Unique Potato Side Dishes to Go With Your Delicious Mains

1. Smashed Potatoes

As a hearty and comforting side, smashed potatoes have recently found a new place in or household thanks to their popularity on social media. Their crunchy outsides give way to a creamy and fluffy texture inside. 

The ease of preparation is also one of the factors in their popularity. Smashed potatoes are made by boiling smaller russet or Yukon gold potatoes until tender, then “smashing” them lightly to kind of break up them. Some versions include some Parmesan on top of the potatoes for that extra crisp. You can also serve them with some chili oil if you prefer the kick.

2. French Fries

Beloved by kids and adults alike, French fries are the quintessential fast food companion. They also pair well with classic American meals like burgers, hot dogs and fried chicken.

Even though we all know how to make French fried, there are some ways to elevate the dish with extra crispiness. Consider double frying - par-cook at a lower temperature then fry again at higher heat. For more flavor, use chicken or duck fat instead of vegetable oil. Dip in ketchup, ranch dressing or cheese sauce and enjoy!

3. Classic Potato Salad

The classic potato salad is a reliable addition to any summer barbecue or picnic spread. It typically includes boiled potatoes, mayo or a creamy dressing, onion, celery, pickle relish, hard-boiled eggs and seasonings. Mustard, vinegar and lemon juice are added for a tanginess to complement the creaminess.

There are heated debates over crunchy versus creamy potato salads - both have their merits. Pick your preferred potato - russets, red, or Yukon gold all work. Allow time for the flavors to meld by making this salad the day before serving. This is great with grilled meats and fried chicken.

4. Homemade Hash Browns

Nothing beats homemade hash browns on a hearty breakfast plate or alongside eggs Benedict. Grate potatoes ahead of time, then squeeze out all moisture for perfectly crispy pan-fried hash browns. Most recipes call for russet potatoes, but Yukon gold or sweet potatoes also work well.

Add in your spices and cook in a combination of butter and oil until golden brown. Top with cheese, salsa, sour cream or avocado and you have an exceptional breakfast side for your eggs and sausages.

5. Oven-Roasted Potatoes

Simple yet delicious, oven-roasted potatoes deliver crispy, caramelized flavor. These potatoes go great with steak, pork, and chicken straight from the oven or grill. During the cooking process, the edges of the potatoes become crispy while the inside remains fluffy. It's better to choose smaller potatoes or cut them into cubes before placing them in the oven.

6. Potato Rolls

A soft, pillowy potato roll can elevate any sandwich or burger to the next level. The tender texture and subtle sweetness pair perfectly with deli meats, burgers, and sausages. Potato rolls have gained popularity at restaurants and delis looking to offer a premium bread option.

The addition of cooked mashed potatoes to the dough results in a moist, rich roll that still holds its shape during baking. For the best flavor, use Yukon gold potatoes.

Serve potato rolls alongside simple meals like soups and salads or for special occasion meals with prime rib.

7. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes have graced holiday tables and Sunday dinners for generations. Their versatility makes them suitable for pairing with almost any meat or poultry entree. There are so many ways to prepare mashed potatoes. You can either keep them light and fluffy or rich and creamy, based on your preferences.

Mix in cheeses like cheddar or parmesan or stir in garlic, bacon, chives or scallions along with sour cream or cream cheese for the ultimate mashed potatoes. For more options, check out our list of some of the best garlic mashed potatoes recipes.

8. Air Fryer Potatoes

Air fryers have revolutionized cooking and potato lovers are rejoicing. Achieving crispy baked potatoes without having to turn on the oven? Sign me up. Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to produce deliciously crispy potatoes in a fraction of the time. Parcooking potatoes before air frying further reduces cook time.

Once they are done, season them with some salt, pepper, paprika and Parmesan cheese and enjoy your potatoes crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside thanks to air fryer magic.

9. Herb Roasted Potatoes

Nothing complements a roast chicken or prime rib quite like herb-roasted potatoes. The potatoes shine when simply seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. One thing to consider is cutting uniform-sized pieces of the potatoes to ensure even cooking. Tossing the potatoes in the pan halfway through roasting also prevents sticking.

For a delicious variation, use duck fat for richness or add garlic, onion or lemon. Roast sprigs of herbs right in the pan for full-flavored potatoes perfect alongside hearty meat entrees.

10. Perfect Baked Potato

When you're craving a simple, hearty side, look no further than the classic baked potato. Russet potatoes are ideal, with their thick skin and starchy flesh. Rub with oil and salt before baking for a crispy skin. If you prefer a fluffy interior, go with the low and slow baking as higher heat above 400F gives a drier, crumbly inside.

You can top your baked potatoes with toppings like butter, cheese, bacon, chili, broccoli - anything goes! Vegetarian, gluten-free and endlessly customizable, baked potatoes make the ultimate hearty comfort food.

11. Latkes

A staple of Hanukkah meals, latkes are potato pancakes fried until golden. Grating potatoes and onions, then squeezing out excess moisture, is the key to crispy latkes. Shallow fry them in oil until browned and drain on paper towels.

Feel free to experiment with additions like zucchini, carrots or cheese. Sour cream and applesauce are classic latke accompaniments so choose whichever fits your meal. These potato pancakes are usually served as a side to brisket, roast chicken or pork.

12. Air Fryer Tater Tots

Rejoice, tater tot lovers - air fryers have made enjoying these potato gems easier than ever. Air fryers gives your crispy, golden tater tots without all the oil of traditional deep frying. They come out perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Air fryer tater tots are great as snacks, appetizers or sides to burgers, hot dogs or fried chicken. Mix flavors by adding seasonings like cajun, ranch or chili powder.

13. Potato Casserole

Potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending potatoes, cheese and creamy sauce into one baked dish. Colby, cheddar and Monterey Jack are the usual pick for the cheese. To this, you can add sour cream, cream cheese, bacon, scallions, garlic and seasonings.

Grated potatoes result in a tender texture, while cubed or sliced potatoes hold their shape better during the cooking process. Finish it off with crispy fried onions or crushed chips for fun flavors and crunch.

They pair well with roasted meats and make fantastic leftovers. Adjust ingredients to your preference and enjoy this nourishing potato dish.

14. Hasselback Potatoes

Slicing potatoes into thin, close-together cuts gives you both crispy edges and tender interior flesh with Hasselback potatoes. Choose evenly sized potatoes and make slices two-thirds deep, without fully cutting through. Drizzle with oil and seasonings. As they bake, the slices fan out into a beautiful presentation.

If you like, you can also stuff these with herbs, cheese or bacon for flavor in every bite. Hasselback potatoes pair well with any roasted or grilled entree from steak to salmon. Their pretty accordion-like shape makes them an elegant addition to holiday meals as well.

15. Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes are yet another classic comforting side dish. The dish features thinly sliced which helps them cook evenly and become meltingly tender. To make the sauce, combine heavy cream or milk with cheese and seasonings. Some recipes aksi incorporate a roux for thickness.

We all love the crispy top on the potatoes so cover the dish during baking to prevent the top from browning too quickly. These potatoes pair well with baked ham, meatloaf and sausages. Creamy scalloped potatoes is the prefect dish to round out any homestyle meal.

16. Potatoes Au Gratin

Traditionally made with Gruyère cheese, cheddar, Swiss or Parmesan, potatoes au gratin are also a popular side to serve with lighter mains like grilled chicken. Even though it is a potato dish, the creamy sauce is the star of the dish. The sauce features butter, cream or milk, garlic and onion which provide flavor as well as texture to the dish.

To achieve the brown top, you can add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. For more options, try our favorite au gratin potatoes recipes you can make quite easily.

17. Instant Pot Potato Soup

Using an Instant Pot to make potato soup shortens cooking time while still yielding a rich, creamy soup. The high-pressure cooking in the device helps cook the potatoes while also adding flavor from the seasoning.  

After pressure cooking, blend the soup with milk or cream until silky smooth, and add cheese, sour cream, or yogurt for tang and extra creaminess. Top this with bacon bits, scallions, or shaved cheese and you have a side dish ready to impress your guests on the dinner table.

18. Grilled Potatoes

Skip the oven and take potato wedges or packets outside for fun flavor. Toss thick potato wedges or halved small potatoes in oil and seasoning and grill them over direct heat, flipping occasionally.

Wrapping potatoes in foil packets with butter, cheese and herbs helps seal in moisture if you prefer fluffy potatoes. The smoky flavor from grilling potatoes is a tasty change of pace for potato wedges which helps them complement main like steak, grilled vegetables as well as chicken.

19. Melting Potatoes

Also known as pommes fondantes, these melting potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft as butter inside. The cut of the potatoes is the main reason behind the soft inside of the potatoes complemented by the crispy outside. These usually feel soft and creamy when pierced with a fork even though the top of it remain golden and delicious. Melting potatoes are usually served with roasted meats.

20. Oven Baked Fries

Last but definitely not the least are the oven-baked fried. As compared to the deep-fried version, these potatoes are healthier because they are cooked with less oil. You can also add in the seasoning to the potatoes before baking as the high heat in the oven helps accentuate their flavors further. Baking in two batches and flipping halfway are some tricks you can employ for even cooking.

Baked fries satisfy cravings with less fat and calories than their deep-fried counterparts so you can serve the, as a side to burgers, chicken tenders or fish without making the dish monotonous.