The Best Simple Layered Potato Bake

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If you’re looking for a delicious, show-stopping side dish, this classic recipe for creamy layered potato bake is perfect for any occasion.

A golden-brown, crispy potato galette topped with chopped herbs on a rustic wooden board. Fresh rosemary sprigs are placed around it, enhancing its presentation.

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The Best Layered Potato Bake

If you ask me, nothing says cozy and comforting quite like potato recipes. My take on the classic Pommes Anna potatoes, this layered potato bake adds a touch of extra flavor with the addition of a finely grated Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheese blend and savory Herbes de Provence, making it a perfect side dish for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Unlike scalloped potatoes, or potato gratin, which are baked in a creamy sauce with cheddar cheese and milk, or Dauphinoise potatoes topped with Gruyère, this dish is much simpler. And as far as sliced potato recipes go, it’s my favorite!

Golden-brown potato galette on a wooden serving board, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and chopped herbs.

Featuring buttery potatoes with a crispy, golden crust on the outside and a soft, creamy center, this potato layered bake is a simple yet elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with any meal.

Whether you’re entertaining guests for a Thanksgiving gathering, Christmas dinner, Easter brunch, or just craving a cozy dish, this sliced potato bake recipe will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love this Layered Potato Bake Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples but delivers a gourmet result.
  • Golden and Crispy – The top crisps up beautifully while the inside remains creamy.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion – A great side dish for dinner parties, holiday feasts, or weeknight meals.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prep it ahead of time and bake it when ready.

Ingredients for Layered Potato Bake

  • 8 – 10 large Russet potatoes
  • 1 – 8 oz container finely grated Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheese blend (I like the Trader Joe’s brand)
  • Herbes de Provence to taste
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh cracked pepper and fresh ground wine salt to taste
  • 1 – 8 oz. container clarified butter
  • Fresh rosemary and chives to garnish (optional)
A wooden board holds a pepper grinder, Trader Joe's clarified butter, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, herbes de Provence, a salt grinder, fresh rosemary, and a black tray with sweet potatoes in a kitchen setting.

Equipment Needed

How to Make a Classic Layered Potato Bake

Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 350°F and use olive oil to season your cast iron skillet well.

A bottle of white wine and a filled wine glass sit on a countertop. In the foreground, a person is peeling a potato over a copper sink, with peels collected beneath. A green plant and serving dishes are in the background.
A metal mandoline slicer with a safety guard is placed on a wooden cutting board. Two peeled potatoes are beside it, with more in the background. In the corner, there's a black cast-iron skillet and a sprig of herbs.

Wash and peel your potatoes, then using a sharp knife or Mandoline, cut the potatoes into very thinly sliced rounds (about 1/8 inch thick).

If you notice any bruised or damaged spots on your potatoes, use a peeler to remove them gently. Avoid digging or cutting too deeply to keep your sliced potatoes even and uniform.

Chopped potatoes on a wooden cutting board with potato slices nearby. A tub of grated cheese, a jar of spices, and a sprig of rosemary are in the background. A mandoline slicer is partially visible on the left.
A peeled potato and several potato slices are on a worn wooden cutting board next to a black cast iron skillet. The countertop and wall socket are visible in the background.
Tip from wendy’s kitchen:

How do I keep my potatoes from browning? I like to peel only 2–3 potatoes at a time, just enough for one layer. Do not soak your potato slices in water! While soaking prevents browning, it also adds too much moisture, which can affect the texture of the baked layered potatoes.

Step 2: Melt Your Butter

Use a double boiler to melt your clarified butter.

A hand holds a glass jar over a saucepan on a stove with a blue flame. The jar contains a yellow, thick substance, likely honey, with some crystallization visible inside. The stovetop is silver with black grates.
A jar of Trader Joe's clarified butter is being heated in a small stainless steel pot on a gas stove. The blue flame is visible beneath the pot.

If you don’t have a double boiler, you can also use a heatproof bowl that fits snugly inside a larger pot. Fill the pot with a small amount of water and place your bowl inside the pot, making sure it doesn’t touch the water.

Then bring the water to a simmer and allow the steam to gently heat your butter until it’s melted.

Tip from wendy’s kitchen:

What if I can’t find clarified butter? If you’re unable to find clarified butter at your grocery store you can use unsalted butter instead! Simply melt the unsalted butter slowly over low heat in a medium saucepan.

Once it’s melted, skim off the foam, and strain the melted butterfat through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth.

Step : Assemble the Layers

To start assembling this quick potato bake, arrange a single layer of overlapping potato slices in a circular pattern, going clockwise around your cast iron skillet.

Sliced potatoes are arranged in a large black skillet on a wooden surface. A small pot filled with oil and a red silicone brush are beside it. Ingredient containers are in the background.
A small saucepan filled with oil and a red silicone brush rests on a wooden board. Two peeled potatoes are nearby, with a waffle maker and a cast iron skillet in the background.

Next, use a basting brush to brush on some of the clarified butter.

Making layered potato bake. Sliced potatoes are arranged in a large black skillet on a wooden surface. A small pot filled with oil and a red silicone brush are beside it. Ingredient containers are in the background.
First Layer
Making layered potato bake. Sliced potatoes are arranged in a circular pattern around the edge of a cast iron skillet, with grated cheese and herbs in the center. Extra potato slices are on a wooden cutting board nearby. Cheese container is in the background.
Second Layer
Making potato bake. A cast iron skillet filled with thinly sliced potatoes, topped with grated cheese and herbs. Some potato slices are on a wooden cutting board beside the skillet. The scene suggests preparation for baking or roasting.
Third Layer

Then evenly sprinkle on the seasonings, including salt, pepper, Herbes de Provence, and the grated Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheese blend.

Making layered potato bake. Close-up of hands pressing a mixture of sliced potatoes and seasonings into a black cast iron skillet. A wooden board with more potato slices and a spice container are nearby. The person is wearing a watch on their left wrist.
A hand holding a wooden pepper grinder sprinkles pepper over sliced potatoes in a cast iron skillet to make layered potato bake. The skillet is on a wooden board, with extra potato slices beside it. A spice container is in the background.
A cast iron skillet filled with scalloped potatoes topped with herbs and grated cheese, placed on a wooden cutting board. A saucepan with a red spoon is blurred in the background.

Repeat the layering process, brushing with butter and adding seasoning and cheese until all your potatoes are used.

Tip from wendy’s kitchen:

How do I prevent uneven layers? It helps if you use your hands to pat down the layers as you go! If needed, add an additional layer of potato slices around the outer edges or your skillet to help prevent the layered potato bake from sagging or sinking.

Step 4: Bake Your Potatoes

Place your skillet in the oven and bake uncovered for 60 – 90 minutes or until the top of the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.

A cast iron skillet filled with a crumb-topped dish is baking on the middle rack of an oven. The dish appears golden and crispy with a textured surface, suggesting a savory topping of herbs and breadcrumbs.

With this dish, I think the crispier the potatoes are the better!

A close-up of a skillet filled with layered potato bake topped with herbs, sitting on an oven rack. The vegetables appear golden brown and crispy, suggesting they are well-cooked. The oven's interior is visible in the background.
A skillet filled with golden-brown potatoes roasting in an oven. The potatoes are sliced and topped with herbs, forming a crispy layer on top. The skillet is positioned on an oven rack.

This is what the dish should look like when it’s done. When finished set your layered potato bake aside and let it cool for about 5 minutes.

Tip from wendy’s kitchen:

Love extra crispy potatoes? Just place your skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end to give your potato bake extra crispiness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

A golden-brown, crispy potato galette topped with chopped herbs on a rustic wooden board. Fresh rosemary sprigs are placed around it, enhancing its presentation.

Once cooled, use a spatula to loosen the edges and carefully invert the layered potato bake, and flip it out onto a flat surface like a cutting board or serving tray.

A slice of crispy, golden-brown layered potato gratin bake on a wooden cutting board. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes are visible, with a sprinkle of herbs. A knife partially slides under the slice, with bits of potato scattered around.

Then slice the potato bake (imagine slicing it like a pie), serve and enjoy!

A slice of layered potato bake topped with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkled with chopped herbs on a white plate. Two whole potatoes and a sprig of rosemary are in the background.

Garnish with fresh rosemary and chives if desired, and serve with a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

Layered Potato Bake: Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to save time, you can prepare this layered potato recipe in advance and bake it later. Here are a few options:

Assemble Ahead (Best for 24-Hour Prep)

  • Slice and layer the potatoes in your skillet, following the recipe steps.
  • Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • To prevent discoloration, brush the top layer lightly with butter or olive oil before covering.

Par-Bake for Faster Cooking

  • Follow the recipe and bake the potatoes covered with foil for 30 minutes.
  • Let them cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  • When ready to serve, finish baking uncovered at 350°F (200°C) for 30-60 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Fully Bake and Reheat

  • Bake the potatoes completely, let them cool, then store them in the fridge.
  • When ready to eat, reheat following the instructions below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I store my leftover layered potato bake?

A: If you have leftovers (which might not happen because this dish is so good!), you can keep them in an airtight food storage container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Q: Can I freeze my leftovers?

A: Yes you can! To freeze, simply wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat Your Layered Potato Bake

Reheating correctly ensures the potatoes stay crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

Golden-brown layered potato bake on a wooden serving board, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and chopped herbs.

Here are 4 different options for reheating your potatoes:

Oven (Best for Maintaining Texture)

  • Preheat to 375°F.
  • Place potatoes on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes for extra crispiness.

Stovetop (For Quick Reheating)

  • Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  • Add a little butter or oil and warm the potatoes for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Air Fryer (For Extra Crispiness)

  • Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
  • Heat for 5-7 minutes until crispy and warmed through.

Microwave (Fastest, But Softens Texture)

  • Place potatoes on a microwave-safe plate.
  • Cover lightly with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
  • Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through (usually 1-2 minutes).

What to Pair with Your Crispy Layered Potato Bake

To make a complete meal to go with this simple layered potato bake, consider serving a few appetizers like bacon-wrapped asparagus, a creamy spinach and artichoke dip, or roasted garlic and herb shrimp skewers.

For the main dish, you can’t go wrong with a crown pork roast, a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or even a delicious pork Wellington.

A cooked crown roast garnished with fresh rosemary and small oranges is presented on a white platter. The center of the meat is filled with a breadcrumb stuffing. Silver serving utensils are placed beside the roast.
Crown Pork Roast
A white rectangular dish filled with green beans topped with sliced, toasted almonds. In the background, a square bowl contains thinly sliced, round pieces of a light-colored vegetable on a wooden table.
Green Bean Almondine
A rectangular white dish filled with caramelized apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon, served in a brown sauce. The dish is on a wooden table with a sauce container in the background.
Sliced Baked Apples

For additional side dishes, this recipe pairs well with green bean almandine, baked sliced apples, and seasonal dishes like roasted root vegetables with a salad, or smoked brussels sprouts.

Easy Smoked Brussels Sprouts Recipe with Maple Bacon by WM Design House
Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Dates
Close-up of a roasted vegetable salad served with carrots, beets, brussels sprouts, feta cheese, fresh dill and candied pecans.
Salad with Roasted Vegetables
A slice of cheesecake with raspberry sauce and fresh raspberries on top, served on a decorative plate. The plate rests on a patterned table mat.
Raspberry Cheesecake

To round out the meal, pour a glass of red wine, such as a bold Cabernet Sauvignon. And don’t forget dessert! A slice of creamy raspberry cheesecake or copycat warm Mastro’s butter cake is the perfect way to finish your meal!

Elegant navy blue flourishing calligraphic design featuring curved and looping lines, reminiscent of the intricate patterns you might find when you dye Easter eggs with silk ties.

Other Side Dish Recipes from WM Design House

If you loved this recipe for sliced potato casserole you might also enjoy some of these other side dishes dishes.

A wooden bowl filled with a colorful salad containing various vegetables, grains, and garnishes, topped with dill and crumbled cheese. Two wooden salad tongs rest on the bowl's edges, reminiscent of a Smoked Old Fashioned. The background features blurred flowers and soft lighting.

Air-Fryer Roasted Root Vegetable Salad

Click Here
Easy Smoked Brussels Sprouts Recipe with Maple Bacon by WM Design House

Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Dates

Click Here

Wrapping Up

This classic layered potato bake is the perfect side dish for any occasion, whether you are hosting a special dinner or just craving something warm and comforting.

With its crispy edges and buttery, tender layers, it is sure to impress your family and guests. Pair it with your favorite main dish, add a simple appetizer, and you have a meal that feels both elegant and effortless.

I would love to hear how it turns out for you, so let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram or Facebook if you share it.

Happy cooking!

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Print The Recipe: Layered Potato Bake

A slice of baked potato galette topped with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkled with chopped herbs on a white plate. Two whole potatoes and a sprig of rosemary are in the background.
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Layered Potato Bake

If you're looking for a delicious, show-stopping side dish, this classic recipe for creamy layered potato bake is perfect for any occasion.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Potato

Equipment

  • 10- 12" cast iron pan
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Potato peeler
  • Mandoline slicer or 8″ Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • double boiler
  • Basting brush
  • Spatula

Ingredients

  • 8 – 10 large Russet potatoes
  • 1 – 8 oz container finely grated Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheese blend (I like the Trader Joe's brand)
  • Herbes de Provence to taste
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh cracked pepper and fresh ground wine salt to taste
  • 1 – 8 oz. container clarified butter
  • Fresh rosemary and chives to garnish optional

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and use olive oil to season your cast iron skillet well.
  • Wash and peel your potatoes, then using a sharp knife or Mandoline, slice the potatoes into very thin rounds (about 1/8 inch thick).
  • Use a double boiler to melt your clarified butter.
  • Arrange a single layer of overlapping potato slices in a circular pattern, going clockwise around your cast iron skillet.
  • Use a basting brush to brush on some of the clarified butter. Then evenly sprinkle on the seasonings, including salt, pepper, Herbes de Provence, and the grated Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheese blend.
  • Repeat the layering process, brushing with butter and adding seasoning and cheese until all your potatoes are used.
  • Bake uncovered for 60 – 90 minutes or until the top of the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
  • When finished set your layered potato bake aside and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Once cooled, use a spatula to loosen the edges. Carefully invert the layered potato bake, and flip it out onto a flat surface like a cutting board or serving tray.
  • Slice the potato bake, garnish with fresh rosemary and chives if desired, and serve with a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

Notes

Keep leftovers in an airtight food storage container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish. Cover loosely with foil and Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to add extra crispiness.
A blue pushpin is next to handwritten text reading "Pin to Remember It!" on a white background, adding a crafty touch reminiscent of DIY Halloween place card holders for your spooky table setup.
Top view of a golden-brown Layered Potato Bake adorned with rosemary. Below, two prep images illustrate someone layering potato slices and sprinkling breadcrumbs. Overlay text: "The Best Simple Layered Potato Bake Recipe" with a website link.

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Wendy

Hello, I’m Wendy – a dedicated homemaker with a deep passion for decorating, gardening, cooking, and crafting. I find joy in harmonizing beautiful elements to fashion a space that is both comfortable and inspiring. I will help you create a beautiful home, one project at a time.

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