Description
This comforting Potato and Broccoli Bake features thinly sliced potatoes, tender broccoli florets, and a rich cream sauce infused with garlic and thyme, all baked to golden perfection with melted mozzarella and colby cheese on top. It’s a hearty, cheesy side dish or vegetarian main that’s easy to prepare and perfect for cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 6 large potatoes (approx 1.2 kg or 2 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 large onion, peeled and diced
- 1 head broccoli, stem removed and chopped into florets (approx 2 cups)
Cream Sauce
- 2 cups (500 ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup colby cheese, freshly grated
Garnish
- Flat leaf parsley, stems removed and finely chopped
Other
- Cooking oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350-375°F) or Gas Mark 4-5 to ensure it reaches the right baking temperature for even cooking.
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler and discard the skins. Then, using a mandolin slicer, thinly slice the potatoes for uniform cooking.
- Make the cream sauce: In a medium-sized jug, combine the heavy cream, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together thoroughly until well blended.
- Combine vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced potatoes, diced onion, and broccoli florets. Stir together gently with a wooden spoon to mix evenly.
- Add cream sauce: Pour the prepared cream sauce over the potato, onion, and broccoli mixture. Stir gently again to coat all the ingredients with the sauce.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a large baking dish with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Transfer the combined mixture into the dish, pressing broccoli florets slightly underneath the potatoes and creating a flat surface on top.
- Bake the mixture: Place the baking dish on the middle oven shelf and bake uncovered for 50 minutes. After this time, test the potatoes by inserting a skewer into the thickest part; if there is resistance, bake a little longer.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Once the potatoes are tender, remove the dish, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly on top, followed by the colby cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and has turned golden brown in spots.
- Rest and serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to sit on a heatproof surface for about 5 minutes to thicken. Once it has cooled slightly and no bubbles remain, sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the top. Serve warm with a large spoon.
Notes
- Use a mandolin to get evenly thin potato slices for consistent cooking.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a creamier texture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version but baking time may vary slightly.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for extra warmth and depth.
- Ensure the baking dish is well greased to easily serve the bake without sticking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Potato bake, broccoli bake, cheesy potato dish, vegetarian bake, comfort food, baked vegetables, creamy potato casserole
