15 Potato Side Dishes That Could Upstage the Main Course

Potato side dishes make holiday dinners, potlucks, and family meals feel even more special. Creamy gratins, mashed potatoes, cheesy casseroles, crispy potato skins, German potato salad, colcannon, soufflé, and bacon-wrapped bites bring plenty of delicious variety to the table.

Creamy Leek and Potato Gratin with Garlic and Thyme

Baked potato side dish in a white square baking dish with a golden brown, melted cheese crust, garnished with fresh herbs. — Creamy Leek and Potato Gratin with Garlic and Thyme. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

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Tender layers of potatoes and savory sautéed leeks create a wonderfully rich gratin with garlic, thyme, and a golden cheesy topping. It is an elegant comfort-food side that feels right at home on holiday tables and cozy family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Leek and Potato Gratin with Garlic and Thyme

Fluffy Parmesan Potato Soufflé

A spoonful of golden-brown potato soufflé held over a white baking dish. — Fluffy Parmesan Potato Soufflé. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Mashed potatoes become light and airy in this elegant potato soufflé, with Parmesan adding savory richness. It is a beautiful way to turn a familiar side into something that feels extra special.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Parmesan Potato Soufflé

Crispy Rosemary Parmesan Mashed Potato Puffs

A plate of round, golden-brown cheese fritters, a classic among potato side dishes, served with a bowl of sour cream topped with herbs. — Crispy Rosemary Parmesan Mashed Potato Puffs. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These golden potato puffs transform leftover mashed potatoes into crisp, savory bites filled with Parmesan and fragrant herbs. They are a fun addition to holiday spreads, brunches, or casual family meals.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Rosemary Parmesan Mashed Potato Puffs

Crispy Loaded Potato Skins

Potato skins topped with melted cheddar, bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and chives, making for an ideal potato side dish. — Crispy Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

Crisp potato skins are piled high with melty cheese and smoky bacon for an irresistible appetizer or side. Garlic and olive oil give them plenty of savory character, making them especially popular for parties and game-day gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Loaded Potato Skins

Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mini Potatoes

Bacon-wrapped sausages secured with toothpicks, served with a side of white dipping sauce as savory potato side dishes. — Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mini Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Bite-sized potatoes wrapped in crisp bacon make a wonderfully crowd-friendly appetizer or side dish. Their tender centers and savory exterior make them especially appealing for parties, holiday gatherings, and casual entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mini Potatoes

Cheesy French Onion Potatoes

Close-up of cubed potatoes, a delicious potato side dish baked with melted cheese and topped with parsley. — Cheesy French Onion Potatoes. Photo credit: The Cozy Fork.

Golden potatoes are paired with deeply caramelized onions, savory broth, and plenty of gooey mozzarella in this cozy French onion-inspired side. It brings the rich, comforting flavors of French onion soup to the dinner table in a wonderfully satisfying way.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy French Onion Potatoes

Mom's Secret Nutty Spud Recipe That Steals the Spotlight

A wooden spoon lifts a scoop of buttery, cinnamon-dusted mashed potatoes, a comforting classic among potato side dishes. — Creamy Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes with Garlic. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Nutty brown butter gives these creamy mashed potatoes an extra layer of rich, savory flavor without sacrificing their familiar comfort. They are a luxurious upgrade for Thanksgiving, Sunday suppers, or any dinner that calls for an exceptional potato side.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes with Garlic

Quick and Creamy Instant Pot Cheesy Potatoes

A round potato side dish with a melted cheese crust, topped with herbs, in a red silicone sling next to an Instant Pot. — Quick and Creamy Instant Pot Cheesy Potatoes. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

Soft potatoes become rich and wonderfully cheesy in this easy pressure-cooker side dish. Its quick preparation makes it especially handy for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, and comforting meals shared with family.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Creamy Instant Pot Cheesy Potatoes

Golden Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

A serving spoon lifts a portion of cheesy potato casserole topped with cornflakes from a baking dish, a classic among potato side dishes. — Golden Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Tender shredded potatoes are baked beneath a creamy, cheesy topping until the casserole is beautifully golden. This comforting classic works just as well for breakfast and brunch as it does alongside a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Golden Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon

A bowl of potato salad, a classic side dish topped with bacon bits and fresh parsley. — Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Tender red potatoes soak up a warm bacon dressing with tangy vinegar and Dijon for a flavorful alternative to creamy potato salad. This classic German-inspired side is especially inviting for Oktoberfest celebrations, cookouts, and cool-weather gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon

Creamy Crockpot Funeral Potatoes

Cheesy hash browns become rich and comforting in this slow-cooker casserole made for sharing. It is a popular potluck-style side that keeps holiday meals and casual gatherings wonderfully cozy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Crockpot Funeral Potatoes

Creamy Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole

Tender potatoes and chicken come together in a hearty casserole finished with savory bacon and plenty of cheese. It is substantial enough for a satisfying main course while still delivering all the comforting appeal of a loaded baked potato.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole

Creamy Dairy-Free Vegan Colcannon Potatoes

This plant-based take on classic colcannon keeps the beloved hearty character of the traditional Irish potato dish while skipping dairy. Naturally gluten-free, it is a cozy choice for St. Patrick's Day or any comforting family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dairy-Free Vegan Colcannon Potatoes

Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole

Seasoned meat and vegetables combine with melty cheese and a crisp potato topping in this hearty casserole. Its familiar taco-inspired flavors make it an easy crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights and casual family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole

Hearty Lithuanian Kugelis Potato Casserole

Kugelis is a traditional Lithuanian potato pudding with a hearty, deeply comforting character that works as either a main dish or side. This classic recipe is especially rewarding when you want to explore a beloved Eastern European comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Lithuanian Kugelis Potato Casserole