Nothing beats the creamy, cheesy goodness of a potato bake, and this Cheesy Three-Potato Bake takes it to another level by using a delicious combination of Russet, Yukon Gold, and Sweet Potatoes. This dish is the perfect side for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a cozy meal on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Rich & Creamy – Loaded with cheese and a velvety cream sauce.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for weeknight dinners, Thanksgiving, or potlucks.
✔ Customizable – You can swap cheeses, add bacon, or make it vegetarian-friendly.
✔ Easy to Make Ahead – A perfect meal-prep dish that reheats beautifully.
Ingredients for Cheesy Three-Potato Bake
🥔 For the Potato Base:
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1 large Russet potato (sliced into thin rounds)
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1 large Yukon Gold potato (sliced thin)
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1 large Sweet potato (peeled and thinly sliced)
🧀 For the Cheese Sauce:
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 ½ cups heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
🌿 For Garnishing:
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
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½ cup crispy bacon bits (optional, for extra crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
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Wash and peel the sweet potato.
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Slice the Russet, Yukon Gold, and sweet potatoes into thin, even rounds.
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Pro Tip: Use a mandoline slicer to ensure even thickness, which helps in even baking.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
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In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 30 seconds to release flavors.
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Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Gradually whisk in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
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Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Potato Bake
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Arrange potato slices in alternating layers (Russet, Yukon Gold, Sweet Potato).
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Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first layer of potatoes.
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Repeat layering and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
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Sprinkle with extra cheese for a golden, bubbly crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
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Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
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For an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
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Let the cheesy potato bake rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or crispy bacon bits.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
🥩 Pair with Protein – Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or roasted turkey.
🥗 Add Some Greens – Balance the richness with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies.
🍞 Enjoy with Bread – A slice of crusty garlic bread makes this meal even better.
Storage & Reheating Tips
📦 Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freezing: Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
🔥 Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to keep the potatoes creamy!
Variations & Customizations
🧄 Garlic Lovers – Add fresh minced garlic to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
🥓 Bacon & Cheese Explosion – Mix crispy bacon into the layers for a smoky twist.
🌶 Spicy Kick – Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
🥦 Veggie Boost – Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted broccoli between layers.
🧀 Extra Cheesy – Try a blend of Gouda, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
Expert Tips for the Best Cheesy Three-Potato Bake
✔ Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can affect creaminess.
✔ Thinly Slice the Potatoes – This ensures even cooking and perfect texture.
✔ Let it Rest Before Serving – This helps the cheese sauce set properly.
✔ Don’t Skip the Broil – A quick broil at the end gives a golden, bubbly crust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready.
2. What’s the best cheese combination?
A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives the best creamy texture and bold flavor.
3. Can I make it without cream?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for whole milk or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
4. How do I prevent my potatoes from getting watery?
Pat them dry before layering and don’t overuse liquid in the sauce.
5. Can I use just one type of potato?
Of course! But the mix of three potatoes adds flavor, texture, and color contrast.
Final Thoughts
🔥 This Cheesy Three-Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and loaded with melted cheese goodness. Whether you’re serving it as a holiday side dish, meal prep, or weeknight favorite, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
✔ Simple to make
✔ Customizable flavors
✔ Perfectly cheesy & creamy
Try this easy potato bake recipe today and enjoy a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love!
