What $20 Buys for Christmas Dinner

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: monterey jack

Monterey jack is often less expensive and melts well.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: plain yogurt

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Cottage cheese adds creaminess at a lower cost.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: ricotta cheese

💰Cheaper: mascarpone

Mascarpone is similar in texture and flavor.

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter.

Add 1 cup of milk, salt, pepper, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaves to the melted butter.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat and set aside.

Chop 4 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes into 1-inch cubes.

Boil water in a pot, adding salt and 4 cloves of garlic.

Add the chopped potatoes to the boiling water and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until fork-tender.

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

Mash the potatoes using a masher until smooth.

Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs from the sauce and add 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese and 8 oz of softened cream cheese to the mashed potatoes.

Mix until well combined and creamy, adding salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer the potato mixture into a baking dish.

In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter until browned, then turn off the heat.

Add 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs and additional parmesan cheese to the browned butter, mixing well with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the potato mixture in the baking dish.

Cover the baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.

Uncover the dish and bake for an additional 20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens