Cheesy and Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

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Let’s talk about the real MVP of any holiday meal. It’s not the turkey. It’s not the ham.

It’s the dish that makes everyone go silent and forget about everything else on their plate: Creamy Scalloped Potatoes.

The Legendary Potato Situation

I’ll be honest. This isn’t just a side dish. This is culinary magic that transforms ordinary potatoes into something so incredibly delicious that people will be talking about it long after the holidays are over.

It’s the dish that turns “I’m just here for the main course” into “Oh my god, can I have more potatoes?”

Grocery List: Holiday Dinner Prep

Produce & Dairy

• 5 lbs Russet potatoes
• 2 large onions
• 5 cloves garlic
• 7 cups heavy cream
• 5 cups Gruyère cheese (or cheddar mix)
• Fresh thyme (or dried)
• Butter

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes recipe

Serves: 10

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs (about 10-12 medium) Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8 inch thick)
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 7 cups heavy cream
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 5 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or a mix of Gruyère and cheddar)
• 2 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 4 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 2 tsp dried thyme)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish (approximately 15×10 inch) with butter.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the cream, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Layer 1/3 of the potato slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping. Top with 1/3 of the sliced onions and 1/3 of the cheese.
4. Repeat the layering process two more times with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.
5. Slowly pour the warm cream mixture over the potato layers, ensuring it seeps between the layers.
6. Dot the top with small pieces of butter and sprinkle with thyme.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown.
9. If desired, you can broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to get a more golden, crispy top. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
10. Remove from the oven and let stand for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the cream to set slightly.

The Laziest Prep Method Ever

Here’s the beautiful truth: this looks fancy, but it’s basically foolproof. You’re basically just layering things and letting the oven do the work. No culinary degree required.

Why This Dish is a Total Game-Changer

Listen, holiday meals can be stressful. Family drama, timing everything perfectly, making sure nothing burns. But this? This is your calm in the kitchen storm.

Rookie-Proof Cooking Tips

• Slice potatoes while watching your favourite show
• No need to be perfect with the layers
• Butter makes everything better
• If it looks messy, no one will care because IT TASTES AMAZING

The “I Totally Planned This” Move

Want to look like a total cooking pro? A few simple tricks:

• Use a mandoline if you have one (or just a sharp knife)
• Let it rest after cooking (gives you time to do literally anything else)
• Sprinkle some extra thyme on top for that “I’m a fancy cook” look

Serving Suggestions (AKA Making Everyone Love You)

This serves 10 people, which means:

• Perfect for big family gatherings
• Excellent for potlucks
• Amazing as leftovers
• Basically guaranteed to make you the favourite cook

Leftover Hack

Got extra? Mix it into an omelet the next morning. Trust me.

The Real Holiday Magic

Here’s the thing about holiday cooking: it’s not about perfection. It’s about creating moments. And nothing creates a moment quite like a dish that makes everyone at the table go quiet and just… enjoy.