Got this comforting classic from my father-in-law and it has been a family favorite ever since. Only 4 ingredients for the best bite of the night.

This oven baked 4-ingredient provolone potato casserole is one of those comforting classics that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. I actually got this recipe from my father-in-law the first winter I joined their family holidays, and it’s been requested at nearly every gathering since. It’s incredibly simple—just thinly sliced potatoes, plenty of provolone, a little butter, and milk to bring everything together into a creamy, cheesy, golden-edged bake. It’s the kind of no-fuss, minimal-ingredient dish that works on a busy weeknight but still feels special enough for Sunday dinner.

This casserole is hearty enough to be the star of the plate, but it also makes a great side. I like to serve it with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or with roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. It pairs really well with roasted chicken, grilled sausages, or a pan-seared steak. For a cozy vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a big bowl of tomato soup or a platter of roasted veggies and a crisp cucumber salad.

Servings: 6

2 1/2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch white ceramic baking dish with nonstick spray or a little butter so the potatoes don’t stick.

Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. The thinner they are, the more tender and layered they’ll be once baked. If you’re slicing ahead of time, keep them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning, then drain and pat dry before layering.

Layer a single, slightly overlapping layer of potato slices on the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper if using.

Add a layer of provolone over the potatoes, covering as much of the surface as possible. It’s fine if the slices overlap or you use a mix of slices and shreds.

Repeat the layers: potatoes (with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper, if using), then provolone, until you’ve used all the potatoes. Finish with a generous top layer of provolone so you get that gooey, golden, slightly crispy cheese on top.

Pour the milk evenly over the entire casserole, letting it seep down between the layers. Gently shake the dish to help the milk settle.

Dot the top with the small pieces of butter, spacing them across the surface so they melt into the potatoes and cheese as they bake.

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the potatoes are mostly tender when pierced with a knife.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly, the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown around the edges, and the potatoes are completely tender.

Let the casserole rest for at least 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set up a bit so you can scoop out neat squares or spoonfuls while still keeping that gooey, stretchy provolone on top.

Serve warm straight from the baking dish, making sure each portion has some of the browned cheesy edges and tender layered potatoes.

You can easily tweak this family favorite without losing the spirit of the simple 4-ingredient base. For a slightly richer version, swap part of the milk for half-and-half or light cream. If you prefer a bit of tang, use smoked provolone or a mix of provolone and another mild cheese like mozzarella, keeping provolone as the main cheese so the flavor stays close to the original. To add a little color and freshness without much extra work, scatter a handful of chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top right before serving. If you want a more deeply browned, crisp top, move the dish to the upper third of the oven for the last 5 minutes of baking, or briefly broil it—just watch closely so the cheese doesn’t burn. For make-ahead prep, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate; add about 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time if starting from cold. Food safety tips: Keep the sliced potatoes refrigerated in cold water if you’re prepping them ahead, and always store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge within 2 hours of baking. Reheat leftovers thoroughly in the oven or microwave until steaming hot in the center (165°F/74°C). Because this dish contains dairy, avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods, especially at potlucks or holiday buffets.