10+ Potato Recipes Side Dishes to Elevate Every Meal

Potato side dishes just hit the spot, don’t they? They’re easy to make and somehow fit with pretty much anything you’re serving.

Whether you’re after something basic or you want to jazz things up, potatoes always have your back. You can find potato recipes that suit any taste, from crispy to creamy and from basic to loaded with flavor.

These sides work for weeknights or even holidays. Potatoes just seem to make everyone happy, right?

You’ve got so many ways to cook them, depending on what you have in the kitchen or how you’re feeling.

1) Roasted Parmesan Potatoes

Roasted Parmesan potatoes are about as easy and crave-able as it gets. Cut potatoes into bite-size chunks, toss them with olive oil, garlic, paprika, and a good handful of Parmesan.

Roast them in the oven until the outsides get crispy and golden. The cheese forms a crunchy layer, and the insides stay soft.

They work with almost any main—seriously, try them with chicken, steak, or even fish. You’ll have these ready in about 30 to 40 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds potatoes, cut into chunks
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix potatoes, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25 minutes.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan over the potatoes.
6. Roast another 10 to 15 minutes until crispy and golden.

2) Classic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are just pure comfort. Make them smooth and creamy, or leave a few lumps if that’s your thing.

They’re perfect with roasted meats or even just some veggies and sausages. Honestly, they’re the kind of side you never get tired of.

Use starchy potatoes for the best texture. Boil until soft, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.

Add more milk or butter if you want them extra creamy. Taste as you go—don’t be shy with the seasoning.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and cut potatoes into chunks.
2. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender.
3. Drain and return to the pot.
4. Mash with a masher or fork.
5. Stir in butter and milk little by little.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve while still warm.

3) Hasselback Potatoes

Hasselback potatoes look fancy but are surprisingly easy. Slice each potato thinly, but don’t cut all the way through.

This way, you get crispy edges and a soft middle. Brush them with butter or olive oil, then tuck in some garlic or herbs if you’re feeling it.

They’re awesome with roast chicken, pork chops, or even just a big salad. Serve with a sour cream and chive dip if you want that cool, creamy contrast.

You can check out more ideas at Love and Lemons.

Ingredients

• 4 medium potatoes
• 3 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional), like rosemary or thyme

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Slice each potato thinly, stopping about ¼ inch from the bottom.
3. Place on a baking sheet and brush with butter or oil.
4. Tuck garlic and herbs between slices.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 45-60 minutes, until crispy outside and tender inside.
7. Serve warm, maybe with your favorite dip.

4) Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

Creamy au gratin potatoes feel like a hug in a dish. Slice potatoes thin, layer them with cheese and a creamy sauce, and bake until bubbly.

You don’t even have to peel them, which saves a little time. This dish pairs nicely with meats or something green on the side.

Mix up the cheeses if you want, or just use whatever you have. The top turns golden and the inside stays soft and rich.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, gruyere, or your choice)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rub a baking dish with butter and garlic.
3. Layer half the potatoes in the dish.
4. Sprinkle with half the cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Add remaining potatoes and cheese.
6. Pour cream over everything.
7. Dot the top with butter.
8. Bake uncovered for about 60 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

5) Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice baked potatoes are pure comfort food. Bake whole potatoes until soft, scoop out the insides, and mix them with cheese, bacon, and a few seasonings.

Stuff the mixture back into the skins and bake again until the tops are golden. They’re great with steak, chicken, or just a big salad.

Top with green onions or sour cream, or whatever you like. They’re easy to customize.

Ingredients

• 4 large baking potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake potatoes for about an hour, until tender. Let cool a bit.
3. Cut each potato in half and scoop out the inside, leaving skins intact.
4. Mash the insides with butter, cheese, bacon, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
5. Spoon back into the skins. Top with green onions and extra cheese if you want.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until tops are golden.

6) Potato Croquettes

Potato croquettes are crispy on the outside and creamy inside. They’re a fun side, especially if you want something you can dip.

Serve them with sour cream, hot sauce, or even honey dill. They go well with salads, grilled veggies, or just about any meat.

If you want, sneak a little cheese inside for extra flavor. They’re a bit fiddly to shape at first, but you’ll get the hang of it.

Ingredients

• 3 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix mashed potatoes with salt, pepper, and cheese if you’re using it.
2. Shape into small cylinders or balls.
3. Roll each in flour, then beaten egg, then breadcrumbs.
4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a frying pan.
5. Fry croquettes until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Drain on paper towels and eat while warm.

7) Smashed Garlic Potatoes

Smashed garlic potatoes are so simple but so good. Boil small potatoes until soft, then gently smash them on a baking sheet.

Toss with garlic butter or olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake at 425°F (220°C) until the edges get crispy. The inside stays fluffy.

Throw on some herbs like rosemary or parsley if you have them. This is a classic side, but it definitely doesn’t feel boring.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds small potatoes
• 3 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
2. Drain and let cool a bit.
3. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
4. Put potatoes on a baking sheet and gently smash each one.
5. Mix garlic with melted butter or oil.
6. Brush potatoes with the garlic butter.
7. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes until crispy and golden.

8) Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a cozy side, perfect for holidays or any night you want something a little extra. It’s creamy mashed sweet potatoes under a crunchy pecan or maple topping.

You can prep it ahead and bake when you’re ready. It’s great with roast turkey, glazed ham, or even just some greens.

This dish is easy and brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Add a pinch of spice and you’re set.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup maple syrup or brown sugar (for topping)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Spread in a baking dish.
4. Mix pecans, maple syrup (or brown sugar), and flour for the topping.
5. Sprinkle topping over the sweet potatoes.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until topping is golden and crisp.

9) Potato Salad with Herbs

Potato salad with herbs gives a fresh spin to an old favorite. Instead of heavy mayo, this one goes for a light olive oil vinaigrette.

That vinaigrette brings a bright, zippy flavor—honestly, it’s a relief if you’re not into creamy sides. It works really well with grilled meats or veggies, especially on a warm day.

Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives? They add such a good aroma and a pop of taste. A splash of lemon juice in the dressing brings a little zing, which keeps the potatoes from tasting too plain.

It’s a breeze to make. You can prep it ahead and stash it in the fridge until you need it.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or red), cut into chunks
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until they’re tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let them cool a bit.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the potatoes with the dressing and all those herbs.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Curious for more details? Here’s a Lemon Herb Potato Salad Recipe.

10) Fondant Potatoes

Fondant potatoes are simple but really tasty. You cook thick potato slices slowly in butter and chicken broth.

This way, they turn out soft inside and golden on the outside. The texture is just so satisfying.

They pair up nicely with steak, chicken, or fish. If you toss in some thyme or garlic, you get even more flavor.

The slow cooking brings out a deep, comforting taste. They look pretty fancy on the plate, but making them is surprisingly easy.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into thick rounds
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Melt some butter in an ovenproof pan over medium heat.

3. Toss in the potato rounds. Let them brown on both sides until they look golden.

4. Pour in the chicken broth. Add garlic and thyme.

5. Sprinkle in salt and pepper.

6. Slide the pan into the oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes feel tender when you poke them.