18 Potato Sides That Steal the Spotlight

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Mashed Potato Cakes

These are the ultimate crowd-pleasers—crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, with every bite bursting with flavor. They’re the perfect side for just about any meal, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. Once you start eating them, it’s hard to stop—they’re seriously addictive. Simple to make but impossible not to love, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether served as a snack or a side, they’re always a hit!
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Cakes

Potato Casserole With Bacon

These creamy mashed potatoes are pure comfort in a bowl, perfectly smooth and buttery. Topped with smoky, crispy bacon and crunchy golden breadcrumbs, every bite has amazing texture and flavor. They’re not only delicious but also super convenient, making them the ultimate make-ahead side for holiday meals. You can prepare them ahead of time and simply reheat before serving, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities. Trust us, this dish will quickly become a favorite at any holiday table!
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole With Bacon

Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

These Hasselback potatoes are golden brown with perfectly crispy, buttery edges, making them an irresistible side dish for any meal. Cooking them in the air fryer gives them that amazing crunch on the outside while keeping the inside soft and tender. They’re simply seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh chives, letting the natural potato flavor shine through. The best part is how easy they are to make, yet they look so impressive on the plate. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these potatoes are sure to steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Miso Mashed Potatoes

Miso Mashed Potatoes take the classic comfort food to the next level with a rich, velvety texture and a deep, savory flavor. The miso butter adds an umami punch, while garlic and sage bring warmth and aromatic depth to every bite. They’re perfect on their own or paired with gravy or au jus for an extra layer of indulgence. Creamy, flavorful, and satisfying, these mashed potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast, they’re sure to become a new favorite!
Get the Recipe: Miso Mashed Potatoes

Curried Mashed Potatoes

Take your mashed potatoes to the next level with this Curried Mashed Potatoes recipe, all made conveniently in a single pot. They turn out light, buttery, and incredibly creamy, with just the right hint of warming curry spices to make each bite exciting. Even better, this recipe is vegan and dairy-free, so it works beautifully for a variety of diets without compromising on flavor. It’s simple enough for a weeknight side but special enough to impress at holiday dinners. This twist on a classic side will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Curried Mashed Potatoes

Airfryer Ham & Three Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes

This dish is the ultimate comfort food with a fun twist. Twice-baked potatoes are loaded with savory ham and a melty blend of three cheeses, making every bite rich and satisfying. Cooking them in the air fryer gives them a perfectly crispy outside while keeping the inside soft and creamy, all without extra oil. It works beautifully as a hearty side dish or even a filling main meal. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and a little healthier than the traditional version, so you can enjoy every bite guilt-free.
Get the Recipe: Airfryer Ham & Three Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes

Rosemary Mashed Potatoes

This Rosemary Mashed Potatoes recipe takes a classic side dish to the next level with a rich, flavorful twist. Browned butter infused with garlic and herbs adds a deep, savory flavor that makes each bite irresistible. The creamy, smooth texture pairs perfectly with the fragrant aroma of fresh rosemary, creating a comforting yet elegant dish. It’s simple enough to make on a weeknight, yet impressive enough for holiday dinners or special occasions. Every spoonful feels indulgent, making it a side you’ll want to serve again and again.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Mashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Air fryer red potatoes are such a game-changer for any meal. They’re surprisingly easy to make, so you can have a delicious side ready in no time without much effort. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re packed with flavor while still being healthy. These potatoes pair perfectly with just about any main dish, making them a go-to side for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Company Mashed Potatoes - Prep Ahead Recipe

This make-ahead mashed potato casserole is a total lifesaver for holiday entertaining. You can prep it all ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when it’s time to eat, which saves you so much stress and frees up space for all your other dishes. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a dish that everyone will reach for again and again. Plus, it pairs perfectly with any main course, from roasted turkey to glazed ham. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that makes hosting feel way easier and way more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Company Mashed Potatoes - Prep Ahead Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

These Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a total crowd-pleaser and come together in under an hour, making them perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The crispy, cheesy crust pairs beautifully with the tender, fluffy potatoes inside, creating a side dish that feels fancy without any fuss. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, so it’s an easy recipe to throw together at the last minute. They’re delicious alongside your favorite protein for a simple weeknight meal, or they can shine on a holiday table as a memorable and impressive side. Everyone will be asking for seconds once they try these!
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Ninja Woodfire Grill Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

These Ninja Woodfire Grill Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful sides. The combination of boiling and air frying gives them a perfect balance of a fluffy interior and a golden, crunchy exterior. Using waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes ensures they hold their shape and have a naturally buttery flavor. What I love most is the versatility—season them simply with salt and pepper, or get creative by adding fresh herbs, sour cream, BBQ sauce, or even cheese and bacon. Plus, the air fryer method cuts down on oil, making them a healthier option without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grill Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

This smashed potato salad is seriously irresistible. The roasted garlic gives it a deep, savory flavor, while the creamy lemon and herb dressing adds a bright, zesty touch that keeps every bite fresh and flavorful. The potatoes themselves are perfectly cooked — crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. It’s the kind of side dish that feels comforting but still special enough for a dinner party. I could easily see this becoming a favorite at family gatherings or weekend cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes

These cheesy Crockpot potatoes are pure comfort food and surprisingly easy to make. Imagine tender, flavorful potatoes smothered in creamy cheese and studded with crispy bacon, all cooked slowly so every bite is rich and satisfying. This cheesy ranch bacon potato recipe is perfect when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a side dish that everyone will rave about. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a weekend get-together, these potatoes are sure to disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

These Loaded Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, overflowing with crispy bacon, melty cheese, creamy sour cream, and rich butter. Every bite is indulgent and full of flavor, making them irresistibly creamy and satisfying. They’re the perfect side dish to elevate any meal, whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or a special holiday feast. The combination of textures and tastes will have everyone coming back for seconds. Honestly, they’re so good you might be tempted to eat them straight from the bowl!
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Potato Puff Recipe

These cheesy mashed potato puffs are the perfect comfort food. Crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside, each bite is full of rich, cheesy flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. They’re a clever way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into something new and exciting. Whether you serve them as a side dish at dinner or as a snack anytime, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. Simple to make and absolutely satisfying, these puffs are a little bite of happiness in every mouthful.
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Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Give your mashed potatoes a tasty twist by adding cottage cheese! They turn out extra creamy and rich, with a subtle tang that makes every bite so satisfying. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also packed with protein, making them a slightly healthier comfort food option. These mashed potatoes are perfect for festive holiday dinners, but they’re quick and easy enough to whip up on busy weeknights too. Once you try them, they might just become your new go-to side dish!
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Smoked Au Gratin Potatoes

This recipe takes the classic au gratin potatoes you know and love and adds a delicious smoky twist that really sets it apart. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and comforting, making it the perfect side dish for any meal. The subtle smokiness adds depth to the rich flavors, giving it a unique taste that will have everyone coming back for more. It’s the kind of dish that feels cozy and indulgent, yet still easy to make at home. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it’s sure to become a favorite on your table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Au Gratin Potatoes

Twice Baked Loaded Potato Casserole

The Loaded Potato Casserole from Blackberry Babe is pure comfort food at its finest. Creamy mashed potatoes are mixed with rich heavy cream, tangy sour cream, and butter, then topped with gooey cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions for a deliciously satisfying bite. What makes this recipe even better is how adaptable it is—you can easily add caramelized onions, a hint of hot sauce, or any of your favorite toppings to make it your own. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, turning them into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you’re craving something warm and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Loaded Potato Casserole