30-Minute Cheesy Baked Little Potatoes with Thyme

Prep: 10 minCook: 20 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Cheesy Baked Little Potatoes with Thyme

Microwave-softened little potatoes finished in the oven with a sharp cheddar and cream mixture, then broiled until golden. Fresh thyme and garlic powder add savory depth to this simple, crowd-pleasing side.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 ½ lbs little potatoes
  • 1 ⅓ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated small
    gruyere1:1dairysavorydairy-free

    adds nuttier flavor

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup cream
    sour cream0.75:1dairytangy

    thinner consistency, more tang

    Full guide →
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 5 sprigs thyme
    rosemary0.5:1herbwoody

    stronger flavor, reduce amount

    Full guide →
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F.

  2. 2

    Pierce potatoes with a fork and microwave for seven minutes.

  3. 3

    Cut potatoes in half and place cut side up in a parchment-lined 9" x 13" baking dish.

  4. 4

    Mix cheese, cream, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

  5. 5

    Pour cheese mixture over potatoes and spread evenly.

  6. 6

    Bake for 10 minutes.

  7. 7

    Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown.

Tips

Tip 1

Grate cheese small to ensure even melting and distribution.

Tip 2

Watch broiling carefully as timing varies by oven; check at 3 minutes.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate covered up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.

Make Ahead

Prepare through step 5 up to 2 hours ahead; bake and broil just before serving.

Serve With

Serve warm as a side dish.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Skip microwaving to avoid undercooked potatoes at the end.

Watch

Over-broil to avoid burnt cheese edges.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

sharp cheddar
gruyere1:1dairysavorydairy-free

adds nuttier flavor

Full guide →
cream
sour cream0.75:1dairytangy

thinner consistency, more tang

Full guide →

General Alternatives

thyme
rosemary0.5:1herbwoody

stronger flavor, reduce amount

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →