Potatoes have to be one of the most popular foods in the world. They’re economical AND delicious. Potatoes are great boiled or baked, mashed, smashed, or fried.

And aren’t baked potatoes the best? Served on the side of a juicy steak and smothered with sour cream and chives. Or as a main dish stuffed with every imaginable thing from spicy chili and cheese to grilled veggies with tahini!

But one of my favorite dishes to make for holiday dinners is Blue Cheese Scalloped Potatoes! This robust dish gets a kick from blue cheese and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary.

Then there’s mashed potatoes…and there are SO MANY variations to get creative with. Just be sure when mashing OR whipping, that your spuds are piping HOT – you don’t want gluey potatoes. After the whipping has commenced then it’s time to fold in some fun – roasted corn, cheese, chives or fresh herbs, sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions…the list goes on and on!

So get creative with your spuds! -Kathy

Blue Cheese Scalloped Potatoes
You can also make this recipe in advance, then let cool and store, covered and refrigerated, for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature and reheat, covered, in a preheated 350°F oven until hot.

Makes 12 servings

Potatoes
5 pounds russet potatoes
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. minced fresh thyme
3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled blue cheese
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce
1 cup sour cream
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. salt

Fresh thyme sprigs for garnishing

Preheat an oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

To prepare the potatoes, peel and cut them into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Toss them in a large bowl with the salt, pepper, and thyme. In a small bowl, mix the cheeses.

Layer half the potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the cheese mixture, then layer with the remaining potatoes.

To make the sauce, whisk the ingredients in a bowl and pour the mixture over the potatoes. Tap the baking dish on the counter to spread the sauce and release any air bubbles. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Bake for about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, or until browned and completely tender all the way through when poked in the center with a knife.

Garnish with thyme sprigs and serve immediately.

Recipe from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table Cookbook