Creamy Potato and Cheese Bake with Tomato and Spices

### **Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. **Prepare the Potatoes**: Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin, even rounds. You can use a mandoline slicer for consistent slices, but a sharp knife works just fine too.

3. **Make the Creamy Sauce**: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. **Layer the Dish**: In the prepared baking dish, arrange a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom. Top with a sprinkle of cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Spoon a little bit of the creamy sauce over the top. Add a few spoonfuls of diced tomatoes on top of the cheese layer, spreading them evenly.

5. **Repeat Layers**: Continue layering the potatoes, cheese, sauce, and tomatoes until you’ve used up all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

6. **Bake the Casserole**: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.

7. **Garnish & Serve**: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.

### **Why This Recipe is a Winner:**

– **Creamy & Cheesy Perfection**: The combination of cheddar and Parmesan gives this bake a rich, savory flavor, while the heavy cream and milk create a smooth, creamy texture that perfectly coats the potatoes.
– **Zesty Tomato Kick**: The addition of diced tomatoes provides a burst of freshness and acidity that balances out the richness of the cheese and cream. The spices, including paprika, oregano, and basil, enhance the dish’s depth of flavor, giving it a comforting but lively taste.
– **Hearty & Satisfying**: This dish is a one-pan wonder that can stand alone as a main course or pair beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled meats, or a fresh salad.
– **Simple & Versatile**: You can customize this dish to suit your tastes. Feel free to add other vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach, or even swap out the cheese for something different, like mozzarella or gouda.

### **Pro Tips:**

– **Make It Ahead**: This casserole is perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can assemble it a day before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
– **Crispy Top**: If you love a crispy, golden crust, consider broiling the casserole for the last 3-5 minutes of baking. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
– **Add Protein**: To make this a heartier dish, you can add cooked bacon, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken to the layers for added protein.

### **Final Thoughts:**

This *Creamy Potato and Cheese Bake with Tomato and Spices* is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together creamy potatoes, tangy tomatoes, and melty cheese in every bite. It’s a dish that can easily be made your own, whether you’re adding more veggies, adjusting the spices, or swapping in different cheeses. With its simple ingredients and rich flavor, it’s no wonder that this will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection!