Tater Bake
A creamy, cheesy potato bake layered with mushrooms and herbs, perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 Idaho potatoes, pared and sliced thinly ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 cups light cream ⓘ
- 1/4 cup scallions ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sherry or vermouth ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. white pepper
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/3 cup butter ⓘ
- 8 oz. (2 cups) Gruyere or Swiss cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Alternately layer sliced potatoes, sliced mushrooms, and 1 1/2 cups of cheese in a lightly buttered 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish.
- Combine light cream, parsley, scallions, minced garlic, sherry or vermouth, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg.
- Pour the cream mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the remaining cheese and dot with butter.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or ham between the layers of potatoes and mushrooms. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute half of the light cream with vegetable broth. You can also use other cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack if Gruyere isn't available. To save time, you could prep the dish a day ahead and let it sit in the fridge before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Tater Bake pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. It can also be served as a side dish with roasted chicken or grilled steak. For a comforting vegetarian option, serve it alongside a light soup, such as a creamy tomato bisque or a hearty vegetable soup, to complement the richness of the bake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven method helps maintain the dish's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tater Bake contains roughly 800 calories, with 11g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), potassium (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 922mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Tater Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be starting from a cold state.
What can I use instead of light cream?
If you want to reduce calories, you can replace light cream with a mixture of milk and a bit of cornstarch to thicken it. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or cashew cream, though these will alter the flavor slightly. Be sure to season accordingly to maintain the dish's richness.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. This usually takes about an hour of baking time, but times can vary based on the thickness of your potato slices. If you're unsure, you can always check them after the initial 45 minutes of baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).