I make these cheesy scalloped potatoes every year on Thanksgiving instead of mashed potatoes. I'll never go back.

• I grew up eating mashed potatoes yearly on Thanksgiving, but secretly preferred scalloped potatoes. • We've been making these cheesy scalloped potatoes and skipping the mashed potatoes for years now. • The crispy cheese crust and creamy layers of potato make this one of my favorite recipes.

I've never been a fan of huge mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving or any other day.

Shirking what many would call a Thanksgiving staple, I've made scalloped potatoes — or potatoes au gratin — for the past five-plus years instead.

Thanksgiving purists may not believe me, but the texture and flavor are far superior to even the best mashed-potato recipe. Plus, with the average cost of hosting Thanksgiving this year reaching $431, according to a recent WalletHub report, I want to make every dish count.