Easy Potato Side Dishes

You say “Potato”, we say.. nothing — because our mouths are full. (Because we really, really love those taters.) And here’s a round-up of our very favorite potato dishes that will make everyone say “Gimme seconds!” These recipes will show you creative new ideas for fixing potatoes — so your spuds will never be duds.

  1. Herb Smashed Potatoes

    Don’t just mash ’em, smash em! New potatoes are boiled, smushed, then sprinkled with our favorite fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, and baked in the oven until the skins get crispy. You’ve got to love a recipe that provides as much catharsis as flavor!

  2. Easy Roasted Potatoes

    The key to this skillet of beautifully crispy potato and onions slices is a little artful arranging — and the bacon garnish doesn’t hurt.

  3. Potato Leek Soup

    Fans of mashed potatoes are going to find a lot to love in an inviting bowl of this rustic potato leek soup. It’s a lighter, healthier — but no less fabulous — version of Julia Child’s time-honored recipe.

  4. Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries

    You asked for a healthier baked french fry, and boy does this recipe deliver. A dusting of garlic and parmesan will make you think twice about ketchup, too.

  5. Tornado Potato Skewers

    Your county fair favorite can be made at home — and you don’t even need any special equipment to create those spirals.

  6. Loaded Potato Wedges

    Baked potato wedges meet loaded baked potatoes in this tasty and easy appetizer topped with bacon bits, cheddar cheese, green onions, and a sour cream drizzle.

  7. Potato Roses

    Flowers might be the classic romantic gesture, but we all know the truth: the best gift is one you can eat! If you’re the type who would much rather have French fries than roses, you’re going to love this way to have the best of both.

  8. Shepherd’s Pie Potato Skins

    Think of shepherd’s pie, but without the hassle of working with pastry dough. Instead, these break slightly from tradition and cook the savory beef filling and potato mash right in the potato skins!

  9. Mashed Potato Cheese Bites

    This is such a fantastic idea for how to use up leftover mashed potatoes. And the gooey melted cheese center is going to blow your mind!

  10. Loaded Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup

    All the goodness of loaded potatoes in a soup! Broccoli, carrots, garlic, cheddar cheese, bacon, and a touch of Tobasco make for one hearty bowlful.

  11. Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

    This casserole is just like twice-baked potatoes, but way easier to transport to a potluck.

  12. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

    One-up the family recipe with these extra cheesy scalloped potatoes made from scratch. The velvety cream sauce, fluffy layers of baked potatoes, and bubbling cheesy top is going to make you want these for your dinner sidekick every night.

  13. Hashbrown Mini Quiches with Sausage and Peppers

    Didn’t finish all of the hashbrowns? Use leftovers to make these cheesy sausage- and bell pepper-stuffed mini quiches.

  14. Smokey Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes

    Potatoes are tasty, but they’re not always gorgeous. Cutting one up hasselback-style makes them gorgeous. (And stuffing the gaps with bacon, Gouda, rosemary, and butter makes them doubly tasty).

  15. Loaded Potato Hash

    There’s nothing fancy or difficult about a casserole loaded with potatoes, cheese, and bacon. Make it for brunch or a dinner side dish — just don’t blame us when there aren’t any leftovers.

  16. Twice-Baked Over-the-Top Potatoes

    These are no ordinary twice-baked potatoes. One special trick takes these over-the-top, and will get your mouth watering.

  17. Egg & Bacon Hash Brown Nests

    Another fabulous idea for finishing up your bag of frozen hashbrowns, these nests cradle potatoes, eggs, bacon, Swiss cheese, and spinach.

  18. Fully-Loaded Mashed Potato Balls

    Got a post-holiday party coming up? You’re going to want to load up on these flavorful and crispy bites made from leftover mashed potatoes.

  19. Loaded Potato Casserole

    Who doesn’t love a hot baked potato stuffed with melted cheese, crisp bacon, and green onions? This dinner recipe bakes those flavors into one fantastic loaded potato casserole.

  20. Parmesan Potato Stacks

    The presentation of these scalloped potatoes will wow dinner guests. Despite appearances, you don’t need an engineering degree to build these stacks; they’re super easy because to make in a muffin tin.

  21. Buttered Red Potatoes with Dill

    This super simple red potato recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen has only 6 ingredients and can be brought to the table right in the skillet. A bit of butter, parmesan, and dill lets the red potato flavor shine through.

  22. Best Ever Potato Salad

    It’s dangerous to call your potato salad recipe the “best ever”, but this one from Brown Eyed Baker is certainly a stand-out! A secret ingredient in the not overly mayonnaise-y dressing makes this classic extra special.

  23. Parmesan Duchess Potatoes

    Swirly duchess potatoes only look fancy — they’re actually super simple to whip up! Everyone will be impressed by these pretty piped mashed potatoes.

  24. Microwave Potato Chips

    All of these potato dishes sound great, but your favorite way to eat potatoes is definitely potato chips, right? The Crazy Russian Hacker shows you how to make them at home — in your microwave no less!

  25. Healthy Potato Gratin with Herbs

    This potato gratin looks just like a cake! It’s a lightened up version of classic gratin without the heavy cream and cheese (which the presentation more than makes up for.)

  26. Extra-Crispy Herb-Roasted Potatoes

    What’s the secret to roasted potatoes with extra-crispy blistered skins? According to Serious Eats, it’s more than a pinch of salt.

  27. Irish Potato Pie

    You don’t need the luck of the Irish to pull off this easy potato pie from A Spicy Perspective. You will need: pie dough, bacon, potatoes, and cream.

  28. Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

    What makes Food Wishes’ mashed potatoes so good? Besides the fact that you can tick one recipe off your holiday to-do list before the day of and make these ahead? Mascarpone cheese!