This post may contain paid and/or affiliate links. I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our Privacy Policy.
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
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
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish (about 15×10 inches) with butter.
- In a large saucepan, combine cream, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Layer 1/3 of the potato slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping. Top with 1/3 of the onions and 1/3 of the cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.
- Slowly pour the warm cream mixture over the potato layers, ensuring it seeps between the layers.
- Dot the top with small pieces of butter and sprinkle with thyme.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Let the dish stand for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the cream to set.
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.