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Oven-Baked 4-Ingredient Cheesy Potato Stacks: The Ultimate Muffin-Tin Side Dish with Crispy-Cheese Excellence

Elegant yet simple, these potato stacks feature paper-thin slices of buttery potatoes layered with sharp cheddar cheese. Baked in a muffin tin, the bottoms and sides become lacy and crisp, while the centers remain tender and melt-in-your-mouth. It’s a 4-ingredient wonder that looks impressive enough for a dinner party but is easy enough for a Tuesday night.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 potatoe stacks
Course: Side-dishes
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Base: 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes scrubbed
  • Fat: 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • Seasoning: 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
  • Cheese: 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese lightly packed

Method
 

  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Slice: Slice potatoes into very thin rounds (approx. 1/8 inch thick). Using a mandoline is recommended for uniformity.
  3. Toss: In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with melted butter and salt until every slice is evenly coated.
  4. Base Layer: Sprinkle about 2 tsp of cheese into the bottom of each muffin cup (using about half the cheese total) to create a crispy "crust."
  5. Stack: Layer the buttered slices into the cups, stacking them just below the rim. Press down gently to pack them in.
  6. Top: Divide the remaining cheese evenly over the tops of the stacks.
  7. Initial Bake: Cover loosely with foil (tent it so it doesn't touch the cheese). Bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Final Bake: Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the centers are tender and the edges are deeply golden and crisp.
  9. Rest & Release: Let rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a small knife around the edges to loosen and lift out with a spoon.

Notes

  • Potato Choice: Yukon Golds will give you a creamier, more "buttery" center, while Russets will result in starchier, crispier edges.
  • Flavor Boost: Feel free to add a pinch of dried thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder to the butter mixture for extra depth.
  • Make Ahead: These can be made a few hours in advance and reheated at 350°F for 5–10 minutes to restore the crunch.