15 Potato Side Dishes That’ll Make You Forget About Plain Spuds
Potatoes might be the most versatile side dish on the planet, but let’s be honest – plain boiled potatoes are pretty boring. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your weeknight dinner or need something special for Sunday supper, these potato recipes will give you plenty of options that actually taste like something.
1. Horseradish Mashed Potatoes
This is my go-to when regular mashed potatoes feel boring – the horseradish gives them a kick without being overwhelming. They’re rich, creamy, and wake up your taste buds without clearing your sinuses. Perfect when you want mashed potatoes with some personality.
2. Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
This recipe makes enough for 6 people and keeps perfectly in the fridge for days. The sour cream adds a tangy richness that regular mashed potatoes just can’t match. They reheat beautifully too, which makes them great for meal prep.
3. Parsley Potatoes
This is a simple side that uses stuff I typically have on hand – baby potatoes, butter, garlic, and parsley. The browned butter adds a nutty depth that transforms basic boiled potatoes into something special. They’re elegant enough for company but easy enough for Tuesday night.
4. Irish Mashed Potatoes (Colcannon)
This recipe uses up leftover kale and turns regular mashed potatoes into something that feels like a complete meal. The greens add color and nutrition while the traditional Irish preparation keeps things hearty and satisfying. It’s comfort food that doesn’t make you feel guilty.
5. Southern Potato Salad
This is classic summer cookout food that works for a crowd. I always make this the night before so the flavors have time to meld together. It’s the kind of potato salad that disappears fast at family gatherings and tastes exactly like what you grew up eating.
6. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This is my go-to mashed potato recipe when I want something that actually tastes like more than just starch and butter. The roasted garlic gets sweet and mellow, spreading throughout the potatoes without any harsh bite. They’re fancy enough for holidays but not complicated to make.
7. Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
This is a solid side dish that beats plain mashed potatoes any day. The boursin and gruyere make them rich without being over the top, and the bacon gives them that loaded baked potato feel. They’re substantial enough to be almost a meal on their own.
8. Lemon Dill Potato Salad
This is my go-to potato salad when I’m sick of the same old mayo-heavy versions. The pepperoncini juice and za’atar give it a Mediterranean twist that’s bright and fresh. It’s perfect for summer when you want something lighter but still satisfying.
9. Sour Cream and Onion Mashed Potatoes
I grew up on regular mashed potatoes but these taste like your favorite potato chip in the best way possible. The dried onion infuses into the cream while it heats, giving you all that familiar flavor without any crunch. They’re nostalgic and comforting without being childish.
10. Mom’s Classic Egg Potato Salad
This is a classic southern-style potato salad that’s been in my family for decades. It’s got everything you want – creamy dressing, hard boiled eggs, and just the right amount of tang. The kind of recipe that gets passed down because it actually works every time.
11. Creamiest Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes have a buttery infusion of rosemary and thyme, enriched by garlic and Parmesan. The texture is silky smooth thanks to using a ricer, which makes all the difference if you want restaurant-quality results. They’re worth the extra step.
12. Honey Mustard Roasted Potatoes
These roasted potatoes have a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The hints of garlic and onion balance out the honey while the outside gets crispy and golden brown. They’re different enough to be interesting but familiar enough that everyone will eat them.
13. Crockpot Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
These slow cooker potatoes come out tender with savory garlic butter and aromatic herbs throughout. The Parmesan adds a nutty richness while the fresh parsley brightens everything up at the end. Perfect when you want roasted potato flavor but don’t want to babysit the oven.
14. Warm German Potato Salad
This tangy potato salad uses cider vinegar and whole-grain mustard instead of mayo, with smoky bacon for richness. The celery seeds and fresh scallions add layers of flavor that make it way more interesting than regular potato salad. Serve it warm and watch it disappear.
15. Caramelized Onion Potato Salad
This potato salad combines tender baby potatoes with jammy caramelized onions and a bright lemon mustard dressing. The sweet onions balance the tangy dressing while fresh herbs keep everything tasting fresh. It’s sophisticated enough for dinner parties but easy enough for weeknight meals.