MAKE AHEAD SIDE DISHES FOR A CROWD RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F
• In a large pot, add the diced potatoes and cover with cold water
• Bring to a simmer and cook until al dente, about 7 to 9 minutes
• Drain and set aside
• In a large bowl, mix together the cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, butter, green onions, Parmesan and hot sauce (if using) until thoroughly combined
• Add the al dente potatoes and season with salt and pepper
• Gently mix until fully combined, then transfer to a greased 9 x 9-inch baking dish
• If you're making the optional sliced potato topping, continue here
• If not, jump to the next paragraph
• In a medium bowl, gently toss the potato slices and canola oil until evenly coated
• Arrange the potato slices with overlapping edges on top of the potato mixture until completely covered
• Season with salt and pepper
• Bake on the center rack until the top is golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes
• Garnish with thyme leaves right before serving
• Storage Instructions: Cool completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Freezing, Thawing and Reheating Instructions: Cool completely, cover tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months
• For best results, defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating
• Preheat oven to 375°F and bake until thoroughly warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes
• To bake directly from frozen, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake until thoroughly warmed through, about 30 to 35 minutes