Desserts
This sliced potato pie recipe transforms humble spuds into a showstopping dessert that feels both rustic and refined. š After years of testing variationsāfrom scratch crusts to no-bake shortcutsāIāve perfected a method that delivers a creamy, velvety filling with crispy, caramelized edges.
The secret? Thinly sliced potatoes baked until tender yet firm enough to slice like pie, all held together by a buttery, herby crust thatās easier to make than youād think.
What makes this recipe special is its versatilityāyou can use a traditional pie crust, a simple shortbread base, or even a no-bake cookie crust for a modern twist. The filling combines mashed potatoes with cream, cheese, and a touch of sugar for subtle sweetness, then bakes until golden and set.
Itās the kind of dessert that feels indulgent but comes together in under an hour, with just 15 minutes of active prep. Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.
The result is a pie thatās creamy in the center, with a satisfying bite from the slightly crispy potato slices. Top it with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and fresh herbs for brightness, or keep it classic with a dusting of powdered sugar.
The best part? Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd. This isnāt your grandmotherās potato pieāitās a dessert that bridges comfort food and modern baking with ease.
Whether youāre a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe delivers foolproof results. The technique is simple, but the flavor is anything but ordinary. Letās get bakingāyour taste buds (and guests) will thank you.
Ingredients for sliced potato pie
Six simple ingredients transform humble potatoes into a showstopping dessert everyone will crave.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Russet Potatoes š„ | 3 lb | Thinly sliced (1/8-inch thick) |
| Heavy Cream š„ | 1 ½ cups | Full-fat for richness |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese š§ | 1 ½ cups | Shredded, aged variety |
| Granulated Sugar š | ¼ cup | For subtle sweetness |
| Unsalted Butter š§ | ½ cup | Melted, salted to taste |
| All-Purpose Flour š¾ | 1 ½ cups | For crust (plus extra for dusting) |
| Cold Unsalted Butter š§ | ¾ cup | Cubed, for crust |
| Granulated Sugar š | ¼ cup | For crust sweetness |
| Large Egg š„ | 1 whole | For binding crust |
| Vanilla Extract šæ | 1 tsp | Pure, high-quality |
| Flaky Sea Salt š§ | ½ tsp | For garnish |
| Fresh Thyme Leaves šæ | ¼ cup | Chopped, for garnish |
| Powdered Sugar š | ¼ cup | Optional, for dusting |
The potatoes are everything hereāRussets are ideal because theyāre starchy enough to hold their shape when thinly sliced. Grab a mandoline for even slices, or hand-slice with a sharp knife. Trader Joeās and Whole Foods both carry pre-sliced Russets if youāre short on time, but theyāre pricier. Look for potatoes that are firm and free of sprouts. For the crust, cold butter is keyāit creates flaky layers that make this pie feel restaurant-quality. I always use European-style butter like PlugrĆ” or Land OāLakes Organic for that extra richness, but any good brand works.
No heavy cream? Full-fat coconut cream works in a pinch, though itāll have a slightly different texture. The cheddar should be agedāsharp white cheddar melts best, but yellow cheddar works too. For the crust, if youāre feeling fancy, swap the flour for almond flour (use the same amount) for a gluten-free option. The vanilla extract matters hereāpure Madagascar bourbon vanilla adds depth, but imitation will still get the job done. If youāre prepping ahead, slice the potatoes and store them in cold water in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. The crust dough can be made a day ahead and chilled until ready to use.
This pie reheats beautifullyājust pop slices in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore that creamy texture. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 4-5 days, though Iāve never had any last that long. For make-ahead baking, assemble the pie and refrigerate overnight before baking. The crust holds up better after chilling. Store any leftovers in an airtight container, and if youāre planning ahead, it freezes for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The best part? The flavor improves as it sitsāperfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings where you can bake it fresh and serve it warm.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Magic: I swear by this recipe when Iām too tired to wash dishesājust slice those Russets thin, layer them with the creamy cheese mixture, and bake. The butter pools on top like edible gold, and cleanup is nonexistent.
- Creamy Cheese Hug: That sharp cheddar melted into heavy cream? Itās like a warm, gooey blanket for your taste buds. The sugar just barely sweetens the edge, balancing the richness so itās never heavyājust ridiculously good.
- Lunchbox Hero: Between us, this is my go-to for packed lunches. Slice it cold the next day, and the potatoes hold their shape while the cheese stays melty inside. Kids (and adults) will actually eat their veggiesāno complaints.
- Budget Stretch: Russets and cheddar are cheap, and this recipe feeds four for under $10. Double the batch, freeze half, and youāve got a meal ready for when youāre too wiped to cook. Honestly, itās my secret weapon for lazy days.
Step-by-step instructions for sliced potato pie
Here's how to create that perfect balance of flaky crust and velvety spud filling.
šØāš³ Step 1: Prepare the Potato Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it heats, peel the 3 lb russet potatoes and slice them ā -inch thick using a mandoline or sharp knife. I like to soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat completely dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl, combine the potato slices with 1.5 cups heavy cream, 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Mix gentlyājust until the cheese melts slightly and coats the potatoes. The filling should look creamy but still hold its shape when spooned. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
š„ Step 2: Assemble the Crust
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Cut in the ¾ cup cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. Add the 1 whole large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing just until combined.
Press half of the dough into a 9-inch pie dish, creating a thin, even layer on the bottom and up the sides. I use my fingers to smooth it out, making sure to cover the entire bottom and about 1 inch up the sides. This ensures the crust won't shrink during baking. Keep the remaining dough chilled until ready to use.
š„ Step 3: Layer and Bake the Potato Filling
Spread the potato mixture evenly over the crust in the pie dish, creating a single layer. Press down gently to help the potatoes settle and release any air bubbles. Sprinkle the ¼ cup chopped fresh thyme leaves over the top for that aromatic touch.
Roll out the remaining dough to about ā -inch thickness and place it over the potato filling. Seal the edges by pinching them together firmly with your fingers or a fork. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
ā° Step 4: Finish and Serve
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. While it's still warm, brush the top crust with melted ½ cup unsalted butter (salted to taste) for extra richness. Sprinkle with ½ tsp flaky sea salt and, if using, dust with ¼ cup powdered sugar for that sweet contrast.
Let the pie cool for another 15 minutes before slicing. The filling should be creamy and pull slightly in the center when gently shaken. Serve warm with a simple green salad or steamed vegetablesāthis pie is rich enough to stand on its own but pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Enjoy the perfect balance of flaky, buttery crust and velvety potato filling!
Pro Tips For Making Sliced Potato Pie
- BOIL POTATOES UNTIL TENDER: Russets stay stubbornātest doneness with a fork after 12-15 minutes, not the recipeās time. You want them to slide off effortlessly, not fight you like a half-cooked grudge. Overcooking turns them to mush; undercooking leaves you with a chewy, uneven pie.
- SALT THE POTATO WATER: Yes, even for pie. A generous pinch (about 1 tsp) in the boiling water keeps the potatoes from tasting bland later. The salt penetrates while they cook, and youāll notice the difference when the cream and cheese join the party.
- LAYER POTATOES LOOSELY: Pack them too tight, and youāll end up with a dense, soggy bottom. Arrange slices with slight gapsālike a lazy lasagnaāand let the cream rise between them. The pie will hold together better, and the texture stays light.
- MELT CHEESE SLOWLY: I used to dump shredded cheddar straight into the hot cream, and itād clump like a science experiment gone wrong. Instead, warm the cheese in a dry pan over low heat until just melted (2-3 minutes), then stir into the cream. Smoother every time.
Perfect pairings for these flavors
Classic Salad Pairings
This rich potato pie deserves a light, crisp salad to balance its creaminess. My go-to is a Boston-style wedge salad with iceberg lettuce, blue cheese crumbles, and a tangy buttermilk dressing.
The cool, creamy contrast cuts through the pieās richness beautifully. For a quicker option, toss arugula with lemon vinaigretteāthe peppery bite refreshes your palate after each bite. š„
Creamy Soup Match
Pair your pie with a warm bowl of New England clam chowder for a cozy, comforting meal. The briny, creamy soup complements the pieās sweet-savory notes perfectly. If youāre avoiding seafood, roasted butternut squash soup with a touch of sage works wonderfully too.
Both soups reheat beautifully, making them ideal for potlucks or family dinners.
Herbal Tea Harmony
For a non-alcoholic pairing, serve this pie with Earl Grey teaāthe bergamot notes enhance the thyme and cheese flavors in the filling. If you prefer something warmer, chamomile tea with a splash of honey adds a soothing touch.
For a festive twist, a cup of spiced apple cider (warm or cold) brings out the pieās caramelized edges. šµ
Wine Pairing Secrets
For wine lovers, a dry Riesling from Germany or Washington State is my top pickāits crisp acidity and subtle sweetness mirror the pieās balance. If you prefer red, a Pinot Noir with earthy undertones complements the thyme and cheddar beautifully.
Avoid heavy, oaky whites or bold reds that might overpower the delicate flavors.
Unexpected Beer Pairing
Donāt overlook beer! A Belgian witbier like Hoegaarden adds citrusy brightness that cleanses your palate between bites. For a malty option, try a light lager like Peroni or a honey aleāboth enhance the pieās sweet and savory notes without competing.
The carbonation also helps cut through the richness, making each bite feel fresh. šŗ
Dessert Follow-Up
If youāre serving this as a dessert, finish the meal with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped creamāthe cool, creamy texture contrasts perfectly with the warm pie.
For a lighter option, fruit compote (like rhubarb or berry) adds a tart, refreshing finish that balances the richness of the potato filling.
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this potato pie ahead of time?
This pie actually tastes better the next day. Assemble it completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For make-ahead baking, assemble the pie and refrigerate overnight, then bake straight from the fridge (add 5-10 minutes to baking time). Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 4-5 daysājust reheat slices at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore that creamy texture.
What if I don't have a pie dish?
No problem! Use a 9-inch round cake pan or even a deep oven-safe skillet with high sides. Grease it well and dust with flour to prevent sticking. For a rustic look, try baking it in a cast-iron Dutch ovenājust reduce baking time by 5-10 minutes since cast iron conducts heat differently. The key is ensuring your container has sides at least 1 inch tall to hold the filling.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, with a few adjustments! Replace the all-purpose flour in the crust with almond flour (use the same amount) for a naturally gluten-free option. For binding, add 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water to replace the egg. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious. For the filling, all ingredients are naturally gluten-freeājust ensure your cheese and butter brands don't contain hidden gluten.
Why did my potato slices get mushy?
Mushy potato slices usually happen from one of two issues: over-soaking before baking or overbaking. First, never soak the slices longer than 5 minutesālonger soaks remove too much starch and make them waterlogged. Second, check your baking time: 45-50 minutes is ideal for 375°F. If your oven runs hot, reduce to 350°F and bake for 55-60 minutes. The potatoes should be tender but still hold their shape when cut.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russets?
Sweet potatoes will change the flavor dramatically but can work for a unique twist! For best results, peel and slice 2.5 lb sweet potatoes (they're denser) and reduce the sugar in the filling to 2 tablespoons. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes means you'll want less added sugar. Also, increase baking time by 10-15 minutes since they take longer to soften. The crust will still be the star, but the filling will have a caramelized, almost casserole-like quality.
