This Rustic Golden Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food—simple, budget-friendly, and packed with crispy, cheesy goodness. All you need are a few basic ingredients (including just three potatoes!) to create a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a side dish for a holiday feast, or a crowd-pleasing recipe on a shoestring budget, this golden potato bake has got you covered. Let’s get grating and baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy: Minimal prep work and only a handful of ingredients.
- Budget-Friendly: Potatoes are one of the most affordable pantry staples.
- Crispy & Cheesy: A golden crust tops layers of tender potatoes and gooey cheese.
- Versatile: Serve as a main dish, side dish, or even breakfast hash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Potato Bake:
- 3 medium potatoes (russet or Yukon gold work well), peeled and grated
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for greasing and drizzling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish (8x8-inch or similar) with olive oil or butter.
- Peel and grate the potatoes using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is key for achieving a crispy texture.
2. Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, chopped onion (if using), minced garlic (if using), sour cream, beaten egg, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese, reserving the rest for topping.
3. Assemble the Bake
- Spread the potato mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, pressing it down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Drizzle the top with olive oil or melted butter for extra crispiness.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
