This dish is a wonderful combination of simplicity and comfort. It’s a smooth, creamy potato mixture enriched with cheese, eggs, milk, and butter, then baked until the top becomes a deep golden brown, almost caramelized. The inside remains soft and delicate, almost like a potato soufflé, while the exterior provides a thin, crispy crust.
It’s excellent as a side dish for roasted meats or chicken, but it’s also satisfying enough to be served alone with a salad. The preparation is straightforward and beginner-friendly, yet the result looks impressive — exactly like the beautiful casserole shown in your images.
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Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Main Ingredients
- 1 kg potatoes (about 6–7 medium potatoes)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (or ½ milk + ½ cream for a richer texture)
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, gruyère, or a mix)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (optional but recommended)
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon turmeric (for color)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or flour (helps with smoothness)
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped parsley
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon yogurt for extra moisture
- A bit of paprika for flavor and color
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Wash, peel, and cut the potatoes into large chunks. Place them in a pot of cold water with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until soft — usually around 15–20 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.
The potatoes should be very soft and mashable, without any firm center.
Drain completely and let them cool slightly before mashing.
A potato masher works great, but a fork or whisk is fine too.
For an extra smooth casserole like the one in the photo, you can even use a hand mixer, but do not over-mix or the potatoes become gummy.
2. Mash and Enrich the Potatoes
While the potatoes are still warm, add:
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Turmeric
- Parmesan (if using)
The butter melts into the potatoes, giving them a more velvety texture.
Turmeric provides a gentle golden tone, mimicking the color seen in your image.
Mix until smooth and lump-free.
3. Add Milk and Eggs
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk (or milk + cream)
- Cornstarch
The cornstarch helps the casserole stabilize as it bakes, preventing separation.
The egg mixture creates the soufflé-like rise and contributes to the golden top, which is exactly what we see in the photo — a slightly domed, evenly browned surface.
Pour the egg mixture into the mashed potatoes and mix thoroughly until everything is well-combined and silky.
4. Add the Cheese
Fold in the shredded cheese.
Mozzarella melts beautifully and creates a stretchy interior, while cheddar or gruyère add deep flavor. Using a mix is ideal.
At this stage the mixture will be creamy, thick, and pale yellow.
Taste for seasoning and adjust the salt or pepper if needed.
5. Prepare the Baking Dish
Use a medium-sized oval or rectangular oven dish (as shown in your photos).
Grease it generously with butter — this helps the sides brown nicely and prevents sticking.
Pour the potato mixture into the dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
If you want the top extra golden, brush it with a small amount of melted butter or milk.
6. Bake the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for:
- 35–45 minutes until the top becomes deep golden
- The edges are slightly darker and crisp
- The center is set but still soft
The surface should look exactly like your picture — evenly browned, with a beautiful golden patch in the middle and darker, caramelized edges.
If you prefer an even darker crust, switch on the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
7. Let It Rest Before Serving
Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
This step is important because it allows the interior to settle and firm up slightly, making it easier to serve perfect slices.
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Serving Suggestions
You can serve this casserole with:
- Roasted chicken
- Grilled meat
- Fish dishes
- Fresh salad
- Steamed vegetables
Or simply enjoy it on its own — the cheesy interior makes it extremely satisfying.
It’s especially good with a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt on the side.
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Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore the crispy top.
- You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
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Tips for a Perfect Result
✔ Use starchy potatoes
Such as russet or Yukon gold — they create the fluffiest texture.
✔ Don’t skimp on eggs
They help the mixture rise and create that beautiful golden top.
✔ Cream makes it richer
If you use half cream, the casserole becomes softer and more custard-like.
✔ Let the top brown well
That caramelized crust is the signature look of this dish.
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Variations
1. Add Meat
Mix in shredded chicken, minced meat, or small ham pieces.
2. Add Vegetables
Spinach, peas, carrots, or corn work great.
3. Add Spices
Paprika, chili powder, curry, or thyme.
4. Make It Low-Fat
Use low-fat milk, skip the cream and reduce cheese.