Smith Potato Bake with Garlic and Chives

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting layered potato dish with tender potatoes and creamy cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners. This american-inspired comfort food ready in about 45 minutes pairs russet potatoes, unsalted butter, shallot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Peel and dice 2 pounds russet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes, then boil in salted water for 15 minutes until tender.
  2. Step 2: Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add 1 minced shallot and 3 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Drain potatoes, return to pot, and add 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mash until smooth, then fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons minced chives until fully incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, smooth the top, and bake for 25 minutes until golden and bubbling around the edges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smith Potato Bake with Garlic and Chives take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smith Potato Bake with Garlic and Chives?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep russet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smith Potato Bake with Garlic and Chives?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smith Potato Bake with Garlic and Chives for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Smith Potato Bake with Garlic and Chives?

American comfort food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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