The ultimate Christmas dinner conundrum: what potato side dishes will steal the show? I mean, let’s be real, the main event is all about the turkey (or vegan alternative, of course!), but the supporting acts – aka the sides – can make or break the meal. Am I right? As a self-proclaimed holiday hosting enthusiast, I’ve got you covered with these 15 mouth-watering, easy-to-make potato side dishes that are sure to impress your guests.
1. Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Potatoes
This recipe rocks because it’s a masterclass in simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s both elegant and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Alternative to garlic: shallots or leeks for a milder flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary in a bowl until they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why You’ll Love It:
These roast potato ideas are a staple for a reason – they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the combination of roasted garlic and rosemary is a match made in heaven. You’ll love how the flavors meld together to create a dish that’s both savory and aromatic.
2. Twice-Baked Potatoes with Caramelized Onions
This recipe is a game-changer for Christmas dinner menu planning. It’s a fun twist on traditional baked potatoes, and the caramelized onions add a sweet and savory element.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Alternative to cheddar: vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
3. While the potatoes are baking, caramelize the onions in a pan with butter until golden brown.
4. Scoop out the potato flesh and mix with caramelized onions, cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Stuff the mixture back into the potato skins and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It:
These twice-baked potatoes are a holiday hosting dream come true – they can be made ahead of time and are sure to impress your guests. The combination of fluffy potato and sweet caramelized onions is a winner.
3. Potato Gratin with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This recipe is perfect for those who love a rich and creamy potato side dish. The mushroom sauce adds an earthy element that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Alternative to heavy cream: coconut cream or almond milk for a dairy-free option
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a saucepan, sauté the mushrooms in butter until tender.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the sliced potatoes and mushroom sauce.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It:
This potato gratin is a decadent and satisfying side dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. The creamy mushroom sauce adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish to new heights.
4. Crispy Potato Pancakes with Apple Sauce
This recipe is a fun twist on traditional potato side dishes. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior make for a delightful textural contrast.
Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 onion, grated
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Alternative to egg: flaxseed or chia seeds for a vegan option
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the grated potatoes, onion, egg, and flour.
2. Heat a non-stick pan with oil and fry the potato mixture until crispy and golden brown.
3. Serve with a side of apple sauce for a sweet and savory combination.
Why You’ll Love It:
These potato pancakes are a crowd-pleaser, and the apple sauce adds a sweet and tangy element. You’ll love how the crispy exterior gives way to a fluffy interior.
5. Garlic and Herb Potato Wedges
This recipe is perfect for those who love a crunchy potato side dish. The garlic and herb seasoning adds a flavorful element that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 large potatoes, cut into wedges
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Alternative to garlic: shallots or leeks for a milder flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the potato wedges with olive oil, garlic, and thyme in a bowl until they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy.
Why You’ll Love It:
These potato wedges are a classic for a reason – they’re easy to make and always a hit. The garlic and herb seasoning adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish.
6. Potato and Leek Soup
This recipe is perfect for those who love a comforting potato side dish. The leek adds a subtle onion flavor that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 leeks, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Alternative to chicken broth: vegan broth or stock for a plant-based option
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a pot, sauté the leeks in butter until tender.
2. Add the diced potatoes, broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil and then simmer until the potatoes are tender.
4. Blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
Why You’ll Love It:
This potato soup is a hearty and comforting side dish that’s sure to warm your guests’ hearts. The leek adds a subtle flavor that elevates the dish.
7. Roasted Potato and Carrot Salad
This recipe is perfect for those who love a light and refreshing potato side dish. The roasted potatoes and carrots add a sweet and savory element.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4-5 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Alternative to parsley: cilantro or dill for a different flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the potatoes and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
4. Toss with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Why You’ll Love It:
This potato salad is a fun twist on traditional sides. The roasted potatoes and carrots add a sweet and savory element that pairs perfectly with the fresh parsley.
8. Potato and Green Bean Almandine
This recipe is perfect for those who love a crunchy potato side dish. The green beans add a burst of freshness that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Alternative to butter: vegan butter or oil for a dairy-free option
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a pan, sauté the green beans in butter until tender.
2. Add the sliced potatoes and cook until they’re tender and lightly browned.
3. Top with sliced almonds and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Why You’ll Love It:
This potato dish is a fun twist on traditional sides. The green beans add a burst of freshness that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
9. Twice-Baked Stuffed Potatoes with Broccoli
This recipe is perfect for those who love a hearty potato side dish. The broccoli adds a nutritious and flavorful element that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Alternative to cheddar: vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
3. While the potatoes are baking, steam the broccoli until tender.
4. Scoop out the potato flesh and mix with steamed broccoli, cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Stuff the mixture back into the potato skins and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It:
These twice-baked potatoes are a holiday hosting dream come true – they can be made ahead of time and are sure to impress your guests. The broccoli adds a nutritious and flavorful element that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
10. Potato and Caramelized Onion Tart
This recipe is perfect for those who love a savory potato side dish. The caramelized onions add a sweet and savory element that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- Alternative to puff pastry: homemade pastry or gluten-free option
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a pan, caramelize the onions in butter until golden brown.
3. Roll out the puff pastry and top with a layer of potatoes, caramelized onions, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
4. Fold the pastry over the filling and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It:
This potato tart is a show-stopping side dish that’s sure to impress your guests. The caramelized onions add a sweet and savory element that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
11. Potato and Leek Gratin
This recipe is perfect for those who love a creamy potato side dish. The leek adds a subtle onion flavor that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 leeks, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Alternative to heavy cream: coconut cream or almond milk for a dairy-free option
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a saucepan, sauté the leeks in butter until tender.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the sliced potatoes and leek mixture.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It:
This potato gratin is a decadent and satisfying side dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. The leek adds a subtle flavor that elevates the dish.
12. Crispy Potato Fries with Spicy Mayo
This recipe is perfect for those who love a crunchy potato side dish. The spicy mayo adds a creamy and spicy element that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- Alternative to mayonnaise: vegan mayo or Greek yogurt for a dairy-free option
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (180°C).
2. Fry the potato fries until crispy and golden brown.
3. Mix the mayonnaise and hot sauce in a bowl.
4. Serve the fries with a side of spicy mayo for dipping.
Why You’ll Love It:
These potato fries are a fun twist on traditional sides. The spicy mayo adds a creamy and spicy element that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
13. Potato and Spinach Quiche
This recipe is perfect for those who love a savory potato side dish. The spinach adds a nutritious and flavorful element that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup grated cheese
- Alternative to eggs: flaxseed or chia seeds for a vegan option
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the diced potatoes, spinach, eggs, and cheese.
3. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until set.
Why You’ll Love It:
This potato quiche is a show-stopping side dish that’s sure to impress your guests. The spinach adds a nutritious and flavorful element that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
14. Potato and Carrot Mash
This recipe is perfect for those who love a comforting potato side dish. The carrots add a sweet and savory element that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4-5 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Alternative to milk: almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the diced potatoes and carrots until tender.
2. Mash the potatoes and carrots with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Why You’ll Love It:
This potato mash is a hearty and comforting side dish that’s sure to warm your guests’ hearts. The carrots add a sweet and savory element that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
15. Potato and Broccoli Fritters
This recipe is perfect for those who love a crunchy potato side dish. The broccoli adds a nutritious and flavorful element that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Alternative to egg: flaxseed or chia seeds for a vegan option
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the grated potatoes, broccoli, egg, and flour.
2. Heat oil in a non-stick pan and fry the potato mixture until crispy and golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It:
These potato fritters are a fun twist on traditional sides. The broccoli adds a nutritious and flavorful element that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
In conclusion, these 15 potato side dishes are sure to steal the show at your Christmas dinner. From classic roast potato ideas to decadent potato gratins, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of crunchy, crispy, or creamy, these recipes have got you covered. So go ahead, get creative, and make this holiday hosting season one to remember! With these elegant potato sides, you’ll be sure to impress your guests and create a memorable Christmas dinner menu.
