These 15 stunning potato sides might be the most memorable part of your Christmas meal

Tuesday 2 December 2025 10:00 - Mirella Mendonça
These 15 stunning potato sides might be the most memorable part of your Christmas meal

If there's one ingredient that suits every table, from a simple lunch to a Christmas feast, it's the potato.

It's versatile, economical, easy to please and full of possibilities. At supper, the potato is no longer a supporting player but shines brightly: it can appear creamy and delicate, crunchy and golden, au gratin with charm or even stuffed as a main dish in disguise. In this article, we've put together 15 irresistible recipes that show you how to transform this everyday ingredient into side dishes and starters worthy of your most special night of the year. These are ideas that mix tradition and affection with a festive touch: the kind of food that embraces, surprises and lingers in the memory.

If you thought you already knew all the ways to serve potatoes, get ready: your supper will never be the same again.


How to use potatoes at Christmas

Creamy baked cacio e pepe potatoes: the easy side dish that drives everyone crazy!Recipe Creamy baked cacio e pepe potatoes: the easy side dish that drives everyone crazy!

There are recipes that can turn a few ingredients into an unforgettable dish. Oven-baked creamy cacio e pepe potatoes are one of them: a perfect encounter between the simplicity of country tradition and the intensity of Roman cuisine's flavors...


Parmesan potatoes, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside!Recipe Parmesan potatoes, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside!

Potatoes are certainly among the most popular vegetables used to accompany meat or fish dishes. Right? Well, there are plenty of recipes for preparing side dishes with potatoes, but today we offer you a very tasty one that you can also serve as a...


Potatoes in parchment with lemon and feta cheeseRecipe Potatoes in parchment with lemon and feta cheese

What do we love about parchment cooking ? It's easy and healthy. Here, we decided to cook potatoes in parchment and flavour them with citrus fruit. Then, after mixing them with feta cheese and fresh mint, we can assure you that the fragrant taste...


The perfect side-dish: mashed potato cups!Recipe The perfect side-dish: mashed potato cups!

Who doesn't love a good mashed potato ? But wait, there's more! Get ready to discover the perfect accompaniment to sublimate your dish: mini mashed potato cups that are crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside. With a blend of...


Baked potatoes coated with baconRecipe Baked potatoes coated with bacon

Here is a simple and effective accompaniment! Baked potatoes, so far, everyone loves it! But if you perfume them with thyme/ rosemary and wrap them with a slice of bacon, it’s a good bet that this recipe will become an essential part of your Sunday...


Stuffed potatoes with smoked salmon and cream cheeseRecipe Stuffed potatoes with smoked salmon and cream cheese

Stuffed potatoes are a family favorite! Typically, we prepare them with ham or bacon and cheese. Today, we offer you a version with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Enjoy them hot or cold, and follow our step-by-step instructions below ↓


Garlic and parsley mashed potatoes, the ideal side dish!Recipe Garlic and parsley mashed potatoes, the ideal side dish!

Were you planning to serve steamed potatoes as a side for your meat or fish? A bit classic, don't you think? Keep the "steaming" step but give your potatoes a bake after mixing them with a garlic and parsley sauce to add some color and, most...


Appetizer potato and bacon skewersRecipe Appetizer potato and bacon skewers

With just two ingredients, you have perfect appetizer skewers to share with your guests! A recipe to keep handy when you want to switch up the classic chips and peanuts ;-) Grab your mini skewers and let's get to the recipe ↓


Raclette gratinRecipe Raclette gratin

Vegetable tian, you know it. Made in summer due to the seasonality of the vegetables used, it features tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplants. But how to make it when winter arrives? At Ptitchef, we have the solution with a delicious raclette tian ;-)...


Mini dauphinois gratin bites - french potato gratinRecipe Mini dauphinois gratin bites - french potato gratin

Finding the perfect side dish can be challenging. Today, we offer you a mini version of the classic dauphinois gratin. This presentation will impress your guests on their plates. Step by step, we explain how to transform your potatoes into mini...


Potato and mushroom gratinRecipe Potato and mushroom gratin

Looking for a simple , comforting and tasty side dish ? This potato and mushroom gratin has it all. Between the melting texture of the potatoes, the delicate fragrance of the mushrooms sautéed with garlic and shallots, and the sweetness of the...


Smoked salmon tart with potato baseRecipe Smoked salmon tart with potato base

No more shortcrust or puff pastry in the fridge for your tart? Don't panic! Try this original version with potatoes and smoked salmon ! Forget the classic pastry, here the potatoes form a crisp, melt-in-the-mouth base . Perfect for a light...


Puff pastry soup with leeks and potatoesRecipe Puff pastry soup with leeks and potatoes

Elevate your classic soups with a chic puff pastry shell. Also known as 'balloon soup', this ultra-easy recipe is perfect for starting your festive meals or simply making your autumn/winter soups more original. Inspired by the famous VGE soup created...


Cold potato cake with tuna and mayonnaise, you don't need an oven to make it!Recipe Cold potato cake with tuna and mayonnaise, you don't need an oven to make it!

This cold potato and tuna pie is somewhere between a Russian salad and an deviled eggs. We have prepared it with a very simple base: boiled potato, tuna, pickles and mayonnaise. This cold potato, tuna and mayonnaise cake combines the best of a...


Homemade simple mashed potatoesRecipe Homemade simple mashed potatoes

A homemade mashed potato recipe that is simple, quick, and delicious! Once cooked, all you need to do is mash your potatoes and mix them with milk, butter, and a hint of nutmeg. It's hard to make it easier, right?! The advantage of mashed potatoes is...




Ultimate Christmas potato FAQ: tips, tricks & must-know ideas

What are the best potato sides to serve for Christmas?

Scalloped potatoes, crispy roasted potatoes, duchess potatoes, mashed potatoes, and cheesy gratins are always holiday favorites.


Which potato dish is easiest for a crowd?

Mashed potatoes or sheet-pan roasted potatoes are simple, scalable, and stay warm well, perfect for large gatherings.


What potato sides pair best with holiday meats?

Prime rib, ham, and turkey pair beautifully with creamy gratins, garlic mashed potatoes, and herb-roasted baby potatoes.


Can I make potato sides ahead of time?

Yes: mashed potatoes, gratins, and twice-baked potatoes can be prepped 1–2 days ahead and reheated without losing texture.


What potato sides feel the most festive?

Duchess potatoes, fondant potatoes, truffle mashed potatoes, and parmesan-crusted roasts add a refined, celebratory touch.

Mirella MendonçaMirella Mendonça
I am the editorial manager at Petitchef (Portugal and Brazil) and a huge enthusiast of travel and world cuisine, always in search of new flavors and experiences. However, as much as I love exploring the delights of different cultures, my mom's cooking will always be my favorite — with that unique flavor that only she can create.

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