I can’t get enough of Starbucks’ famous Potato Chive Bake, and I bet you don’t either. There’s something irresistible about that creamy, cheesy texture combined with the fresh taste of chives.
Recreating this beloved snack at home is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy the same comforting flavors anytime you crave it. Let me show you how to whip up this copycat recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes
- Peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cloves garlic
- Minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh chives
- Finely chopped
Tools And Equipment
To master the Starbucks Potato Chive Bake copycat recipe, I rely on a few essential tools and equipment:
- Large Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish ensures the bake cooks evenly and makes serving a breeze.
- Medium Saucepan: I use this to create the rich, creamy sauce that binds all the flavors together.
- Mixing Bowls: These are perfect for combining ingredients before assembling the bake.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key, so accurate measurements help achieve the perfect taste.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife is indispensable for chopping fresh chives and garlic finely.
- Cutting Board: Protects your countertops and provides a stable surface for all your prep work.
- Whisk or Spoon: To blend the heavy cream and milk smoothly without lumps.
- Grater: I prefer a box grater for shredding sharp cheddar cheese evenly.
- Oven Mitts: Essential for safely handling the hot baking dish straight from the oven.
Having these tools on hand makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, allowing me to focus on creating that delicious, creamy potato chive bake just like Starbucks.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing the Potato Chive Bake ahead of time ensures a seamless cooking experience. Here's how I like to make it ahead:
1. **Assemble the Bake:**
- Layer the sliced Yukon Gold potatoes with the creamy mixture of heavy cream, whole milk, garlic, butter, fresh thyme, salt, black pepper, and sharp cheddar cheese.
- Top with a generous sprinkle of fresh chives.
2. **Storage Options:**
- **Refrigerate:**
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- **Freeze:**
- Wrap the baking dish securely with aluminum foil.
- Place it in a large freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
3. **Reheating Instructions:**
| Scenario | Temperature | Covered Baking Time | Uncovered Baking Time |
|-------------------|---------------|----------------------|----------------------------|
| From Refrigerator | 375°F (190°C) | 45 minutes | Additional 15 minutes |
| From Frozen | 375°F (190°C) | 1 hour 15 minutes | Additional 20 minutes |
4. **Final Steps:**
- After baking, let the Potato Chive Bake rest for about 10 minutes to set.
- Garnish with fresh chives before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy the rich, creamy taste of Starbucks' Potato Chive Bake with ease and flexibility.
Directions
I’ve perfected the Starbucks Potato Chive Bake recipe to bring that creamy, cheesy goodness right into your home. Follow these simple steps to create this delicious dish.
Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and slice 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Mince 3 cloves of garlic finely.
- Chop 1/4 cup of fresh chives.
- Grate 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese.
- Combine 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme with the minced garlic in a small bowl.
Cook
- Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and thyme mixture to the melted butter, sautéing until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk, stirring continuously.
- Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
Assemble
- Arrange a layer of potato slices at the bottom of a large baking dish.
- Pour a quarter of the creamy sauce over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle a third of the grated cheddar cheese and a tablespoon of chopped chives on top.
- Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with a final layer of cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the bake rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Potato Chive Bake is perfectly golden and bubbling, here are a few ways I love to serve it to elevate your dining experience:
- Classic Side Dish: Pair it with grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or seared salmon for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Holiday Feast Addition: It makes a fantastic addition to your holiday spread, complementing turkey, ham, or your favorite main dishes.
- Brunch Delight: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and a fresh green salad for a delightful brunch spread.
- Vegetarian Option: Pair with roasted vegetables or a hearty grain salad for a complete vegetarian meal.
- Garnish Creativity: Top with crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of paprika, or extra fresh chives for added flavor and texture.
- Potluck Favorite: It’s easy to transport and always a hit at potlucks or family gatherings.
- Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions and serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a quick and delicious meal.
Storage
Properly storing my Starbucks Potato Chive Bake ensures it stays fresh and delicious for days to come. Here’s how I handle refrigerating and freezing, along with reheating tips to maintain that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Refrigerating
- Cool Completely
Let the bake cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Portion It Out
Divide the bake into individual servings. This makes reheating quicker and helps maintain texture.
- Use Airtight Containers
Transfer the portions into airtight containers or cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Store in the Fridge
Keep the bake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Prepare for Freezing
Ensure the bake is fully cooled. For best results, consider omitting the final cheese topping before freezing.
- Wrap Properly
Wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or place the portions into freezer-safe containers. Heavy-duty freezer bags also work well.
- Label and Date
Label each package with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Freeze
Store the bake in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Storage Durations
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Reheating
From Refrigerated
- Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover and Heat
Cover the bake with foil to retain moisture. Heat for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Add Fresh Chives
Remove the foil, sprinkle extra chives on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
From Frozen
- Thaw Overnight
Move the bake from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover and Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through.
- Add Toppings
Remove the foil, add cheese if desired, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes to refresh the top.
Tips
- Avoid Microwaving
Reheating in the microwave can make the bake mushy. Oven reheating preserves the texture best.
- Refresh with Herbs
Adding fresh chives or herbs after reheating enhances both flavor and presentation.
By following these storage and reheating methods, you can enjoy my copycat Potato Chive Bake just like when it’s freshly made.
Conclusion
Creating Starbucks’ Potato Chive Bake at home has been a delightful journey for me. There’s something special about enjoying a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor right from your own kitchen. I love how simple it is to put together and how it always brings smiles to the table.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner, preparing for a cozy night in, or just craving something tasty, this bake fits the bill perfectly. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a favorite in your recipe collection. Happy cooking!
