Potato Sunflower Bake – A Stunning and Delicious Appetizer

By Lilo On Feb 28, 2025

Potatoes are a staple in kitchens around the world, but with a little creativity, they can be transformed into an elegant and impressive dish. This Potato Sunflower Bake arranges thinly sliced potatoes in a sunflower pattern, baked with a rich, creamy sauce and finished with a melted Brie center. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to elevate a simple side dish, this recipe is both visually striking and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

12-14 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
1/5 cup (50 g) melted butter
1 whole round of Brie cheese (about 125 g)
1/4 cup (20 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
Grease a round cake pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin, uniform rounds (about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick).
A mandoline slicer can help achieve even slices for consistent baking.

Step 3: Arrange the Sunflower Pattern

Place a small oven-safe ramekin or bowl in the center of the cake pan.
Starting from the outer edge, layer the potato slices in overlapping circles to resemble sunflower petals.
Continue layering until the pan is completely filled.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, melted butter, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Pour this mixture evenly over the arranged potatoes, ensuring it seeps between all the layers.

Step 5: First Bake

Bake for 80 minutes at 150°C (300°F).
This slow cooking process allows the potatoes to absorb the creamy mixture and become tender.

Step 6: Add the Brie

Score the top of the Brie with a knife to help it melt evenly.
Remove the ramekin from the center of the potatoes and place the Brie in its spot.

Step 7: Final Bake

Increase the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F).
Bake for another 20 minutes, until the Brie is melted and the potatoes turn golden brown on top.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving.
Guests can pull apart the crispy potato “petals” and dip them into the gooey Brie center.

Tips for the Best Potato Sunflower Bake

✔ Use a mandoline slicer for even, thin slices that cook uniformly.
✔ Experiment with cheeses – Camembert or blue cheese can be great alternatives to Brie.
✔ Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for extra flavor.
✔ Make ahead – Assemble the dish in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Lightening Up the Recipe

If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider these adjustments:

Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream instead of full-fat cream.
Reduce cheese quantity or use a lower-fat variety.
Serve with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Final Thoughts

The Potato Sunflower Bake is a perfect blend of crispiness, creaminess, and indulgent flavors. It’s easy to prepare, yet elegant enough to be the centerpiece of any gathering. Whether you’re looking for a unique appetizer or a special side dish, this recipe is sure to impress!