15 Hour Potato (Family Style)

The family-style 15 Hour Potato: a crowd-pleasing shortcut

We all know the allure of the iconic 15 Hour Potato—it’s crispy, it’s indulgent, and it’s borderline magical. But let’s be honest, the original method is a bit of a commitment. Between layering each delicate slice and waiting for the beef dripping to set, it’s a labour of love that not everyone has time for—especially when you’re feeding a crowd. That’s where this family-style version comes in!

This simplified recipe gives you all the crispy, golden goodness you love but with a lot less faff, making it perfect for gatherings, festive feasts, or just a big ol’ spud party with your mates. It’s the same irresistible potato dish, reimagined to save you time and effort while still wowing your guests.

What makes this version easier?

The beauty of this adaptation is in the little tweaks that make a big difference. Instead of painstakingly arranging each potato slice by hand, this method lets you throw caution to the wind—okay, not quite, but you can layer the slices in a more relaxed manner. The result? You still get that beautiful stacked effect, but without losing half your day.

Another key tweak is swapping out the beef dripping for cream. Not only does this make the recipe easier to manage (no solidifying issues here!), but it also creates a rich, velvety texture that coats the potatoes in sheer luxury. The cream also makes this dish vegetarian-friendly, so you can cater to a wider range of guests without compromising on flavour.

Scaling up the crispy perfection

When you’re cooking for a crowd, quantity is key. This recipe is designed to fill a larger dish, ensuring there’s plenty to go around—because trust me, everyone will want seconds (or thirds). The trick to keeping that signature crispiness is all in the final bake. By compressing the potatoes overnight and giving them plenty of time to roast, you’ll achieve those gloriously crunchy edges that make the 15 Hour Potato so iconic.

Why family style works

There’s something about a family-style dish that just screams comfort and togetherness. Picture this: a huge tray of golden, crispy potatoes being passed around the table, everyone helping themselves to as much (or as little, but let’s be real, as much) as they want. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and makes any meal feel like a special occasion.

And don’t worry, this version is just as photogenic as the original. Those crispy edges and soft, creamy centers are a showstopper whether you’re serving it at a fancy dinner party or a casual Sunday lunch.

Pro tips for success

1. Compress overnight: Don’t skip this step! It’s what gives the potatoes their signature texture and helps them hold their shape during baking.
2. Season generously: Creamy potatoes can handle a lot of seasoning, so don’t hold back. Salt, pepper, and maybe a touch of garlic powder or thyme will elevate the flavor.
3. Use a sturdy dish: A heavy-duty baking tray or dish is ideal to withstand the pressing and baking process without warping.

This family-style 15 Hour Potato is proof that sometimes, you can have it all—flavour, ease, and enough spuds to keep everyone happy. So, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, cooking for your extended family, or just feel like treating yourself to the ultimate potato indulgence, this is the recipe you need in your life.