop of sour cream to add dimension and elevate the flavor profile even further.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover creamy potato stacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They keep their lovely texture when properly cooled and will be ready to shine again the next day.

Freezing

Though best enjoyed fresh, these potato stacks freeze well. After baking and cooling, wrap each stack individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the potato stacks on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crisp on top. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

While russet potatoes are recommended for their starchy texture that soaks up cream nicely, you can experiment with Yukon Golds for a slightly buttery flavor and creamier consistency. Just be sure to slice them thinly for even cooking.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use a vegan cheese to keep the flavor rich and satisfying. The texture may differ slightly but will still be delicious.

Can I prepare the stacks ahead of time before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the stacks a few hours in advance, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just bring them to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

How can I make the potato stacks more crispy?

For extra crispness, remove the foil for the last 20 minutes of baking as the recipe suggests, which allows the cheese and edges to brown beautifully. Also, slicing the potatoes thinly helps maximize crispy edges.

What can I add to customize the flavor?

Feel free to add finely chopped cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped green onions between layers for extra flavor. A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne can also add a delightful smoky or spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Potato Stacks Recipe is such a joy to make and share, bringing a little extra elegance to the humble potato. It’s a dish that thrills with each bite—rich, comforting, cheesy, and full of heart. Give it a try soon, and you might just find yourself making these stacks again and again for family dinners, holidays, or anytime you want to show potatoes some serious love.

Creamy Potato Stacks Recipe

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4.2 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

These Creamy Potato Stacks are a delicious and elegant side dish featuring thinly sliced russet potatoes layered and baked with a rich mixture of heavy cream, butter, garlic, thyme, and sharp cheddar cheese. Baked to golden perfection, they make a comforting addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Creamy Mixture

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheese

1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or a similar small baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare Potatoes: Using a mandolin or a sharp knife, thinly slice the peeled russet potatoes about 1/8-inch thick. Aim to keep the slices as even and uniform as possible for consistent cooking.
Make Creamy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, melted butter, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in half of the grated cheddar cheese until well blended.
Assemble the Stacks: Arrange the potato slices upright in the prepared muffin tin, stacking them on their edges to form small towers. Drizzle the creamy cheese mixture evenly over each stack, allowing it to soak into the layers of potatoes. Continue layering until the stacks are filled to your desired height.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining grated sharp cheddar cheese on top of each potato stack to create a delicious cheesy crust.
Bake: Cover the muffin tin tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Allow the potato stacks to cool slightly for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm as a creamy, cheesy side dish.

Notes

For best results, use a mandolin to slice potatoes evenly which helps with uniform cooking.
If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, fresh thyme can be used instead of dried; increase quantity slightly.
The stacks can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
Using a sharp cheddar cheese adds a nice tangy flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella.
To make the dish gluten-free, ensure all seasonings and cheeses are certified gluten-free.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American