Christmas Potatoes
A comforting holiday dish featuring layered potatoes and cheese in a creamy sauce, topped with onions and seasonings. Rich, cheesy, and flavorful, it's perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions, offering a hearty side or main course that appeals to cheese lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and cut potatoes into 1/4-inch slices to make 8 cups.
- Combine potatoes, onions, and salt in a Dutch oven.
- Add water and boil until just done.
- Drain and set aside.
- Melt the margarine in a heavy saucepan over low heat.
- Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick.
- Add salt, pepper, chopped parsley, pimentos, and cheese.
- Spoon potatoes into a lightly greased baking dish.
- Pour sauce on top and heat in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you want to reduce calories, you can substitute the margarine with olive oil or a plant-based butter. Adding garlic powder or nutmeg can enhance the flavor. Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking, and you can use any type of cheese if Velveeta isn't available.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Potatoes make a delightful side dish for holiday dinners and pair beautifully with roasted meats or a hearty green salad. For a complete meal, serve with glazed carrots or a warm bread like Rose Petal Rolls. They also complement festive desserts such as Swiss Chocolate Cake perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Potatoes contains roughly 1046 calories, with 15g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), potassium (67% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1150mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and cheese sauce ahead of time. Just assemble everything in the baking dish and cover it tightly. You can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven until heated through.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well for this dish due to their creamy texture when cooked. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won't yield the same creamy consistency that pairs well with the cheese sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Ensure you use a vegetarian-friendly cheese if you're concerned about animal rennet in Velveeta. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli to enhance the nutrient profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).