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62 Perfect Potato Side Dishes That Might Just Steal The Show

Tell us about it, spud.

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melting potatoes with herbs
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Let's be real: The potato is everyone's favorite vegetable, and these potato recipes will remind you why. Is there any limit to the deliciousness of perfectly prepared potatoes? We don't think so. Whether you're roasting, frying, mashing, smashing, grilling, or twice-baking, here are all the tips you need to make the best potatoes every time.

Picking the perfect potato variety type for your meal is integral for whipping up all your favorite potato sides. You can never go wrong with a russet for baked potatoes, microwave baked potatoes, and twice-baked potatoes. Got some Yukon Golds on deck? They're our ideal go-to potatoes for anything from creamy mashed potatoes and French fries, to all our favorite potato salads.

Speaking of potato salad: Your BBQs and potlucks are nothing without one on your table. We're especially fond of our Southern potato salad, but we love a classic potato salad, tzatziki potato salad, jalapeño popper potato salad, and our hot German potato salad that includes a bacon vinaigrette(!).

And don't get us started on all the ways we love to use leftover mashed potatoes, including loaded fried mashed potato cakes, fried mashed potato balls, and, wait for it, mashed potato waffles. You'll find yourself cooking up more potatoes just to make all of these recipes.

While you're on a side kick, check out our other favorite side dishes and soups to shake up your dinner routine and find the perfect accompaniment to the main event.

1

Patatas Bravas

patatas bravas
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLIST: BROOKE CAISON

Spicy, creamy, crunchy, smoky… these are all the elements you'll find in the popular Spanish tapas patatas bravas. Think of these like you would French fries, with a little more flair.

Get the Patatas Bravas recipe.

2

Best Mashed Potatoes

best mashed potatoes
PARKER FEIERBACH

Quick: Name one thing better than creamy, buttery, steamy, perfect mashed potatoes! See? You can't! So, put down the instant potatoes, grab your favorite spuds, a large pot, a masher, and let's get ready for comfort in a bowl.

Get the Perfect Mashed Potatoes recipe.

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3

Melting Potatoes

melting potatoes with herbs
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

These melt-in-your-mouth potatoes got their name for good reason: With a tender, soft middle and an herby topping, one bite and you'll get it. Smothered in butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, they really are amazing with everything, from weeknight dinners to romantic special occasions.

Get the Melting Potatoes recipe.

4

Perfect French Fries

delish french fries
Parker Feierbach

We know, deep-frying really sounds like a lot of work, but we have a genius tip to getting you the crispiest fries ever, without the double-frying. With our method, all of the fries go in at the same time, and once they're out, they're ready to eat!

Get the Perfect French Fries recipe.

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5

Fluffy Potato Rolls

fluffy potato rolls
Andrew bui

Have a leftover baked potato? The only logical thing to do is to mash the insides and make dinner rolls. These are truly the Fluffiest. Dinner. Rolls. Ever. Fresh out of the oven, each roll has a crispy bottom, buttery top, and unbelievably soft center.

Get the Fluffy Potato Rolls recipe.

6

Chili Oil Smashed Potatoes

chili oil smashed potatoes
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

These chili oil potatoes are a spicy take on one of our favorite crispy potato method: smashed potatoes. Have some extra chili oil? Why not give your veggies, fried rice, or eggs a kick of heat?

Get the Chili Oil Smashed Potatoes recipe.

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7

Classic Potato Salad

classic potato salad with pickles, onions, and topped with paprika and chives
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: SIMON ANDREWS

A classic potato salad is a must-have at every picnic and BBQ, and ours is the best—it's creamy and tangy, with a little bit of crunch from the onion and pickles. If you’re looking for a classic, no-fuss potato salad that won’t disappoint, this is it.

Get the Classic Potato Salad recipe.

8

Greek Lemon Potatoes

greek lemon potatoes

Tangy and bright from generous amounts of lemon, a batch of these flavorful potatoes are great served with any number of Greek-inspired dishes. Looking to bring the flavors of your Aegean vacation home? Try these potatoes served alongside chicken souvlaki, vegetarian moussaka, or greek shrimp.

Get the Greek Lemon Potatoes recipe.

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9

Mashed Potato Casserole

mashed potato casserole
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: Taylor Ann SPENCER

Mashed potato casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish you've been waiting for. It's bound to find its way onto your holiday dinner table at some point during the season, but it makes a great side dish any time of the year. It's creamy, fluffy, and oh so cheesy.

Get the Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.

10

Homemade McDonald's Hash Browns

copycat fried and crsipy mcdonalds hash browns for breakfast with with ketchup on side
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLIST: BROOKE CAISON

What is it about the crispy, crunchy, greasy McDonald's hash browns that gets everyone so hyped up come breakfast time? Whatever it is, this recipe guarantees you can get your fix any time you like at home.

Get the Homemade McDonald's Hash Browns recipe.

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11

Air Fryer French Fries

air fryer french fries
PHOTO: ANDREA MONZO; FOOD STYLIST: MAKINZE GORE

Want to know the secret to super-crispy French fries? It's air frying! Forget about oil temperature, soaking, and all the other steps associated with the perfect deep-fried French fry. The air fryer uses less oil while still giving maximum crispness; what can't it do?

Get the Air Fryer French Fries recipe.

12

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

roasted fingerling potatoes
Erik bernstein

This going to be your new go-to potato side. The secret to the ultra-crispy skin? A cornstarch slurry! For some flavor we added rosemary and garlic, but just like our other roasted potatoes, feel free to add any herbs or flavors your heart desires.

Get the Roasted Fingerling Potatoes recipe.

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13

Scalloped Potatoes & Ham

scalloped potatoes and ham
Erik bernstein

Cheesy scalloped potatoes meet salty baked ham for a perfect match. It takes the classic side and makes it a heartier dish that's perfect for Easter brunch, or make it with your leftover spiral ham after the celebration!

Get the Scalloped Potatoes & Ham recipe.

14

Best Colcannon

best colcannon
Emily Hlavac Green

Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made of creamy mashed potatoes and some green veggie. Most typically you'll find cabbage or kale, paired with some green aromatics like leeks and chives. Here, we opt for a scallion and kale combo for vibrant color and deeper, nuttier flavors.

Get the Best Colcannon recipe.

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15

Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad

jalapeño popper potato salad
Parker feierbach

We love potato salad, and during the summer we especially can't get enough of its creamy goodness. This jalapeño popper-inspired version takes things to a whole new level with a kick of heat.

Get the Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad recipe.

16

Dill & Cheddar Pierogis

dill and cheddar pierogis
Joel Goldberg

When you're looking for something warm, comforting, and carb-y, do pierogis come to mind? They should! Loaded with sharp white cheddar, sweet caramelized onions, and creamy mashed potatoes, the only thing more gratifying than making them from scratch is stuffing them in your mouth. 😋

Get the Dill & Cheddar Pierogis recipe.

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17

Perfect Pan Fried Potatoes

pan fried potatoes
PARKER FEIERBACH

The secret to a perfectly crispy, fried potato? It's all about the oils. Our best combo: mixing EVOO with vegetable oil (or another neutral oil with a high smoking point). Trust us, it makes a huge difference.

Get the Perfect Pan Fried Potatoes recipe.

18

Campfire Potatoes

cheesy potatoes in a foil pack
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Cooking over the campfire is our favorite thing to do, and throwing everything into a foil pack makes it so easy! These cook up fast and make the perfect side dish. Hot tip: If you don't want to make these over the fire or grill, they also work great in the oven.

Get the Campfire Potatoes recipe.

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19

Fondue Mashed Potatoes

fondue mashed potatoes
PHOTO; ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLIST; MAKINZE GORE

If you’ve ever dreamed up a cheese fondue combined with mashed potatoes, this would be it. Fondue mashed potatoes, or pommes aligot, are super-creamy, silky mashed potatoes that have a starchy, cheesy pull that you’ve gotta see to believe.

Get the Fondue Mashed Potatoes recipe.

20

Air Fryer Potatoes

air fryer potatoes
Parker Feierbach

We pride ourselves for how perfect our roasted potatoes are. The only thing we've found to upgrade them? Using the air fryer! With just a little bit of oil, these potatoes get perfectly crispy on the outside while staying perfectly soft on the inside.

Get the Air Fryer Crispy Potatoes recipe.

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