potato side dishes

23 Delicious Potato Side Dishes You Must Try This Week

Let’s get real for a second potatoes are basically the unsung heroes of any meal. You can mash them, roast them, fry them, or even spiralize them if you’re feeling fancy. I’ve been obsessed with potatoes for as long as I can remember, and honestly? They make everything better. Seriously, ever seen someone frown at a perfectly golden potato wedge? Didn’t think so. 😏

If you’re tired of boring sides or just love the humble spud as much as I do, buckle up. I’m about to walk you through 23 potato side dishes that are tasty, easy, and guaranteed to make your taste buds do a happy dance.

1. Classic Mashed Potatoes

Classic Mashed Potatoes

You can’t have a potato list without the OG mashed potatoes. Creamy, buttery, and ridiculously comforting.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold are my fave)
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup milk (or cream for extra decadence)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Peel and chop potatoes into chunks.
  2. Boil until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Drain, then mash with butter and milk.
  4. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Pro tip: don’t skimp on butter mashed potatoes without butter are basically sad lumps.

2. Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Crunchy outside, soft inside, with garlic that smells like heaven.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

FYI: These pair insanely well with steak or chicken.

3. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Layers of cheesy goodness that make you question why anyone eats plain potatoes.

Ingredients:

  • 3 large potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Butter a baking dish, layer potatoes, sprinkle cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Repeat until all potatoes are used.
  4. Pour milk over the top and bake for 45 minutes.

Honestly, I sometimes make this just for lunch… don’t judge.

4. Crispy Oven Fries

Crispy Oven Fries

Forget greasy takeout fries. These are crunchy, golden, and guilt-free (well, kinda).

Ingredients:

  • 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Toss fries with oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Pro tip: Soak your cut potatoes in water for 30 mins before baking to get them extra crisp. Trust me on this one.

5. Potato Wedges with Herb Dip

Potato Wedges with Herb Dip

Big, chunky, and perfect for dunking in something creamy.

Ingredients:

  • 3 large potatoes, cut into wedges
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Dip Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Toss wedges in olive oil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
  3. Mix dip ingredients and serve.

I mean, who doesn’t love a good dip situation?

6. Potato Gratin

Potato Gratin

If you want to impress without trying too hard, gratin is your move.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Salt, pepper, nutmeg

Instructions:

  1. Rub baking dish with garlic.
  2. Layer potatoes, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, sprinkle cheese.
  3. Pour cream over the top, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50 minutes.

Warning: May cause serious drooling.

7. Loaded Potato Skins

Loaded Potato Skins

Crispy, cheesy, and bacon-y. Basically a party in your mouth.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large baking potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Chives, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Bake potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes.
  2. Scoop out insides, leaving a thin layer.
  3. Fill with cheese and bacon, bake 10 more minutes.
  4. Top with sour cream and chives.

Perfect for Netflix nights. Or any night, honestly.

8. Herb-Infused Potato Salad

Herb-Infused Potato Salad

Potato salad doesn’t have to be boring mayo mush.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs potatoes, cubed
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp chopped dill
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Boil potatoes until tender.
  2. Toss with olive oil, vinegar, dill, onions, salt, and pepper.
  3. Chill for at least 30 minutes.

I swear, this one disappears at BBQs faster than anything else.

9. Sweet Potato Mash

Sweet Potato Mash

Sweet, buttery, and perfect for Thanksgiving… or Tuesday.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • Salt

Instructions:

  1. Boil sweet potatoes until soft.
  2. Mash with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Side note: If you’re not a fan of overly sweet, just skip the sugar. IMO, butter does most of the work anyway.

10. Parmesan Potato Fries

Parmesan Potato Fries

Because sometimes fries need a little extra oomph.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Toss fries with oil, Parmesan, and spices.
  2. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes.

FYI: Sprinkle more Parmesan after baking for ultimate cheese pull.

11. Smashed Potatoes

Smashed Potatoes

Tiny potatoes, big flavor. Crunchy edges, soft centers my favorite combo.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs baby potatoes
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Boil potatoes until tender.
  2. Place on a baking sheet, gently smash with a fork.
  3. Drizzle oil, sprinkle rosemary, salt, pepper.
  4. Bake 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C).

They look fancy, but honestly, zero effort.

12. Lyonnaise Potatoes

Lyonnaise Potatoes

A French classic. Slightly caramelized onions take it next level.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Fry onions in butter until golden.
  2. Add potatoes, cook until tender and slightly crisp.

I love how fancy this sounds “Lyonnaise” but really it’s just buttery heaven.

13. Hasselback Potatoes

Hasselback Potatoes

These are the “Instagram-worthy” potatoes that taste even better than they look.

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium potatoes
  • 3 tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, pepper

Instructions:

  1. Slice potatoes thinly without cutting all the way through.
  2. Brush with butter, sprinkle garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 40 minutes.

Seriously, your friends will think you’re a culinary genius.

14. Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

Potato Pancakes

Crispy, golden, and perfect with applesauce.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs potatoes, grated
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • Salt and pepper
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Mix potatoes, onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper.
  2. Fry spoonfuls in hot oil until golden.

If you’ve never had a latke fresh out of the pan, you haven’t truly lived.

15. Roasted Garlic Baby Potatoes

Roasted Garlic Baby Potatoes

Tiny potatoes, major flavor. Garlic makes everything better.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs baby potatoes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, pepper

Instructions:

  1. Toss potatoes and garlic with oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.

Simple, but these disappear in seconds.

16. Potato Croquettes

Potato Croquettes

Golden outside, creamy inside. Perfect party finger food.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1/2 cup grated cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Mix mashed potatoes, cheese, and egg.
  2. Shape into small cylinders, coat in breadcrumbs.
  3. Fry until golden.

Warning: These are addictive. Serve at your own risk.

17. Potato and Leek Soup

Potato and Leek Soup

Creamy, comforting, and perfect with crusty bread.

Ingredients:

  • 3 large potatoes, diced
  • 2 leeks, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken or veggie broth
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt, pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté leeks in butter until soft.
  2. Add potatoes and broth, simmer 20 minutes.
  3. Blend until smooth, season, serve.

Yes, it’s as cozy as it sounds.

18. Twice-Baked Potatoes

Twice-Baked Potatoes

Bigger, better, and yes, twice the fun.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large baking potatoes
  • 1 cup cheddar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 4 slices bacon, crumbled
  • Salt, pepper

Instructions:

  1. Bake potatoes 45 minutes.
  2. Scoop out insides, mix with cheese, sour cream, bacon.
  3. Refill skins, bake 15 minutes.

They look fancy but are shockingly easy.

19. Potato Frittata

Potato Frittata

Eggs + potatoes = breakfast magic.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups diced potatoes
  • 6 eggs
  • 1/2 cup cheese
  • Salt, pepper, herbs

Instructions:

  1. Sauté potatoes until tender.
  2. Mix eggs with cheese and herbs, pour over potatoes.
  3. Cook on stovetop 5 min, finish under broiler 5 min.

Great for breakfast, brunch, or just because.

20. Spanish Patatas Bravas

Spanish Patatas Bravas

Spicy, saucy, and irresistibly good.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs potatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Olive oil, salt, pepper

Instructions:

  1. Fry or roast potatoes until crisp.
  2. Heat tomato sauce with paprika, salt, pepper.
  3. Toss potatoes in sauce.

Warning: This might start a sauce fight at the table.

21. Potato Gnocchi

Potato Gnocchi

Soft pillows of potato perfection.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs potatoes
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 egg
  • Salt

Instructions:

  1. Boil potatoes until tender, mash.
  2. Mix with flour, egg, salt to form dough.
  3. Roll, cut, boil until they float.

Serve with pesto or butter either way, chef-level vibes.

22. Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

Simple, fragrant, and perfectly golden.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs potatoes, cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • Salt, pepper

Instructions:

  1. Toss potatoes with oil, rosemary, salt, pepper.
  2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.

Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the best.

23. Potato Hash

Potato Hash

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner it doesn’t judge.

Ingredients:

  • 3 large potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté potatoes in oil until golden.
  2. Add onion and pepper, cook until tender.
  3. Season to taste.

Add a fried egg on top for ultimate happiness. Trust me.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it 23 ways to turn humble potatoes into superstar sides. From creamy mashed potatoes to spicy Patatas Bravas, these recipes cover every mood, meal, and occasion.

Next time you’re staring at a boring plate, remember: potatoes have your back. They’re versatile, comforting, and always delicious. My advice? Try a few new recipes this week and watch your family or friends fight over who gets the last bite.

Potatoes may be simple, but when done right they’re nothing short of magical.

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