Say Cheese! Discover Wisconsin’s Cheesy Potato Cake Recipe That Everyone Loves

Photo byfamily cook recipes

Wisconsin, known for its rich dairy heritage, has a special place in the heart of comfort food lovers. One dish that perfectly embodies this love for cheese and hearty meals is the Cheesy Potato Cake. It's the ultimate combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with layers of tender potatoes and savory ham. This decadent dish isn’t just any casserole; it’s a masterpiece that brings together Wisconsin’s finest ingredients in a warm, soul-soothing bite.

Whether you're looking to impress at a family dinner or need a show-stopping dish for a gathering, the Wisconsin-style Cheesy Potato Cake is a surefire hit. The layers of russet potatoes combined with cheddar and Gruyère create a symphony of flavors, enhanced by the salty bite of ham. Topped with a rich garlic and Parmesan cream, this dish bakes to golden perfection.

Let’s take a closer look at how to make this Wisconsin-inspired comfort food sensation.

Recipe: Wisconsin Cheesy Potato Cake

Ingredients:

• 5 medium russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (30 g)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream (240 mL)
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (300 g)
• 3 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (300 g)
• 9 slices of ham
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C).
2. Thinly slice the potatoes lengthwise using a mandolin or sharp knife.
3. In a 13-inch (33-cm) cast-iron skillet, arrange the potato slices in layers around the outside of the pan, moving toward the center in a circular pattern.
4. Top with one-third of the cheddar, Gruyère, and half of the ham slices.
5. Add another layer of potato slices, then top with another third of the cheese and the remaining ham slices.
6. Finish with a final layer of potato slices and the remaining cheese on top.
7. Cover the skillet with greased aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
8. Remove the pan from the oven and raise the temperature to 400˚F (200˚C).
9. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until fully combined.
10. Pour the cream mixture evenly over the potatoes, then bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
11. Let the cheesy potato cake cool for 30 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

The Perfect Comfort Food

With every bite, this Wisconsin Cheesy Potato Cake gives you a burst of rich, cheesy flavor paired with the satisfying texture of tender potatoes. The combination of sharp cheddar and creamy Gruyère elevates the dish, while the ham adds a savory touch. It’s the kind of recipe that warms your soul and leaves everyone reaching for seconds.

Whether served as a side or a main dish, this Cheesy Potato Cake is perfect for any occasion. It’s a taste of Wisconsin’s finest, served right on your plate.

The Cheesy Potato Cake recipe I shared draws inspiration from various similar comfort dishes, combining layers of thinly sliced potatoes with cheddar and Gruyère cheese, and is made extra indulgent by the addition of ham and a rich cream sauce. This type of cheesy potato dish is a classic comfort food, often seen in regions with strong dairy traditions, like Wisconsin, where cheddar cheese reigns supreme.

This recipe, baked in a skillet, layers sliced russet potatoes with two types of cheese and ham, before being topped with a garlic-Parmesan cream sauce and baked to perfection. The dish takes elements from other well-known cheesy potato bakes like Smoked Cheesy Potatoes​(Winding Creek Ranch), and Scalloped Potato Casseroles, commonly made using similar ingredients and methods​(Baba Ganosh).

You can experiment with different cheeses, such as white cheddar or Monterey Jack, depending on your flavor preference, as noted in other versions​(Winding Creek Ranch). It’s also important to use starchy potatoes like russet, which provide a creamy texture when baked​(Cleveland Clinic).

For more details, feel free to check out other variations of cheesy potato bakes for additional inspiration. Enjoy!