Sometimes the best gift in the world on Christmas is to serve your children one of their favorite dishes. And, boy oh boy, does Spenser love cheesy potatoes! Warning: this recipe is extremely addictive. We use smoked paprika to add a hearty smokiness that’s like nothing else out there.

　　

Ingredients

serves 6

　　4 tablespoons butter, divided

　　1 small shallot, finely chopped

　　4 garlic cloves, minced

　　Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

　　3 cups half-and-half

　　2 teaspoons smoked paprika

　　2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, thinly sliced

　　1 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese

　　1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

　　

Step 2

Butter a 13-by-9-inch casserole dish with 2 tablespoons butter.

　　

Step 3

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter foams, add the shallot and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and pour in the half-and-half, smoked paprika, and potatoes. Bring to a low simmer. Allow to cook for 5 minutes.

　　

Step 4

Pour half of the potato mixture into the buttered casserole dish. Shake the pan to arrange the potatoes in a single layer. Sprinkle half of each of the cheeses on top of the bottom layer. Add the remaining potatoes, and shake again to arrange in a layer. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 45 minutes, or until bubbling. Remove the foil, and place back in the oven for 15 minutes more, or until the potatoes and cheese are golden and browned.

　　

Step 5

Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

　　Reprinted with permission from The Neelys' Celebration Cookbook by Pat and Gina Nelly. Copyright © 2011 by Pat and Gina Nelly with Anna Volkwein. Excerpted by permission of Knopf, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.Pat and Gina Neely are restaurateurs, best-selling authors, popular speakers, and hosts of the Food Network hit series Down Home with the Neelys. They recently opened their first New York City restaurant, Neely's Barbecue Parlor. They live with their daughters in Memphis, where they enjoy cooking at home with family and friends.Ann Volkwein is a best-selling food and lifestyle author based in New York City and Austin, Texas. Her previous books include: The Arthur Avenue Cookbook, Chinatown New York, Mixt Greens (with Andrew Swallow), and, with Guy Fieri: Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives; More Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives; and Guy Fieri Food.