Potato side dishes are the kind of thing that can genuinely make or break a meal. A mediocre main can be saved by truly great mashed potatoes. A perfect roast can be elevated even further by crispy, golden potatoes on the side. I’ve spent years testing and tweaking potato side dish recipes in my own kitchen, and these fourteen are the ones I keep coming back to.
This list covers a wide range of techniques and textures, from silky and creamy to shatteringly crispy. Some recipes take just minutes of hands-on time, while others are a little more involved but absolutely worth the effort.
If you’re looking for crowd-pleasing classics alongside a few unexpected favorites, you’re in the right place.
For even more inspiration, check out this roundup of the Best Potato Recipes to keep your potato game strong year-round.
1. Mashed Potatoes
Classic mashed potatoes done right are one of the most comforting things you can put on a table. This recipe delivers the kind of creamy, buttery mash that makes everyone reach for seconds.
The texture is smooth and rich without being gluey, which comes down to technique as much as ingredients. It’s the perfect companion for a Sunday roast, holiday dinner, or even just a weeknight pork chop.
What makes this version stand out is the balance of butter and cream that creates a luxurious mouthfeel without going overboard. Once you nail this recipe, you’ll never reach for the instant stuff again.
2. Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are one of those side dishes that seems simple but has a lot of room for excellence. This recipe gets the exterior deeply golden and crispy while keeping the inside fluffy and tender.
The key is high heat and enough space on the pan so the potatoes roast rather than steam. Seasoned generously with herbs and garlic, they pair beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to grilled fish.
If you’ve ever ended up with soggy, pale potatoes, this recipe will change your approach entirely. It’s endlessly adaptable and practically foolproof once you know the method.
3. Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are the kind of side dish that steals the show at every dinner table. Thin-sliced potatoes layered in a savory cream sauce and baked until bubbling and golden are almost impossible to resist.
Unlike au gratin, traditional scalloped potatoes focus on that velvety cream sauce rather than melted cheese, which gives them a more delicate, elegant flavor. They’re ideal for Easter, Thanksgiving, or any occasion where you want the side dish to get as many compliments as the main.
The layered presentation looks impressive, but the recipe itself is more straightforward than it appears. This is the one to make when you want something that feels truly special.
4. Au Gratin Potatoes
If you love scalloped potatoes but wish they were cheesier, au gratin potatoes are your answer. This recipe layers thinly sliced potatoes with a rich, cheesy sauce and bakes it all into something deeply satisfying.
The top gets gloriously browned and bubbly while the inside stays creamy and tender. It’s richer than scalloped potatoes and a natural fit for holiday spreads, potlucks, or any dinner where you want something seriously indulgent.
I’ve made this alongside a meatloaf for a cozy weeknight dinner, and the combination is hard to beat. Leftovers reheat beautifully, which is always a bonus.
5. Twice Baked Potatoes
Twice baked potatoes take a humble baked potato and transform it into something truly memorable. The potato is baked, scooped, mixed with creamy fillings, stuffed back into its own skin, and baked again until golden and puffy.
You get a crispy exterior with a fluffy, cheesy, flavor-packed interior in every single bite. They work as a substantial side dish or even a light main on their own, and they’re endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings.
The make-ahead potential here is a huge bonus, since you can prep them earlier in the day and just pop them in the oven before dinner. I find myself making these whenever I need a side dish that genuinely impresses people.
6. Smashed Potatoes
Smashed potatoes are the side dish that has the most satisfying crunch-to-fluff ratio of anything on this list. Small boiled potatoes are pressed flat and roasted at high heat until their edges turn impossibly crispy while the centers stay soft and pillowy.
The contrast in texture is what makes these so addictive, and they pick up whatever seasoning you throw at them beautifully. They’re a fantastic alternative to fries and go wonderfully with everything from beef tips and gravy to a simple weeknight burger.
These also happen to be surprisingly low-effort for how impressive they look on the plate. Once you make smashed potatoes, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your rotation.
Read Also: Broccoli Salad Recipe
7. Cheesy Potatoes
Cheesy potatoes are pure comfort food at its most unapologetic. Tender potato pieces are coated in a warm, gooey cheese sauce and baked into a casserole that disappears faster than almost anything else on the table.
This style of potato dish is beloved at potlucks and family gatherings for good reason: it’s easy to make in large quantities, travels well, and appeals to just about everyone. The flavor is rich and savory with that irresistible cheesy pull in every scoop.
I’ve served these alongside grilled chicken, holiday hams, and even just with a big green salad for a satisfying meatless dinner. This one is a keeper for every occasion.
You might also enjoy: Velveeta Mac and Cheese Recipe
8. Air Fryer Simple Baked Potatoes
The air fryer has changed how I make baked potatoes on a weeknight. This recipe produces potatoes with a perfectly crispy skin and a fluffy interior in a fraction of the time it takes in a conventional oven.
The skin gets wonderfully seasoned and almost chip-like on the outside, which is something that’s hard to achieve in a regular oven without extra steps. Load them up with sour cream, cheese, chives, or whatever you love for an easy side that never disappoints.
This recipe is beginner-friendly and almost entirely hands-off once the potatoes go in. It’s the one I turn to on busy weeknights when I need something reliable with zero fuss.
9. Healthy Mashed Potatoes
If you love the comfort of mashed potatoes but want a lighter version, this recipe delivers without sacrificing flavor. The technique here leans on building richness through smart swaps rather than heavy cream and loads of butter.
The result is still wonderfully smooth and satisfying, with a clean potato flavor that really shines through. It’s a great option for anyone watching their diet, feeding picky kids, or just trying to balance out a heavier main course.
What I appreciate most about this recipe is that it doesn’t taste like diet food. It stands on its own as genuinely delicious mashed potatoes that happen to be better for you.
10. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries bring a little natural sweetness and a pop of color to the plate. Cut into thin strips and roasted until their edges caramelize, they have a flavor that regular fries simply can’t match.
The trick to getting them actually crispy rather than limp is managing moisture and giving them plenty of room in the oven, and this recipe walks you through exactly how to do that. They’re a fantastic pairing for burgers, sandwiches, or grilled proteins, and they look stunning on the plate.
Sweet potato fries also bring a nutritional edge over standard fries, so there’s a little less guilt in finishing the whole batch. These are one of my favorite ways to round out a meal when I want something just a bit unexpected.
11. Funeral Potatoes
Funeral potatoes have one of the most memorable names in comfort food, and they absolutely live up to the hype. This classic Mormon casserole layers creamy, cheesy potatoes under a buttery, crunchy topping that bakes into something completely irresistible.
The combination of a rich, saucy interior with that golden, crispy crust on top is what makes this dish so deeply satisfying. It’s a staple at potlucks, church suppers, and holiday gatherings because it feeds a crowd and holds up beautifully on a buffet table.
This one is also a fantastic make-ahead option, which makes it a lifesaver during busy holiday cooking. Once you bring it somewhere, people will be asking you for the recipe before the pan is empty.
12. Hashbrown Casserole
Hashbrown casserole is the kind of dish that works just as well at a holiday brunch as it does alongside a weeknight dinner. Shredded hashbrowns are folded into a creamy, cheesy mixture and baked until the top is golden and the inside is tender and custardy.
It’s similar in spirit to funeral potatoes but has a slightly different texture thanks to the shredded potato base, which creates more surface area for that wonderful cheesy coating. Serve it with eggs in the morning or next to grilled chicken at dinner and it fits in perfectly either way.
I love this recipe because it uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in minutes before going into the oven. It’s one of those dishes that people always underestimate until they taste it.
For another crowd-pleasing cheesy side, my Best Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe is every bit as comforting and goes together just as quickly.
13. Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Mississippi mud potatoes are a seriously loaded potato dish that earns its name with layers of bold, indulgent flavor. Tender potato chunks are baked with cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning into a casserole that hits every savory note at once.
The flavor profile is smoky, cheesy, and deeply savory, which makes it a natural pairing for grilled or smoked meats. This is a dish for when you want your side to hold its own and have people going back for more.
It’s also a great option for game day spreads or casual backyard cookouts where you want something substantial alongside the main event. Few potato casseroles pack this much flavor into one pan.
Read Also: Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe
14. Breakfast Potatoes
Breakfast potatoes deserve a spot on this list because they’re one of the most versatile potato sides you can make. Diced potatoes are seasoned and cooked until the outsides are golden and crispy while the insides stay tender and fluffy.
They’re a classic brunch staple but honestly work just as well alongside a simple dinner of eggs and toast or as a side for a weekend frittata. The seasoning is bold enough to make them satisfying on their own, but they also soak up whatever sauces or toppings you pair them with beautifully.
What I love about this recipe is how approachable it is. You need very little prep time, and the results taste far more impressive than the effort involved.
FAQs About Potato Side Dishes
1. What is the best potato variety for mashed potatoes?
Russet potatoes are the classic choice for mashed potatoes because their high starch content produces a light, fluffy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are a close second, offering a naturally buttery flavor and creamier consistency.
2. How do I keep roasted potatoes crispy?
The biggest factor is making sure your potatoes have enough space on the baking sheet so they roast rather than steam. High heat, around 425°F, and patting the potatoes dry before seasoning them also make a significant difference.
3. Can I make potato side dishes ahead of time?
Many potato dishes, including mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, au gratin, and cheesy potato casseroles, reheat very well and can be fully assembled the day before. Twice baked potatoes are especially great for make-ahead since they’re designed to go through two cooking stages anyway.
4. What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes are made with a cream or bechamel sauce without cheese, while au gratin potatoes include cheese layered throughout and on top. Both are baked until tender and golden, but au gratin has a richer, more intensely savory flavor.
5. How do I get sweet potato fries to actually crisp up in the oven?
The key is cutting them thin and consistent, spreading them in a single layer with space between each fry, and using a very hot oven. Tossing them with a small amount of cornstarch before roasting also helps draw out moisture and promote crispiness.
For a delicious side to serve alongside many of these potato dishes, try this classic Coleslaw Recipe for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Final Thoughts
Potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients in any kitchen, and hopefully this list has shown just how many directions you can take them. From silky mashed potatoes to shatteringly crispy smashed potatoes to loaded cheesy casseroles, there’s a recipe here for every occasion and every level of cook.
My personal recommendation is to start with whichever one matches what you’re already planning for dinner and go from there. Once you work through a few of these, I think you’ll find that a great potato side dish becomes the thing your guests remember most.
I’d love to hear which recipe you try first. Drop a comment below and let me know how it goes, or share your photos!
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