There’s nothing quite like a good potato recipe to bring comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table. I’ve been cooking with potatoes for years, and I can honestly say they’re one of the most versatile ingredients in my kitchen.
From creamy casseroles to crispy roasted sides, these 20 best potato recipes cover everything you need for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, and lazy weekend brunches. Each recipe has been a hit in my home, and I’m excited to share them with you.
This list leans toward classic comfort food with a few modern twists thrown in. You’ll find everything from traditional favorites like mashed potatoes and funeral potatoes to trending recipes like swamp potatoes that have taken social media by storm.
1. Funeral Potatoes
These creamy, cheesy hash brown casseroles with a crispy cornflake topping are the ultimate comfort food. The combination of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and melted cheddar creates a rich, indulgent side that works perfectly for holidays or potlucks.
Despite the somber name (they’re traditionally served at after-funeral luncheons), these potatoes are pure celebration on a plate. The buttery cornflake crust adds the perfect crunch to balance the creamy interior.
2. Cheesy Potatoes
This crowd-pleasing casserole is loaded with cheese and has that perfect golden-brown top everyone fights over. It’s simpler than funeral potatoes but just as delicious, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need something comforting without too much fuss.
The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms basic ingredients into something special that even picky eaters love. I make this at least twice a month because my family can’t get enough.
3. Twice Baked Potatoes
Twice baked potatoes are like regular baked potatoes, but better in every way. You scoop out the fluffy insides, whip them with butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon, then pile everything back into the potato skins and bake until golden.
These work beautifully as a side dish for steak or grilled chicken, but they’re hearty enough to serve as a light main course with a salad. The crispy skin paired with the creamy, loaded filling is absolutely irresistible.
4. Roasted Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, perfectly seasoned roasted potatoes are a staple in my kitchen. There’s something magical about how simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and herbs transform humble potatoes into something everyone devours.
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and works with whatever potatoes you have on hand. I love serving these alongside grilled lemon herb chicken for an easy weeknight dinner.
5. Smashed Potatoes
Smashed potatoes are my secret weapon when I want maximum crispy edges with minimal effort. You boil baby potatoes until tender, smash them flat, then roast them with olive oil and seasonings until they’re gorgeously golden and crunchy.
The crispy exterior and creamy center create the perfect textural contrast that makes these potatoes dangerously addictive. Kids and adults alike can’t stop eating them.
6. Au Gratin Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and baked until bubbly and golden is the definition of decadence. Au gratin potatoes are fancier than scalloped potatoes thanks to the cheese, making them perfect for special occasions.
This is the potato dish I make when I really want to impress dinner guests. The layers of tender potatoes swimming in that velvety cheese sauce never fail to earn compliments.
7. Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are the lighter, more elegant cousin of au gratin. Instead of cheese, they’re baked in a creamy sauce that lets the natural potato flavor shine through.
These are perfect when you want something rich but not quite as heavy as au gratin potatoes. I often serve them at holiday dinners alongside ham or turkey, and they disappear fast.
8. Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy, buttery, classic mashed potatoes are a non-negotiable at any holiday table in my house. This recipe delivers perfectly smooth, creamy potatoes every single time without being gluey or lumpy.
The secret is in the technique (and using plenty of butter and cream, let’s be honest). These pair beautifully with everything from chicken gravy to pot roast.
9. Potato Salad
No summer BBQ or picnic is complete without a big bowl of potato salad. This classic version has tender potato chunks, crunchy celery, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing that brings everything together.
It’s one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. I always make extra because it never lasts long.
10. Breakfast Potatoes
Crispy, golden breakfast potatoes are the perfect way to start your day. These diced potatoes are seasoned with paprika, garlic, and onion powder, then pan-fried until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside.
They’re the ideal accompaniment to eggs, bacon, and toast for a complete breakfast spread. Once you master this simple technique, you’ll never want restaurant breakfast potatoes again.
11. Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Mississippi mud potatoes are diced potatoes baked with mayo, cheese, bacon, and onions until they’re creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. The name comes from the rich, “muddy” appearance of the finished dish, but don’t let that fool you.
Every bite is loaded with flavor from the crispy bacon and sharp cheddar. This is Southern comfort food at its finest and perfect for feeding a crowd.
12. Swamp Potatoes
Swamp potatoes are the viral TikTok sensation that lives up to the hype. Baby potatoes, smoked sausage, and green beans slow-cooked with Cajun seasoning and butter create a hearty, flavorful dish that’s become a weekly staple in my home.
The name comes from the “swampy” appearance of everything swimming in that buttery, seasoned sauce. Don’t skip the butter or ranch seasoning because that’s where the magic happens.
13. Crockpot Swamp Potatoes
The slow cooker version of swamp potatoes is even easier than the original. Just dump everything in your crockpot, set it, and forget it until dinnertime when your house smells amazing.
This version is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a complete meal without the fuss. The slow cooking makes the potatoes incredibly tender while the flavors meld together beautifully.
14. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole with a crunchy pecan topping (or marshmallows, if that’s your thing) is a Thanksgiving classic for good reason. The sweet, creamy base made from mashed sweet potatoes gets an amazing textural contrast from the nutty, caramelized topping.
This dish walks the line between side dish and dessert, making it beloved by kids and adults alike. It’s one of those recipes that doesn’t feel like the holidays without it.
15. Potato Leek Soup
Creamy potato leek soup is elegant, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make. The mild sweetness of leeks pairs perfectly with the earthy potatoes, creating a velvety soup that feels fancy without requiring fancy techniques.
I love serving this on chilly evenings with crusty bread for dipping. You might also enjoy my asparagus soup if you’re a fan of creamy vegetable soups.
16. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowls
These colorful, nutritious bowls are loaded with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, avocado, and a tangy lime dressing. They’re healthy, filling, and packed with flavor from the spices and fresh toppings.
This is my go-to recipe when I want something wholesome that doesn’t feel like diet food. The combination of textures and flavors keeps every bite interesting.
17. Kale and Sweet Potato Soup
This hearty soup combines sweet potatoes, kale, and warming spices into a bowl of pure comfort. The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances perfectly with the slightly bitter kale, while the broth brings everything together.
It’s surprisingly filling for a vegetable soup and makes excellent meal prep for the week. I always have a batch in my fridge during the colder months.
18. Air Fryer Simple Baked Potatoes
Air fryer baked potatoes come out with perfectly crispy skin and fluffy interiors in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in the oven. The circulating hot air creates that ideal texture without heating up your whole kitchen.
Load them up with all your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, and chives for an easy weeknight dinner. The air fryer has completely changed how I make baked potatoes.
19. Healthy Mashed Potatoes
These lightened-up mashed potatoes prove you don’t need tons of butter and cream to make delicious mashed potatoes. Using Greek yogurt and chicken broth keeps them creamy while cutting the calories significantly.
You honestly can’t tell these are the healthier version because they’re still incredibly flavorful and satisfying. They’re perfect when you want comfort food without the guilt.
20. Sweet Potato Bread
Sweet potato bread is moist, lightly spiced, and makes your kitchen smell like fall. It’s similar to banana bread but with a unique flavor from the sweet potatoes and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
This bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. It stays moist for days and freezes beautifully, making it great for gift-giving or meal prep.
For more cozy comfort food ideas, check out my collection of best chicken soup recipes.
FAQs About Potato Recipes
1. What type of potatoes are best for mashing?
Russet potatoes are the gold standard for mashed potatoes because they have a high starch content that creates a fluffy, light texture. Yukon Golds are my second choice because they’re naturally buttery and creamy.
Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes for mashing, as they tend to become gluey. Save those for roasting or potato salad where you want the potatoes to hold their shape.
2. Can I make potato casseroles ahead of time?
Absolutely! Most potato casseroles like funeral potatoes, au gratin, and cheesy potatoes can be assembled up to 24 hours before baking.
Just cover them tightly with foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if putting them in the oven straight from the fridge.
3. How do I get crispy roasted potatoes every time?
The secret to crispy roasted potatoes is drying them thoroughly after cutting and not overcrowding the pan. Give each potato piece enough space so the hot air can circulate around them.
I also recommend roasting at a high temperature (425-450°F) and flipping them halfway through. A little cornstarch tossed with the potatoes before roasting also helps create extra crispiness.
4. What’s the difference between au gratin and scalloped potatoes?
The main difference is cheese. Au gratin potatoes are layered with a cheese sauce and often topped with breadcrumbs or more cheese.
Scalloped potatoes are made with just cream or milk sauce without cheese. Both are delicious, but au gratin is richer and more indulgent.
5. How long do leftover potato dishes last in the fridge?
Most cooked potato dishes will last 3-5 days when stored properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Potato salad and dishes with mayo should be eaten within 3 days for food safety.
Soups and casseroles tend to keep a bit longer, up to 5 days. Many potato dishes also freeze well for up to 3 months, though the texture of dairy-heavy dishes may change slightly when thawed.
Final Thoughts
Potatoes are truly one of the most versatile and comforting ingredients you can cook with. From crispy roasted sides to creamy casseroles and hearty soups, these 20 best potato recipes offer something for every occasion and craving.
I hope you find some new favorites to add to your regular rotation. Try a few of these recipes and let me know which ones become staples in your kitchen.
Drop a comment below with your favorite potato recipe or any questions you have. Happy cooking!
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