Bulvių Sūrio Troškinys
Potato and Cheese Casserole
A comforting and hearty casserole featuring layers of sliced potatoes, a creamy cheese sauce, and often enhanced with savory additions like bacon or mushrooms. It's a staple in Lithuanian home cooking, known for its simplicity and satisfying flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Potatoes(peeled and thinly sliced)
- 50 g Butter
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 500 ml Milk
- 150 ml Heavy cream
- 200 g Grated cheese(e.g., Gouda, Emmental, or a mix)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 100 g Optional: Bacon(diced)
- 150 g Optional: Mushrooms(sliced)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a large baking dish (approx. 2-liter capacity).
- 2
If using bacon, cook it in a skillet until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet. If not using bacon, melt butter in the skillet.
- 3
Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. If using mushrooms, add them now and cook until softened and their liquid has evaporated.
- 4
In a saucepan, heat milk and heavy cream over medium heat until warm (do not boil). Whisk in the grated cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. If you used bacon, stir in the crispy bacon bits now.
- 5
Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Layer the remaining potatoes on top and pour the rest of the sauce over them.
- 6
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- 7
Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- 8
Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce.
- ✓Ensure potatoes are sliced thinly and evenly for consistent cooking.
- ✓If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a layer of cooked ground meat or sautéed leeks between the potato layers.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the cheese sauce.