7 Delicious Potato Dishes For Christmas

As the festive season approaches, many of us start thinking about the delicious foods we'll be enjoying during Christmas. While traditional dishes like turkey and ham are always a hit, potatoes are a versatile and tasty addition to any holiday meal. Whether you're looking for a side dish or a main course, there are countless ways to prepare potatoes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy roasted potatoes, the options are endless. In this article, we'll explore 7 delicious potato dishes that are perfect for Christmas. Whether you're a fan of classic recipes or something new and exciting, you're sure to find inspiration for your holiday menu.

Potatoes are a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world, and their popularity endures during the holiday season. They're a great source of comfort food, and their versatility makes them easy to incorporate into a variety of dishes. Whether you're serving a small gathering or a large crowd, potatoes are a great choice for Christmas.

1. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a classic Christmas side dish that's sure to become a new family favorite. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that's both comforting and flavorful.

• 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Boil the potatoes in salted water until they're tender, then drain and mash with butter, heavy cream, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Fluffiest Mashed Potatoes

• Use high-quality potatoes that are high in starch, like Russet or Idaho potatoes.
• Don't over-mix the potatoes, or they'll become gluey and unappetizing.
• Add a splash of milk or heavy cream to give the potatoes a creamy texture.
• Use a ricer or food mill to mash the potatoes, rather than a traditional masher.

2. Roasted Potato and Rosemary Skewers

These roasted potato and rosemary skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that's perfect for Christmas. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing.

• 1 pound small potatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Thread the potatoes and rosemary onto skewers, then brush with olive oil and season with garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown.

Tips for Making the Perfect Roasted Potatoes

• Choose small, thin potatoes that will roast quickly and evenly.
• Use a high-quality olive oil that will add flavor to the potatoes.
• Don't overcrowd the skewers, or the potatoes will steam instead of roast.
• Use a hot oven to get a crispy exterior on the potatoes.

3. Potato and Leek Gratin

This potato and leek gratin is a creamy, comforting side dish that's perfect for Christmas. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing.

• 2 large potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 medium leeks, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated cheese (such as Gruyère or Cheddar)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, create a layer of potatoes and leeks. Dot the top with butter, then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat this process until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of cheese on top. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.

Tips for Making the Perfect Gratin

• Use high-quality potatoes that will hold their shape during cooking.
• Don't overcook the leeks, or they'll become bitter and unappetizing.
• Use a combination of cheeses for a rich, complex flavor.
• Don't open the oven door during cooking, or the gratin will collapse.

4. Twice-Baked Potatoes with Cheddar and Chives

These twice-baked potatoes with cheddar and chives are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that's perfect for Christmas. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing.

• 2 large potatoes
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (such as Cheddar or Parmesan)
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the potatoes in the oven for 45-60 minutes, or until they're tender. Scoop out the flesh and mash with butter, cheese, and chives. Stuff the mixture back into the potato skins and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Making the Perfect Twice-Baked Potatoes

• Use high-quality potatoes that will hold their shape during cooking.
• Don't over-mix the filling, or it will become gluey and unappetizing.
• Use a combination of cheeses for a rich, complex flavor.
• Don't overbake the potatoes, or they'll become dry and unappetizing.

5. Potato Pancakes with Apple Sauce and Sour Cream

These potato pancakes with apple sauce and sour cream are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that's perfect for Christmas. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing.

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 onion, grated
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Apple sauce and sour cream for serving

In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, onion, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Heat a large frying pan with vegetable oil over medium heat. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop the potato mixture into the pan and flatten slightly. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the pancakes are golden brown and crispy. Serve with apple sauce and sour cream.

Tips for Making the Perfect Potato Pancakes

• Use high-quality potatoes that will hold their shape during cooking.
• Don't over-mix the batter, or the pancakes will become dense and unappetizing.
• Use a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch for a crispy exterior.
• Don't overcrowd the pan, or the pancakes will steam instead of sear.

6. Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage

These potato gnocchi with brown butter and sage are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that's perfect for Christmas. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing.

• 2 large potatoes, cooked and mashed
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup semolina flour
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup brown butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, semolina flour, and egg. Mix well to combine. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll out each piece into a long rope. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces and press lightly with a fork to create the gnocchi. Cook the gnocchi in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Serve with brown butter and sage.

Tips for Making the Perfect Potato Gnocchi

• Use high-quality potatoes that will hold their shape during cooking.
• Don't over-mix the dough, or the gnocchi will become dense and unappetizing.
• Use a combination of all-purpose flour and semolina flour for a light and airy texture.
• Don't overcrowd the pot, or the gnocchi will stick together.

7. Potato and Bacon Shepherd's Pie

This potato and bacon shepherd's pie is a delicious and easy-to-make main dish that's perfect for Christmas. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing.

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 6 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent. Add the peas and carrots, beef broth, and flour to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened. Stir in the cooked bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste. In a separate pot, boil the sliced potatoes in salted water until they're tender. Drain the potatoes and mash with butter and salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the potato mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and top with the bacon and vegetable mixture. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.

Tips for Making the Perfect Shepherd's Pie

• Use high-quality potatoes that will hold their shape during cooking.
• Don't overcook the bacon, or it will become crispy and unappetizing.
• Use a combination of beef broth and flour to thicken the filling.
• Don't overcrowd the baking dish, or the filling will spill over during cooking.

We hope these 7 delicious potato dishes have given you some inspiration for your Christmas menu. Whether you're serving a small gathering or a large crowd, potatoes are a great choice for the holiday season. With their versatility and rich, comforting flavor, they're sure to become a new family favorite. So why not give one of these recipes a try and make this Christmas one to remember?