Layered Baked Potato Casserole with Eggs, Crab Sticks, Cheese, and Creamy Garlic Sauce

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This Layered Baked Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that beautifully blends classic ingredients into one irresistible, creamy bake. Layers of tender boiled potatoes, savory sautéed onions, rich cheese, crab sticks, eggs, and vibrant vegetables come together under a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce with melted cheese. Enhanced with herbs like basil and oregano and finished in the oven until golden, this dish is warm, flavorful, and satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner, brunch, or special gathering, it’s a celebration of texture and taste in every bite—simple ingredients elevated with love and a touch of creativity.

Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Cuisine: European Fusion / Comfort Food

Ingredients

Main Components:

  • 5–6 medium potatoes, peeled and boiled until tender

  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

  • 70 g (2.4 oz) cheese, grated (your choice: mozzarella, gouda, etc.)

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • Salt, to taste

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 1 bunch green onions, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons chopped dill

  • 1 small white onion, finely chopped

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 100–150 g (3.5–5.2 oz) crab sticks, chopped

  • ⅓ teaspoon cane sugar

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 100 g (3.5 oz) sausage, sliced or diced

  • Dried basil and oregano, to taste

  • 200 g (7 oz) cream (20% fat)

  • 2 slices processed cheddar cheese

  • 100 g (3.5 oz) shredded cheese (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Boil the Potatoes
    Peel and boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and let cool, then slice into rounds or mash roughly depending on your texture preference.

  2. Boil and Chop the Eggs
    Hard-boil the eggs, peel them, and chop finely. Set aside.

  3. Chop Aromatics and Herbs
    Finely chop the green onions, dill, garlic, and white onion. Dice the red bell pepper and sausage. Chop the crab sticks into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

  1. Mix Garlic Base
    In a bowl, combine minced garlic with 2 tablespoons mayonnaise and a pinch of salt. Set aside to be mixed into the cream base.

  2. Heat the Cream
    In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the cream. Stir in the garlic-mayo mixture, cane sugar, dried basil, and oregano. Mix well and remove from heat.

  3. Add Cheese Slices
    While still warm, add the 2 slices of cheddar-style melted cheese to the cream and stir until smooth and incorporated. This will serve as the pour-over sauce.

Sauté the White Onion and Pepper

  1. Fry Aromatics
    In a skillet, heat vegetable oil and sauté the white onion until soft and golden. Add diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Set aside.

Assemble the Casserole

  1. Preheat Oven
    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

  2. Layer the Ingredients
    In a greased baking dish, layer the components as follows:

    • A layer of sliced or mashed boiled potatoes

    • A sprinkle of salt and pepper

    • Chopped boiled eggs

    • Sautéed onion and red bell pepper

    • Chopped crab sticks and sausage

    • Green onions and dill

    • Grated cheese

  3. Add the Sauce
    Pour the garlic cream mixture evenly over the entire casserole.

  4. Top with Cheese
    Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top to create a golden, bubbly crust.

Bake

  1. Bake the Casserole
    Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the top is lightly golden.

  2. Cool and Serve
    Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side of fresh salad or a dollop of sour cream.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)

  • Calories: 390

  • Protein: 14g

  • Carbohydrates: 28g

  • Fat: 25g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 4g

  • Sodium: 450mg

Origin and Popularity

This style of layered bake is inspired by Central and Eastern European casseroles that incorporate potatoes, vegetables, eggs, and cheese into warm, satisfying meals. Crab sticks and sausage bring a modern fusion twist, offering variety in both texture and taste. These bakes are popular for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday meals due to their versatility and use of everyday ingredients. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this casserole has all the components of a beloved comfort classic.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

  • Layered Comfort: Every bite delivers rich flavor and creamy texture

  • Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings and weeknight dinners

  • Versatile Ingredients: Easy to substitute or customize

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble and refrigerate before baking

  • Balanced Meal: Combines protein, carbs, and fats for a full plate

  • Fun and Flavorful: A twist on traditional casseroles with crab and sausage

Health Benefits

Though indulgent, this recipe still offers nourishing elements:

  • Eggs: Provide complete protein and essential nutrients

  • Potatoes: Source of complex carbs, fiber, and potassium

  • Garlic: Supports heart health and immunity

  • Green Onion & Dill: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins

  • Cream: Source of calcium and satiety when used moderately

Serving Suggestions

  • With a Green Salad: Balances the richness with freshness

  • As a Brunch Dish: Serve with fruit or light soup

  • For Holidays: Add to your festive table alongside roasted veggies

  • Lunch or Dinner: Pair with pickled vegetables or crusty bread

  • With Sour Cream or Mustard Sauce: Adds zing to each bite

Cooking Tips

  • Use Cold Potatoes: They hold together better during slicing

  • Mix Cheese Varieties: For complex flavor—cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella work well

  • Taste the Cream Sauce: Adjust seasoning before pouring

  • Don’t Overbake: Remove as soon as the top is golden and bubbling

  • Let It Rest: Helps it firm up and slice cleanly

Variations

  • Vegetarian Version: Omit sausage and crab, and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach

  • Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the cream mixture

  • Use Leftovers: Perfect for using up cooked potatoes, eggs, and meat

  • Swap Cream for Bechamel: For a thicker, richer base

  • Top with Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy finish

Conclusion

This Layered Baked Potato Casserole with Eggs, Crab Sticks, Cheese, and Creamy Garlic Sauce is a true comfort food masterpiece—creamy, cheesy, full of texture, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself to something indulgent and nourishing, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Its warm, inviting layers tell a story of rustic traditions and modern creativity—a satisfying casserole that brings joy to the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen crab sticks?
Yes, just thaw them first and pat dry before chopping.

2. What can I substitute for sausage?
Use cooked chicken, smoked tofu, or mushrooms as an alternative.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance, then bake.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

5. Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze baked or unbaked. If unbaked, thaw before baking.

6. What if I don’t have cream?
You can use milk with a bit of flour or cornstarch for a lighter version.

7. Can I make it low-carb?
Swap potatoes for cauliflower or mashed turnips, and reduce sugar.

8. What’s the best way to reheat?
In the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes to maintain crisp top.

9. Is it kid-friendly?
Very! It’s mild, cheesy, and easy to eat—great for picky eaters.

10. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Try spinach, peas, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrients and varies

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