This Sliced Potato Cake is a stunning and savory way to serve up everyone’s favorite vegetable—potatoes! Thinly sliced and seasoned with Italian herbs, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, the potatoes bake into a golden, crisp-topped cake with a tender interior. It’s simple, flavorful, and makes a fun side dish or light lunch that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 lbs potatoes (preferably Russet or baking potatoes)

• ¾ tsp salt

• ¾ tsp pepper

• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs

• 3 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them very thinly—ideally using a mandoline for uniformity.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the potato slices with oil, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix gently by hand to evenly coat.

4. Add Parmesan cheese and mix again carefully.

5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a 10-inch springform pan ring (without the bottom) on top.

6. Fill the ring with the seasoned potato mixture and spread it evenly, making the center slightly taller than the edges. Remove the ring.

7. Bake for 50–55 minutes until the potatoes are cooked through and golden brown on top.

8. Let it cool slightly, slice into wedges, and serve warm.

Nutrients (Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 317 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 27 g

• Protein: 14 g

• Fat: 18 g

• Saturated Fat: 6 g

• Cholesterol: 17 mg

• Sodium: 779 mg

• Potassium: 870 mg

• Fiber: 6 g

• Sugar: 1 g

• Vitamin A: 216 IU

• Vitamin C: 23 mg

• Calcium: 379 mg

• Iron: 7 mg

A Simple Concept, Beautifully Executed

At its core, this dish is incredibly simple—just thin slices of potato seasoned well and baked into a cake form. What makes it stand out is the presentation and texture. When arranged in layers, the potato slices cook evenly and absorb seasoning throughout. As the cake bakes, the edges turn golden and crispy while the interior stays soft and creamy. It’s a delightful contrast in every bite, transforming an everyday ingredient into something worthy of a special occasion or Sunday dinner.

The Appeal of Layered Texture

One of the most engaging features of this Sliced Potato Cake is its layered construction. Each thin slice contributes to a firm yet fork-tender structure that holds together beautifully when cut. This stacked design creates layers that slightly crisp at the edges and melt in the middle, offering a satisfying variety of textures. The cake is sturdy enough to slice into wedges, making it easy to serve without falling apart. This makes it a great side dish for entertaining or potlucks, where presentation matters just as much as taste.

Flavorful Seasoning with Italian Flair

What gives this dish its savory punch is the seasoning. A combination of salt, pepper, dried Italian herbs, and grated Parmesan cheese ensures that every layer is infused with flavor. The herbs—typically a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary—provide an aromatic backdrop that pairs beautifully with the earthiness of potatoes. Parmesan adds a salty richness that browns beautifully in the oven, enhancing both taste and texture. The result is a dish that’s flavorful without being heavy, and complex without requiring many ingredients.

A Healthier Alternative to Traditional Potato Dishes

Despite its rich flavor, Sliced Potato Cake can be a lighter alternative to more indulgent potato dishes like scalloped potatoes or gratins. There’s no heavy cream, butter, or excess cheese; instead, olive oil brings moisture and helps crisp the edges while still offering heart-healthy fats. Russet or baking potatoes contain natural starches that bind the layers together as they cook, eliminating the need for thickeners or sauces. Each serving delivers satisfying substance and nutrition without unnecessary calories.

Perfect for All Ages and Occasions

One of the best things about this dish is how universally appealing it is. Kids love the crispy edges and cheesy flavor, while adults appreciate the elegant presentation and herbaceous notes. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and fresh, making it suitable for everything from a casual family dinner to a holiday spread. Whether served alongside roast chicken, grilled vegetables, or a leafy salad, Sliced Potato Cake holds its own as a star side dish or even a light vegetarian main course.

Tips for Success and Customization

To achieve the signature look and texture of the potato cake, the most important step is slicing the potatoes thinly and uniformly. A mandoline is ideal for this task, ensuring even cooking and a refined final presentation. Once the potatoes are sliced, it’s crucial to toss them thoroughly with the oil and seasonings so that each piece is coated evenly. While the base recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily adapt it by adding garlic, swapping Parmesan for Gruyère, or layering in thin slices of onion or zucchini for extra depth.

Baking Technique and Visual Appeal

Baking the cake inside a springform ring ensures that it holds a perfect round shape while allowing the top and sides to crisp up nicely. Lining the pan with parchment paper keeps the bottom from sticking and makes cleanup easier. When baked, the potato slices compress slightly, creating a cohesive and sliceable structure. Removing the ring before baking allows the outermost edges to crisp up fully, delivering that golden, bakery-style crust that makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.

Nutritious and Satisfying

Potatoes often get an unfair reputation, but when prepared well, they’re a nutrient-dense and wholesome part of a balanced diet. This recipe delivers ample fiber, potassium, and vitamin C from the potatoes, while the Parmesan adds calcium and protein. Olive oil provides beneficial fats and helps absorb the fat-soluble nutrients in the dish. With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe manages to offer a solid nutritional profile alongside crowd-pleasing flavor.

Make-Ahead and Reheat-Friendly

Another reason this dish is so practical is its make-ahead potential. You can prep and bake the potato cake earlier in the day and simply reheat it in the oven before serving. It also holds up well as leftovers, making it an excellent candidate for lunch the next day. Reheating slices in a toaster oven or skillet restores the crispness, ensuring it tastes just as good the second time around. Its structure stays intact, making it easy to pack for work lunches or serve again at the dinner table.

Conclusion: Everyday Elegance with Comfort Built In

Sliced Potato Cake is the perfect blend of comfort food and refined presentation. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, it delivers big on flavor, texture, and visual appeal. This dish transforms a basic ingredient into something memorable—layered, golden, and irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, serve a new take on potatoes, or simply enjoy a satisfying and wholesome meal, this recipe checks every box. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to become a favorite on your table. A delicious reminder that sometimes, the best dishes are the ones that take the familiar and make it feel brand new.