Santa’s Favorite Creamy Potato Casserole: A Festive, Comforting Holiday Classic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Santa’s Favorite Creamy Potato Casserole is the kind of dish that brings warmth, indulgence, and a homestyle richness to any holiday table. With tender potatoes, a velvety creamy sauce, and a decadent cheese topping, it strikes the perfect balance between nostalgic comfort and festive elegance. I have prepared similar casseroles during winter gatherings, and they always disappear quickly—there is something irresistible about a bubbling, golden-topped potato bake fresh from the oven. Once, I even tried using almond milk when I ran out of dairy, and the dish still turned out wonderfully creamy, which proves just how forgiving and flexible this recipe can be. This casserole pairs well with roasted meats, seasonal vegetables, and traditional holiday sides, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser. Whether served at Christmas dinner, a cosy winter brunch, or a casual family gathering, this creamy casserole brings joy, warmth, and a touch of holiday magic.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Potatoes

Potatoes are the heart of this dish, creating a soft, tender base that absorbs the richness of the creamy sauce. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work beautifully thanks to their texture and ability to hold shape during baking.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream gives the casserole its signature luxurious texture. It coats each layer of potatoes, ensuring the dish remains moist, smooth, and utterly decadent.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese melts into the sauce, contributing tanginess and body. It enhances the creaminess and helps thicken the casserole without making it heavy.

Cheddar Cheese

Shredded cheddar cheese adds sharpness and depth. It browns to form a golden, bubbly crust that contrasts beautifully with the velvety interior.

Butter

Butter brings richness and a silky finish. When melted into the cream mixture, it elevates the flavour and ensures a luscious consistency.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder adds gentle savoury notes without overpowering the creamy base. It complements the potatoes and cheese beautifully.

Onion Powder

Onion powder enhances the aromatic profile and balances the richness with subtle sweetness.

Salt and Pepper

Simple but essential, salt and pepper ensure the flavours are well-rounded and properly seasoned in every layer.

Parsley

Fresh parsley adds a pop of colour and freshness, making the dish feel festive and bright.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish with butter to help prevent sticking and to add a hint of richness. Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin, even rounds. The thinner the slices, the more evenly the casserole will cook and absorb the creamy sauce.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, cream cheese, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and the cream cheese has fully melted. Reduce the heat and allow it to gently thicken for a minute or two without boiling.

Layer the sliced potatoes into the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Pour a portion of the warm cream mixture over each layer, ensuring the potatoes are well coated. Continue layering until all the potatoes and sauce are used. Scatter shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top, pressing lightly so it adheres.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender when tested with a fork. Allow the casserole to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving, as this helps the sauce settle and makes slicing easier. Finish with chopped parsley for a festive touch.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This casserole serves approximately 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for holiday gatherings. Preparation time is around 20 minutes, followed by 60–65 minutes of baking. Allow an additional 10 minutes of resting time before serving.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, which helps maintain the casserole’s texture. If using a microwave, heat gently to avoid separating the creamy sauce. A splash of cream can be added during reheating if the casserole appears dry.

Variations and Customizations

Herb Lover’s Version

Add thyme, rosemary, or sage to the cream mixture for a fragrant, festive twist.

Three-Cheese Blend

Combine cheddar with mozzarella and Gruyère for extra richness and a beautifully melty top.

Bacon Upgrade

Fold cooked, crumbled bacon between the potato layers for smoky savouriness.

Caramelised Onion Layer

Add a thin layer of caramelised onions to introduce sweetness and depth.

Lightened-Up Option

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter but still creamy finish.

Holiday Spice Hint

Add a touch of nutmeg for subtle warmth that complements the creamy base.

Crispy Topping

Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs over the cheese layer for a delicate crunch.

FAQs

Can I slice the potatoes in advance?

Yes, but place them in cold water to prevent browning.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble it, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes offer the ideal balance of tenderness and structure.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Freezing is possible but may slightly alter the creamy texture.

How do I keep the top from over-browning?

Cover with foil for most of the baking time, removing it near the end.

Is it possible to add vegetables?

Yes, thinly sliced carrots or parsnips can be layered with the potatoes.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, but sauté it lightly to mellow the sharpness before adding to the sauce.

How do I know the potatoes are fully cooked?

A fork should slide easily through the layers without resistance.

Can this be served as a main dish?

It can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main when paired with a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Santa’s Favorite Creamy Potato Casserole is a luxurious, comforting dish that captures the warmth and joy of the holiday season. With its tender layers of potatoes, rich creamy sauce, and golden cheese topping, it offers both simplicity and indulgence in perfect balance. Whether you prepare it for a festive feast or a cosy winter evening, this casserole brings nostalgic flavours and reliable versatility. Its ease of preparation and adaptability make it a seasonal staple you’ll return to year after year. Enjoy bringing a touch of holiday magic to your table with every creamy, satisfying bite.

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