Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potato Casserole

This golden, cheesy potato bake is creamy inside, crispy and beautifully browned on top, with plenty of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. It’s perfect as a comforting side dish for chicken, beef, fish, or a holiday dinner. Similar garlic-Parmesan potato bakes use thinly sliced potatoes with a cream-based sauce and cheese, then bake until tender and golden.

Ingredients

For the potatoes

2½ lb (1.1 kg) Yukon Gold or russet potatoes
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp dried Italian seasoning

For the creamy garlic sauce

2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried parsley

For topping

½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan
1–2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
A little black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes if desired. Slice them into thin, even rounds, about ⅛ inch thick. Keeping the slices similar in thickness helps them cook evenly.
Season: Place the potato slices in a large bowl. Add melted butter, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss gently until coated.
Make the garlic sauce: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the heavy cream and milk. Stir in thyme and parsley. Heat gently for 3–4 minutes without bringing the cream to a hard boil.
Remove from heat and stir in ¾ cup Parmesan until smooth.
Layer the casserole: Arrange a layer of potatoes in the baking dish. Pour some garlic cream sauce over them and sprinkle with a little mozzarella. Repeat until all the potatoes and sauce are used.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella/Parmesan evenly over the top.
Bake covered: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes.
Brown the top: Remove the foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes, until the potatoes are completely tender and the cheese is golden and bubbling.
For an extra golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
Rest: Let the casserole stand for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60–70 minutes
Resting Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Cuisine: Comfort Food / American-inspired
Course: Side Dish

Nut & Allergy Information

Naturally:

Peanuts: No
Tree nuts: No
Eggs: No
Fish: No
Shellfish: No

Contains:

Milk/dairy — butter, cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella
Gluten: None in the basic recipe, but check packaged seasonings and cheese for cross-contact if needed.

The pictured-style creamy garlic Parmesan potato dish is generally made without peanuts or tree nuts.

Tips for Perfect Potatoes

Slice potatoes thinly and evenly so they become tender at the same time.
Yukon Gold potatoes give a naturally buttery texture, while russets produce a softer, starchier casserole.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, better-melting sauce.
Don’t boil the cream aggressively; gentle heating helps prevent the sauce from separating.
Allow the casserole to rest before cutting so the creamy sauce can thicken slightly.

Q&A

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake when ready, allowing a little extra cooking time if it is very cold.

Q: Can I use regular milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the casserole will be less rich and creamy. For the closest texture, use a combination of milk and cream.

Q: Can I use cheddar instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely. Cheddar gives the potatoes a stronger, sharper cheesy flavor.

Q: Can I add chicken?
Yes. Add cooked shredded or diced chicken between the potato layers to turn it into a more substantial meal.

Q: Why are my potatoes still hard?
The slices may be too thick, or the casserole may need more time. Cover and continue baking until a knife slides easily through the center.

Q: Can I make it without Parmesan?
Yes. Substitute additional mozzarella or another melting cheese, although Parmesan gives the dish a deeper savory flavor.

Q: How should I store leftovers?
Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to about 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

Serving Ideas

Serve these creamy potatoes alongside:

Roast chicken
Grilled steak
Baked salmon
Roasted vegetables
Fresh green salad
Roasted carrots

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.