Potatoes are a food that have been known for being in holiday meals of all sorts. From mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving to creamy gratins at Christmas, the potato has earned a place at the table during some of the most cherished meals throughout the year. How, though, did the potato, originally grown in the Andes mountains, become such a staple in these celebratory feasts?
According to the Poppy Cooks website, potatoes were “originally cultivated in southern Peru. They were grown by the Inca tribe and have since been spread across the world. Potatoes are now grown in nearly every country in the world since being introduced to Europe in the 16th century. The Spanish armies used to carry potatoes to feed their armies, and each place they stopped in on their way to battle adopted the vegetables.” This was helpful as potatoes could be stored for a longer period of time than many other vegetables, making them more convenient and practical.
Although potatoes had been introduced to most of the world by the 16th century, it was much later that they began making their way into holiday meals.
In the 19th century, potatoes found their way into holiday meals, particularly in countries with a strong agricultural focus. In the United States, with Thanksgiving emerging as an integral celebration of harvest and abundance, the tradition of large, family-centered gatherings began to take shape around the 1800s. At Thanksgiving, the potato quickly became a go-to dish because of its versatility and accessibility. Mashed potatoes, in particular, seemed to meet people’s expectations. Being easy to prepare in large quantities, seasoned to taste, and providing a comforting, savory counterpart to the turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce that made up the rest of most traditional Thanksgiving meals, they were a natural fit for the expansive feasts that marked Thanksgiving. Over time, other potato dishes such as scalloped potatoes and potato salad also became popular amongst holiday spreads.
While potatoes had already been integrated into Thanksgiving meals, Christmas celebrations offered new opportunities for more creative potato dishes. In the mid-19th century, Christmas dinners transitioned from being small gatherings to grander affairs. Potato-based dishes like potato gratin and duchess potatoes, which featured mashed potatoes piped into decorative shapes and baked until golden, made their debut into the holiday repertoire.
In countries like France, the Christmas table often showcased a variety of potato related dishes, with gratin and pomme de terre dauphinoise, which are creamy, cheese-laden casseroles, becoming associated with the holiday meal. In the United Kingdom, roast potatoes became a beloved part of Christmas feasts, as they paired perfectly with roasted meats and rich gravies.
From its uncertain introduction in Europe to its rise in popularity as a holiday dish, the potato’s versatility and ability to satisfy large gatherings made it an ideal addition to holiday meals, where it quickly became a beloved as well as practical side dish. Whether mashed, roasted or baked into a rich gratin, the potato has secured its place in Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holiday meals for generations to come.
