10 Potato Side Dishes to Go With Every Meal

The humble potato really goes with everything, and it works in such a wide range of preparations. If you enjoy them baked, mashed, or scalloped, we have some awesome dishes for you. But don't stop there. Try these excellent recipes for potatoes roasted, fried, boiled, baked, sautéed, and more. And when you dress up the humble spuds with bacon, chives, and other garnishes, they become something really special.

1. Skillet Fried Potatoes

Onions, peppers, and potatoes all get tossed together in a sizzling hot skillet for this delicious side dish that can work as well for dinner as it does for breakfast or brunch. You can also use leftover potatoes in this simple preparation, and it lends itself well to variation to suit your family's tastes.

2. Loaded Potato Casserole

Want to serve something more special than plain old mashed potatoes at a party, holiday dinner, or potluck? This loaded potato casserole upscales it into a casserole for any occasion by including sour cream, herbed cheese, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Make it a day in advance and heat it when you're ready to serve for an even easier preparation.

3. Potato Skins

Classic potato skins taste great fried, but this recipe makes them even easier by baking in the oven. Scoop out the insides, rub a little olive oil on the skin and potato flesh, then top it all off with sour cream, bacon, and cheddar cheese, making them melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Use the leftover mash in meatloaf or eat it by itself for a dinner side later.

4. Irish Potato Cakes

A little thicker than traditional potato pancakes or latkes, these Irish potato cakes produces a crispy patty that makes a wonderful breakfast, appetizer, or even a unique side dish for brunch or dinner. Vegetarians will love them as a main course served with sour cream, applesauce, or a savory sauce of your choice.

5. French Fries on the Grill

You may have made fish or chicken and vegetables in foil packets, but have you ever tried french fries that way? Whether you want to get out of the kitchen and into the backyard or need a fun camping out recipe, this preparation makes crispy, crunchy fries to smother in all your favorite toppings, all without turning on the stove.

6. Air Fryer French Fries

Amazingly, it takes just 2 tablespoons of oil to make these air fryer french fries that turn out crispy on the exterior and tender inside. The lower calorie load means you can splurge a little on a burger or air-fried fish.

7. Duck Fat Fries

If you are looking for a little "extra" in your fries, try these duck fat fries. A staple in French bistro cuisine, they are crisp, golden, and delicately flavored from the duck fat, which is a perfect fat for deep-frying due to its high melting point.

8. Twice-Baked Potatoes

When you make these succulent twice-baked potatoes, they taste twice as nice. The baked shell gets stuffed with a savory mashed potato mixture that includes cream cheese and chives. It's then baked until the topping turns golden brown. Try them for a slightly different and flavorful twist on the traditional jacket potato.

9. Colcannon

Sick of regular mashed potatoes? Try colcannon, a traditional hearty and soul-warming Irish recipe. It consists of mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale and onions, then finished off with a pool of melted butter to create a decadent and delicious side dish.

10. Spanish Patatas Bravas

Patatas bravas is a delicious Spanish tapas that you will quickly fall in love with. Bite-sized fried potatoes get dipped or drizzled with an assertive spicy sauce. This one uses Tabasco for that kick. Use a little more for a spicier sauce or less for a more mild preparation.