6 Potato Side Dishes You’ll Want to Make on Repeat
Potatoes are a staple in many kitchens around the world due to their incredible versatility and ability to complement a variety of dishes. Their comforting, hearty nature makes them a favorite ingredient for creating meals that are both satisfying and flavorful.
In this article, we will explore six potato side dishes that are not only easy to make but are also so delicious that you’ll want to prepare them over and over again.
- Classic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes’ creamy texture and rich taste make them a perfect side dish for a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian dishes.
To prepare classic mashed potatoes, you will need potatoes, butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper. Begin by peeling and cutting the potatoes into chunks, then boiling them in salted water until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot, mashing them with a potato masher or an electric mixer. Add butter and gradually mix in milk or cream until the potatoes reach your desired consistency—season with salt and pepper to taste. For a twist, you can incorporate garlic, cheese, or fresh herbs into the mash.
- Grilled PotatoesÂ
Grilling potatoes brings out their natural flavors in a way that’s hard to match with other cooking methods. It’s a fantastic option for outdoor gatherings and barbecues, offering a delicious and straightforward way to prepare a crowd-pleasing side dish. The grilling process gives the potatoes a slightly smoky flavor while keeping them tender and moist on the inside. This method is especially popular during the summer months when the grill is already fired up for other foods.
To make grilled potatoes in foil, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: potatoes, olive oil, fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic. Start by washing the potatoes and cutting them into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Toss the potato pieces with olive oil, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. Place the seasoned potatoes on a large piece of foil, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs before sealing the foil into a packet. Grill the packet over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are tender. Serve these flavorful grilled potatoes alongside your favorite grilled meats or vegetables, and enjoy a side dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor.
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. The key to perfect roasted potatoes lies in achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also brings out the natural sweetness and earthiness of the potatoes.
To make crispy roasted potatoes, you will need potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces, leaving the skins on for added texture and flavor. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or paprika. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. The result is a deliciously crispy and golden-brown potato dish that can be served alongside roast chicken, steak, or fish.
- Cheesy Potato Gratin
Potato gratin is a rich, indulgent dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting family dinner. The layers of tender potatoes combined with a creamy, cheesy sauce create a dish that’s hard to resist. This recipe highlights the versatility of potatoes, showing how they can be transformed into a luxurious side dish that complements a variety of main courses.
To prepare a cheesy potato gratin, you’ll need potatoes, cheese (such as Gruyere or cheddar), heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a baking dish. Thinly slice the potatoes and arrange them in overlapping layers in the dish. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream with minced garlic, salt, and pepper until it simmers. Pour the cream mixture over the layered potatoes, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle grated cheese generously between the layers and on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Serve this decadent gratin with roasted meats or as a star side dish at your holiday table.
- Potato Salad
Potato salad is a versatile dish that’s popular in many cuisines around the world. It’s particularly favored during summer barbecues and picnics for its refreshing taste and ease of preparation. This side dish can be customized in countless ways, from a creamy, mayonnaise-based version to a lighter, vinaigrette-dressed salad.
To make a classic potato salad, you will need potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, celery, onions, salt, pepper, and optional additions like hard-boiled eggs or pickles. Begin by boiling the potatoes in salted water until they are tender but still firm. Drain and cool the potatoes before cutting them into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Add the chopped celery and onions for crunch and flavor. Gently fold the potatoes into the dressing, ensuring they are well-coated. For added texture and taste, mix in chopped hard-boiled eggs or pickles.
- Twice-Baked Potatoes
Twice-baked potatoes are a fun and flavorful side dish that combines the best elements of baked potatoes and mashed potatoes. This dish involves baking potatoes twice to achieve a creamy, savory filling nestled in a crispy potato shell. It’s an excellent way to elevate the humble potato into a gourmet side dish.
To make twice-baked potatoes, you will need large potatoes, cheese, bacon, sour cream, chives, butter, salt, and pepper. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and baking the potatoes until they are tender, about 45-60 minutes. Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a thin shell. Mash the scooped-out potato with butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in grated cheese, cooked bacon bits, and chopped chives. Spoon the mixture back into the potato shells, mounding it slightly. Place the filled potatoes back on the baking sheet and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the filling is heated through. Serve these savory twice-baked potatoes as a side for steak and chicken or as a satisfying main course with a side salad.
Conclusion
From the smoky, flavorful grilled potatoes to the creamy comfort of classic mashed potatoes, the crispy delight of roasted potatoes, the rich layers of cheesy potato gratin, the refreshing taste of potato salad, and the gourmet appeal of twice-baked potatoes, there’s a potato dish to suit every taste and occasion.
