Potatoes are a great side dish for basically every meal, but it’s so easy to get stuck in a rut making the same old thing, right? If you’re feeling like your potato game needs a little refresh, I’ve got you covered with this collection of 35 potato side dishes. Seriously, I’ve got crispy, creamy, or even a little healthy, in short, all types of potato recipes that are great for sides! Next time you’re wondering what to serve alongside your main dish, skip the plain potatoes and try one of these instead – you’re going to love them!
Why You Should Cook More Potato Side Dishes
Potatoes are a delicious comfort food. It’s no secret that what makes potatoes a go-to side is the sheer deliciousness they add. The familiar, comforting taste appeals to both kids and adults, and they are just so good. Incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for potato side dishes for cast iron skillet steak or grilled chicken tenders or going meatless with some air fryer tofu, potatoes will save the day. Budget-friendly. Potatoes are inexpensive and widely available for most people, making them an affordable option for feeding a crowd. Thanks to the many different varieties at multiple price points, anyone can find a type of potato that fits their budget. Healthy source of carbs. Potatoes are naturally low in calories and contain vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. Plus, cooked and cooled potatoes release resistant starch (a prebiotic for your probiotics), so they help support overall gut health.
Tips for Making Potato Side Dishes
Different Potato Varieties
Yukon Gold Potatoes—Think of this variety as “all-purpose” potatoes (and my favorite!). They have a medium starch content and a rich buttery flavor. You really can’t go wrong with Yukon Gold potatoes because they fall somewhere between the starchy russet and the waxy red potato. They are great for mashed potatoes, roasting, gratins, or any other potato side dishes for chicken, steak, or seafood. Red Potatoes—I love roasting, in soups, or boiling for potato salads. Their waxy flesh and low starch content help them maintain their texture, but that also means they’ll get gummy if overworked, so use other varieties for mashed potatoes. The thin and smooth skin on these potatoes makes it convenient to skip the peeling and add color and texture to your healthy potato side dishes. Baby Potatoes—Sometimes also called new potatoes, these are small, tender, and typically waxy potatoes with a firmer texture when cooked. They were harvested before they reached maturity, and their petite size makes them a great go-to choice for roasting, pan frying, grilling, or adding to salads like Nicoise salad. Russet Potatoes—High in starch with a fluffy, dry interior, russet potatoes are great for baking whole, mashing, or turning into crispy and irresistible fries. They crisp up incredibly well when fried or roasted, but they can fall apart when boiled (which is great for mashed potato side dish recipes). Sweet Potatoes—As the name suggests, sweet potatoes have a subtly sweet taste. They work well in sweet or savory dishes and can be roasted, mashed, or baked. Their dense, creamy texture also works well in casseroles and fries, and they hold their shape surprisingly well.
Best Potato Side Dish Recipes
I’ll never turn down a good potato dish, whether roasted or grilled—I’m here for it all. I’ll start with simple and quick potato side dishes (that are ready in under 30 minutes!) and move on to healthier options. For the ultimate comfort food, my mashed potato side dish recipes showcase the creaminess that makes a perfect pairing for any meal. And don’t forget to check out the red, sweet, and russet potato side dishes. If you are slightly obsessed with potatoes like I am, then I trust this collection of my favorite potato side dishes will serve you well. Whether you have only 30 minutes to whip up one of my quick potato side dishes or are looking for that perfect dish to grace your holiday table, I promise there’s a recipe to suit every occasion and satisfy every craving.
Russet Potato Side Dishes
Russet potatoes are the king of potatoes. They are large, with thick, dark brown skin and very starchy flesh. They’re also commonly referred to as baking potatoes, and I have a few of my favorites below! Russets hold up beautifully and absorb flavors well, so there’s no shame in piling that baked potato high with sour cream, cheese, and chopped green onions.
Small Potato Side Dishes
If russet potato side dishes aren’t your thing, consider these options. Small potatoes are anything other than russets. Think red potatoes, baby potatoes, or Yukon gold potatoes. All are delicious in their own way, each offering unique textures and flavors to complement the rest of your meal. For an extra pop of color, I particularly enjoy serving red potato side dishes that showcase their vibrant color. For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Apple Recipes to Make, Nourishing Soup Recipes, Everyday Breakfast Ideas, and Best Chicken Recipes. If you found this recipe roundup for Potato Side Dishes helpful or if you try any recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipes! It helps others who are thinking of trying out this tutorial and we would love to hear about your experience. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
