A delightful and creamy potato bake with a cheesy twist, perfect for any occasion.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Ensure your oven is fully preheated for even cooking.
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes.
Use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices.
Melt half of the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Stir continuously to prevent burning.
Add the cream cheese and half-and-half to the melted butter, stirring until smooth.
Ensure the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
Layer half of the potato slices in a greased baking dish.
Overlap the slices slightly for even cooking.
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese.
Spread the sauce evenly for consistent flavor.
Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, cheese sauce, and cheddar cheese.
Ensure the top layer is evenly covered with cheese.
Sprinkle the smoked paprika over the top layer.
Adjust the amount of paprika to your taste.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Check the dish halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooling allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.