Potatoes don’t play second fiddle, they steal the show when done right. These potato side dishes are the kind you end up hovering over with a fork before dinner even starts. They go with almost anything, but honestly, they’re strong enough to stand alone. People tend to ask for seconds, which is why doubling the batch is just smart planning. If your go-to sides feel tired, this list fixes that fast.
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy and simple, these mashed potatoes are always a crowd favorite. They’re easy to whip up and go well with anything from roasted meats to holiday meals. You can adjust the texture to your liking, whether you prefer smooth or a bit chunky. They also reheat well for leftovers.
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Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
These twice baked sweet potatoes feature a creamy filling with Greek yogurt and smoky turkey ham. The pecan topping adds crunch, while the flavors stay balanced and rich. They’re a great way to serve sweet potatoes for something a little different. This one definitely belongs on your list of go-to potato side dishes.
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Hasselbeck Sweet Potatoes
Thinly sliced before baking, these sweet potatoes get crispy edges with a soft center. Each serving looks impressive but takes minimal effort to prep. They’re great for holidays or weeknight dinners. Among potato side dishes, this one stands out for its texture.
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Spinach Artichoke Baked Potatoes
This recipe combines baked potatoes with the comfort of spinach artichoke dip. Creamy and flavorful, it’s an easy way to add more greens without feeling like you’re eating vegetables. The filling is warm and rich, which makes it great during colder months. Serve it as a full meal or alongside lighter proteins.
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Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
These baby potatoes are coated with herbs and parmesan, then roasted until golden. They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside, creating a nice contrast. You can serve them with everything from grilled meats to vegetarian mains. They’re one of the best potato side dishes for simple weeknight meals.
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Sweet Potatoes and Carrots
Roasted together, these sweet potatoes and carrots are both flavorful and easy to prep. This recipe uses just a few ingredients, and the result is a warm, hearty side. It’s also a good way to work in more vegetables with your meal. You can serve it with roasted chicken or sausage.
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Air Fryer Frozen Potato
These frozen potato wedges crisp up fast in the air fryer without much oil. You get a crunchy exterior with a soft center, all in under 15 minutes. They’re an easy option when you need a side dish that requires almost no prep. Keep this one in mind for quick dinners or game day snacks.
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Bavarian Potato Salad
Made with cucumbers and a light vinegar dressing, this German-style potato salad is great for warm or cold meals. It doesn’t use mayonnaise, so it keeps well outdoors too. The fresh flavors pair nicely with grilled meats. Among classic potato side dishes, this one brings a refreshing change.
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Sweetgreen Sweet Potatoes
These roasted sweet potatoes are seasoned with umami-rich spices and cook quickly on a sheet pan. You can toss them in grain bowls, salads, or serve them solo. They’re inspired by the popular Sweetgreen chain but easy to recreate at home. This recipe keeps the seasoning simple but bold.
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Sour Cream Potatoes
These potatoes come together fast with sour cream, herbs, and simple seasonings. They’re creamy without being too heavy and work with nearly any main dish. You can bake or reheat them easily for leftovers. Add them to your rotation of easy potato side dishes.
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Mashed Potato Cakes
These potato cakes come out golden and crispy on the edges with a gooey, cheesy center that stays soft and fluffy. I threw mine together using leftovers and didn’t even need a side dish, they held their own. You can pair them with eggs, salad, or just snack on them straight out of the pan. They’re hard to stop eating once you start.
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Green Beans and Potatoes
I tossed fresh green beans and potatoes with herby olive oil and baked them until everything turned lightly crisp and golden. It smells amazing while it cooks and tastes even better. This one’s great when you want something simple but not plain. You won’t need to babysit it, just let the oven handle things.
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Kimchi Potato Salad
This salad is creamy with just the right kick of heat from the kimchi. It’s a fun mashup that works really well, especially if you like bold flavors. I served it chilled, and it totally held up at a picnic. You’ll probably want to make extra because it disappears fast.
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Garlic Roasted Potatoes
I chopped up some baby potatoes, tossed them with lemon, garlic, and oil, then roasted everything until the edges crisped up. The lemon adds a sharp bite that works well with the garlicky flavor. I love how hands-off it is once it hits the oven. You can throw this in with pretty much anything.
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Buttered New Potatoes
These potatoes are super tender and coated in a buttery, lemony mix that’s bright without going overboard. I added a bunch of chopped dill for freshness, and it turned out way better than I expected. You only need one pan and about 20 minutes. I’d eat this with grilled chicken or just on its own.
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Roasted Za’atar Potatoes
I used Yukon golds here, coated them in olive oil, and added a sprinkle of za’atar before roasting. They came out crispy outside and soft inside, with a ton of flavor in every bite. I had them with scrambled eggs the next morning, and they still held up. Breakfast or dinner, this one works either way.
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Fried Potatoes and Onions
These pan-fried potatoes hit the right spot when you want something hearty and easy. I tossed them in with onions and let everything cook low and slow so the flavors really built up. I love serving this with eggs, but it also fits into dinner with barely any extra work. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and totally fuss-free.
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Cabbage and Potatoes
I threw everything in one pot, potatoes, cabbage, onion, lemon, and let it simmer until it all softened up. It’s light but still filling, and cleanup couldn’t be easier. This is one of those dishes you can stretch with a little protein or eat as is. Either way, it works when you’re short on time.
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Gunpowder Potatoes
These little potatoes are bold and crisp thanks to the spicy mix I tossed on before air frying. They’re inspired by the Dishoom version, but I went for a quicker, low-oil take that still brings the heat. They pair well with anything, but I especially love them with soft eggs. Warning: they go fast.
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Aloo Gobi
This veggie-packed dish uses just one pan and basic ingredients, but the flavor is anything but boring. I cooked the cauliflower and potatoes until just tender, then added a bunch of spices to bring it all together. It’s easy to batch for meal prep or whip up for a quick dinner. Goes great with rice or flatbread.
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