Creamy Cheesy Potato Pie

This cheesy potato pie is a comforting dish that brings warmth and richness to any meal. Its creamy layers of tender potatoes, savory onions, and melted cheeses make it an irresistible choice for family dinners or cozy weekends. With a golden crust and a creamy interior, it satisfies cravings for hearty comfort food every time.

I first made this pie when I wanted to impress a friend with hearty vegetarian food, and it quickly became one of our favorites to share on chilly evenings.

Ingredients

• Floury potatoes: such as Maris Piper or Yukon Gold peeled and thinly sliced for ideal creaminess and structure
• Medium onions: thinly sliced to add sweetness and depth when cooked slowly
• Garlic cloves: minced for subtle aromatic flavor
• Gruyère cheese: grated for a nutty, rich layer
• Mature cheddar cheese: grated to give sharpness and a wonderful melt
• Heavy cream: for a smooth and indulgent sauce
• Unsalted butter: for cooking onions and adding richness without overpowering
• Whole milk: to lighten the cream mixture slightly
• Freshly grated nutmeg: adds warm spice that complements the cheeses beautifully
• Dijon mustard: contributes a mild tang that balances the richness
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste for seasoning
• Fresh chives: finely chopped as an optional fresh garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Melt unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic, cooking gently for 6 to 8 minutes until they become soft and translucent but avoid letting them brown as this keeps a sweeter flavor profile. Remove from heat once done.

Prepare the Cream Mixture:

In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, Dijon mustard, freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until combined smoothly. This mixture adds creaminess and subtle seasoning throughout the pie.

Layer the Potatoes and Cheese:

Butter an 8-cup ovenproof pie or casserole dish. Arrange half the potato slices in the dish with slight overlapping for an even layer. Spread half of the cooked onion and garlic mixture on top. Sprinkle half of the grated Gruyère and cheddar cheeses evenly over the onions.

Repeat the Layers:

Create a second layer by repeating the process with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheeses. This builds the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful structure of the pie.

Add Cream Mixture and Bake Covered:

Pour the cream and seasoning mixture evenly over the layered potatoes and cheese. Press gently with a spatula to compact the layers. Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 40 minutes.

Bake Uncovered for the Finish:

Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes. This step browns the top to a golden color and allows the filling to bubble gently at the edges, signaling a perfect creamy texture inside.

Let It Rest and Garnish:

Allow the pie to sit for 10 minutes after baking so it firms up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh chives if desired for a burst of color and freshness.

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Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the creamy texture and avoid drying out. This pie also freezes beautifully – wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn and thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it back up.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Gruyère cheese, Swiss cheese or Emmental make good alternatives with similar melting qualities and flavors. For a lighter version, you can substitute half the heavy cream with a lower fat milk or even a plant-based milk that withstands baking. Keep Dijon mustard as it adds essential flavor depth but you can adjust quantities if preferred milder.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pie alongside a crisp green salad to cut through the richness and add a fresh contrast. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans also pair nicely. For a heartier meal, offer a dollop of sour cream or a tangy chutney on the side to add a playful zing.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of potatoes work best?

Floury varieties like Maris Piper or Yukon Gold are ideal for their creamy texture once cooked.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, a mix of cheeses with good melting qualities enhances flavor and richness in this dish.

→ How should the onions be prepared?

They should be thinly sliced and gently cooked until soft and translucent, enhancing their sweetness.

→ What does the nutmeg add to the dish?

Freshly grated nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the creamy elements beautifully.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely, it can be assembled in advance and reheated just before serving to retain its flavors.

→ How do I achieve a golden top layer?

Removing the foil halfway through baking allows the top to brown beautifully and develop a subtle crispness.