Bold claim: potatoes dominate Christmas, and this list proves they’re the secret backbone of our holiday table. If you’ve ever wondered what keeps Buzz-worthy Christmas sides flying off the plate, the answer is right here. And yes, this is the part where potatoes take center stage—because they do, again and again. And this is the part most people miss: the humble spud isn’t just a side dish; it’s a versatile canvas that adapts to every festive mood.
We recently surveyed our all-time most-saved recipes to see what you’ve been bookmarking and cooking year after year. The surprise was loud and clear: potatoes appear in abundance. You told us they’re your go-to ingredient—whether you’re feeding a crowd, bringing a dish to share, or rounding out a holiday ham and prawns spread. Potatoes consistently top our saved recipes, year after year, and make up well over a third of the list.
Why do potatoes win Aussies over so reliably?
Potatoes are incredibly flexible. They respond beautifully to countless cooking methods, can be served hot or cold, and pair well with a wide range of dressings and seasonings. With millions of potato recipes out there, finding a standout can feel like hitting the Christmas jackpot every time.
To save you time scrolling through endless spud options, here are our five most-saved potato dishes—and why they’ve become favorites for Christmas tables.
1) Classic potato salad
This straightforward potato salad has earned more than 60 rave reviews. It delivers everything you want in a summer-tinged Christmas side: tender potatoes, a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, fresh herbs, and a tangy kick.
Why it’s saved: It’s served cold, which is a blessing in a hot Aussie Christmas. It’s nostalgic, reliable, and pairs with virtually anything—from glazed ham and roast chicken to cold prawns. Most importantly, it feeds a crowd, making it a standout bring-a-plate option for gatherings.
What people say: “This recipe has levelled up my potato-salad game. I served it for Christmas lunch, and everyone loved it. It’s my new standard.”
How to make it: Fry chopped bacon and onion, toss with chopped boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs. Create a dressing from mayonnaise and vinegar, fold it through, then finish with chopped gherkins and sliced green shallot.
2) Hasselback potato bake
This dish fuses the elegance of hasselback technique with the comforting creaminess of a bake, amplified by bacon for a savory hit. The thin potato slices fan out, crisp at the edges, and soak up cheesy, smoky flavors.
Why it’s saved: It delivers a wow factor with minimal effort. A visually striking, crowd-pleasing side that pairs perfectly with turkey or ham.
What people say: “I make this every year for a Christmas lunch for 20. It’s the first dish finished and eaten, including by the kids.”
How to make it: Infuse cream with garlic and thyme, slice potatoes thinly, arrange in a pan, top with grated cheese and chopped bacon. Pour in a cream mix blended with French onion soup, bake covered until tender, then uncover to finish golden and crispy. Finish with chives.
3) Cheesy potato bake
Creamy, golden, bubbling—this is the quintessential cheesy potato bake that families dispute over. Layers of thin potato slices bathed in a rich cheese sauce create melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Why it’s saved: It’s indulgent, comforting, and feeds a crowd on a budget. A perfect “bring a veg” side for Christmas or a barbecue.
What people say: “Amazing! If you’re choosing a recipe, pick this one.”
How to make it: Five ingredients—potatoes, butter, flour, milk, cheese. Make a simple cheese sauce, layer with potatoes, top with more cheese, and bake until tender and the top is deeply golden.
4) Crispy air fryer potato salad
Ditch the pot of boiling water on a hot day. This clever air-fryer version crisps the potatoes first, then coats them in a creamy-herby dressing.
Why it’s saved: It leverages the popularity of air fryers to save time and kitchen space. The result is a side that’s more interesting than traditional potato salad, with caramelized edges and a luxuriously creamy finish.
What people say: “Super quick and delicious for Christmas Day.”
How to make it: Mix mayo with French onion soup mix, toss with halved baby potatoes, air fry, then top with crispy bacon. Whisk sour cream, mayo, lemon juice, and chives for the dressing and pour over the warm potatoes. Scatter chopped bacon to finish.
5) Caramelised muffin-pan potato gratins
Thin potato slices are stacked in muffin cups with cream, butter, and cheese, baked until the edges caramelize and the centers stay soft. Unmolding yields elegant, individual stacks.
Why it’s saved: These little potato stacks look impressively sophisticated, yet are simple to make. They’re perfect for Christmas entertaining when you want a touch of elegance without fuss.
What people say: “Very popular at a large family gathering; I’ve been asked to make it again this Christmas.”
How to make it: Slice potatoes thinly, create 12 even stacks in muffin cups, pour over garlic-infused cream, cover and bake. Finish by brushing tops with a mixture of golden syrup and melted butter, bake until golden, and finish with chives if desired.
What these five dishes reveal about Christmas eating in Australia
Aussies clearly want potatoes at Christmas, and they want them delicious and visually appealing. More than that, potatoes embody comfort—whether roasted, baked, crisped in the air fryer, folded into a creamy salad, or layered into a gratin. Our top-saved recipes confirm that potatoes aren’t just a side item; they’re a non-negotiable star of the Christmas table, delivering familiarity and pure deliciousness. Expect to see potatoes shining again on next year’s list.
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