Hold onto your aprons – potatoes are reigning supreme as the undisputed champions of Christmas feasts in Australia, outshining even the most decadent desserts and holiday roasts!
Just recently, we delved into our all-time most-saved recipes database, eager to uncover what culinary gems our community has been cherishing and whipping up in their kitchens. The results? A delightful shock to the system.
We anticipated the usual suspects: perhaps a slice of rich chocolate cake, a comforting chicken dish for a midweek meal, or an extravagant pavlova to top off the festivities.
But here's where it gets controversial – the real surprise was potatoes. Mountains of them, dominating the list like never before.
You've made it abundantly clear that the unassuming potato is your ultimate kitchen ally. Whether you're catering to a large gathering, contributing a dish to a potluck, or complementing that iconic glazed ham (https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/collections/glazed-christmas-ham-recipes) and succulent prawns on the Christmas spread, potato-based creations consistently claim the top spots on our saved recipes list, year in and year out.
We figured we'd spot a handful of spud specialties – but the sheer volume was staggering, accounting for more than a third of the entire list. And this is the part most people miss: in a country where holiday traditions often revolve around fresh, versatile ingredients, potatoes have carved out a permanent place in our hearts.
Why potatoes have captured the hearts of Aussies
When you pause to consider, it's no wonder they've taken over. Potatoes are incredibly adaptable – you can prepare them in countless ways, enjoy them piping hot or chilled, and enhance them with an array of sauces, herbs, and seasonings to suit any palate.
Plus, the internet is bursting with potato recipe ideas, making it feel like hitting the jackpot when you stumble upon a winner. For beginners, think of potatoes as a blank canvas: they're forgiving, budget-friendly, and can transform a simple meal into something extraordinary, like turning everyday veggies into a gourmet side with just a few tweaks.
RELATED: 85 potato bakes that will complete your Christmas table > (https://www.taste.com.au/entertaining/galleries/potato-bakes-complete-christmas-table/kim95b9h)
Speaking of the holiday season. To spare you the endless scrolling through page after page of spud suggestions in search of new favorites, we're delighted to present this holiday gift...
Our top 5 most-saved potato recipes
These five dishes have earned their popularity for solid reasons, and each one deserves a starring role on your Christmas menu this year. They've been crafted with care to appeal to crowds, impress guests, and deliver that comforting, festive vibe.
- Classic potato salad
This straightforward potato salad (http://taste.com.au/recipes/classic-potato-salad/25089698-6579-4565-a239-4e5581c97417) boasts over 60 rave reviews and embodies the perfect summer Christmas accompaniment: soft potatoes paired with a velvety mayonnaise-based dressing, fresh herbs, and just the right hint of sharpness.
Why you've saved it
It's ideal for serving chilled – a lifesaver during sweltering Aussie summers – evokes fond memories, is practically foolproof, and pairs effortlessly with everything from glazed ham to roast chicken, cold prawns, and beyond. It relies on pantry staples most homes already stock, and crucially, it scales up to feed large groups, positioning it as the go-to 'bring-a-plate' option and the ultimate barbecue companion.
“This recipe has really levelled me up in my potato salad game! I made it for Christmas lunch yesterday and everyone thought it was amazingly good. I’m definitely keeping this recipe as my standard one from now on,” shares taste member coffeefiend.
How to make it
It's incredibly simple. Begin by frying diced bacon and onion, then transfer to a serving bowl along with chopped boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs. Prepare a dressing by mixing mayonnaise with vinegar, gently fold it into the potato blend, and garnish with finely chopped gherkins for that zesty kick and sliced green shallots.
RELATED: Our best potato salads for the ultimate Christmas feast > (https://www.taste.com.au/galleries/best-sweet-potato-potato-salad-recipes/8hrzy4vn)
- Hasselbacon potato bake
Credit: Liz Macri
This innovative hasselback potato bake (http://taste.com.au/recipes/hasselbacon-potato-bake-recipe/ouxt0t23) combines the sophistication of hasselback-style potatoes (where thin, accordion-like cuts allow even cooking and crispiness) with the coziness of a creamy bake and the bold flavor of bacon, resulting in a spectacular one-pan wonder. The potatoes' slices spread out, crisping to perfection while absorbing layers of cheesy, smoky goodness.
Why you've saved it
This dish delivers the 'wow' factor every Christmas spread craves. It's visually stunning with surprisingly little effort, and its catchy name hides a taste sensation – who can resist the magic of potatoes, bacon, and cheese? It's tailor-made to accompany roast turkey or glazed ham, adding a touch of indulgence to the table.
“I make this every year for a Christmas lunch-hot meal for a crowd of 20. It’s the first dish to be cleaned up by everyone, including the kids,” notes taste member ginw0001.
How to make it
Warm cream, garlic, and thyme in a saucepan until gently simmering, then season and let it infuse. In the meantime, create hasselback cuts on your potatoes by slicing thinly across the top without going all the way through. Arrange them in a baking dish, sprinkle with grated cheddar and chopped bacon.
Stir French onion soup mix into the infused cream, pour it over the potatoes, cover, and bake until tender. Add more cheese and bacon, then bake uncovered for a golden, crispy finish. Garnish with chives for a seasonal touch.
- Cheesy potato bake
This luscious, golden-crusted, bubbling potato bake (http://taste.com.au/recipes/cheesy-potato-bake/9749dafb-5288-4066-aa45-d9c99025b975) is the kind families squabble over (yes, including mine). Thin potato layers are enveloped in a decadent, cheesy sauce, baked to fork-tender perfection. Pure bliss!
Why you've saved it
Refer back to the description above! This bake hits all the right notes – uncomplicated, lavish, and supremely comforting. It's also economical for feeding masses, making it the ideal 'I'll handle the veggie side!' contribution to Christmas gatherings or barbecues. For those new to baking, it's a forgiving recipe that teaches layering and sauce-making basics without stress.
“Great!!!! AMAZING! If you are trying to pick a recipe, PICK THIS ONE!” exclaims taste member tiara2008.
How to make it
With just five components – butter, flour, milk, cheese, and potatoes – start by whipping up a cheesy white sauce. Layer thinly sliced potatoes in a dish with the sauce, cover with extra grated cheese (trust us, more is better), and bake for about an hour until the potatoes soften and the top turns gloriously golden.
- Crispy air fryer potato salad
Ditch the steaming pot on a scorching Christmas Day – this clever air fryer potato salad (http://taste.com.au/recipes/air-fryer-potato-salad-recipe/7xx686kf) leverages the beloved air fryer to achieve lightly crisp, caramelized potatoes, then dresses them in a creamy, herb-infused sauce. And it's astonishingly fast, perfect for busy holiday kitchens.
Why you've saved it
Air fryers have become kitchen staples for their ease, and this version frees up space during peak cooking times. It elevates a classic potato salad by blending it with roasted potato vibes, offering that crispy, caramelized texture alongside a smooth dressing without much hassle. It's fantastic for any warm-weather event, but envision it as part of a Christmas spread where guests can't stop reaching for seconds. This subtle twist might spark debate: is it still a 'salad' if it's air-fried to crispiness, or does it blur the lines between sides?
“I made this on Christmas Day. Was super quick and easy. And was really yum :),” says taste member kathyjm22.
How to make it
Effortlessly, combine mayo with a packet of French onion soup mix in a bowl, add halved baby potatoes, and transfer to your air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes, then top with bacon rashers and air fry for another 10 minutes.
Mix additional mayo with sour cream, lemon juice, and chives in a jug, seasoning with pepper. Move the air-fried potatoes to a bowl, drizzle with the mixture, and finish by scattering chopped bacon on top.
- Caramelised muffin pan potato gratins
Credit: Tracy Rutherford
Picture this: Delicate potato slices stacked neatly in muffin tins, drenched in cream, butter, and cheese, baked until the edges are crunchy and the centers tender, then unmolded into elegant, individual towers.
Our caramelised muffin pan potato gratins (http://taste.com.au/recipes/caramelised-muffin-pan-potato-gratins-recipe/dlhc37xw) often go viral online, so their spot on the most-saved list comes as no surprise.
Why you've saved it
Portioning potatoes individually is a catering dream, and these look incredibly posh too. The humble potato transforms into something refined and impressive, ideal for festive occasions where you pull out the fancy table settings. Despite the elegance, they're deceptively simple, blending traditional comfort with modern presentation. But here's a controversial angle: some might argue that fancying up a side dish like this takes away from the rustic, no-fuss charm of Christmas meals – do you prefer simplicity or sophistication on your holiday table?
“It was very popular at my large family gathering. I have been asked to make it again this Christmas,” shares taste member JHissey.
How to make it
Preparation is straightforward. Thinly slice potatoes, stack them into 12 muffin pan holes, pour over garlic-infused cream, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Blend golden syrup with melted butter, brush onto the stacks, and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes until browned. Sprinkle with chives if desired for serving.
What our top 5 most-saved potato recipes reveal
Aussies crave potatoes at Christmas – and they demand them to be both mouthwateringly delicious and visually appealing.
That's something we can definitely provide!
Yet, beyond the bacon bits, cheese melts, and herb sprinkles, potatoes remain the epitome of comfort food – whether grilled, baked, air-fried to crunch, mixed into a silky salad, or assembled into a cheesy gratin.
As evidenced by our most-saved list, potatoes are the essential centerpiece of the Christmas table, chosen for their familiarity and unbeatable flavor... and they'll surely return as stars next year!
READ NEXT: >> Not another potato salad: the mashed potato party trick with ‘main character’ energy (https://www.taste.com.au/food-news/not-another-potato-salad-mashed-potato-party-trick-main-character-energy/pxmtjohh)
What do you think? Is the potato truly the king of Christmas sides, or should other ingredients like sweet potatoes or roasted veggies get more spotlight? Do you have a favorite potato dish that always graces your holiday table, or do you prefer to skip them altogether? Share your thoughts, agreements, or disagreements in the comments below – we'd love to hear from you and spark some festive food debates!
