15 Potato Recipes for Side Dishes: A Culinary Journey

Potatoes are a versatile and beloved ingredient in cuisines around the world. They can be mashed, roasted, fried, and baked, making them perfect for a wide range of side dishes. Whether you’re looking for a comforting classic or a creative twist, this collection of 15 potato recipes will elevate any meal. From crispy roasted potatoes to creamy garlic mashed potatoes, these dishes are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Why Potatoes Make the Perfect Side Dish
Potatoes are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They can be prepared in numerous ways and paired with a variety of main dishes, making them a staple in many kitchens. Rich in carbohydrates, potatoes provide energy and are a good source of vitamins and minerals. They are also budget-friendly, making them an excellent choice for everyday meals and special occasions alike.
1. Classic Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and dry the baby potatoes. If they are large, cut them in half.
- In a large bowl, mix the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
2. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- While the potatoes are cooking, heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter mixture, salt, and pepper.
- Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
3. Crispy Hasselback Potatoes

Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and dry the potatoes. Using a sharp knife, make thin, parallel cuts about 1/8 inch deep into each potato, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the cut sides of the potatoes with the oil mixture.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
Read More : 15 Hearty and Delicious Potato Recipes to Try at Home
4. Garlic Parmesan Oven Fries

Ingredients:
- 2 large russet potatoes, cut into thick fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the potato fries with olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
5. Smashed Potatoes with Rosemary and Lemon

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Using a potato masher or a fork, gently smash each potato to flatten it slightly.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the smashed potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with the oil mixture.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
6. Cheesy Baked Potato Wedges

Ingredients:
- 2 large russet potatoes, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the potato wedges with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the wedges are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Drizzle with sour cream and sprinkle with chopped chives.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
Read More : 15 Easy Vegetarian Recipes to Elevate Your Cooking Game
7. Potato Gratin with Caramelized Onions

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix the sliced potatoes with the caramelized onions, heavy cream, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
8. Rosemary Roasted Potatoes with Lemon

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and dry the baby potatoes. If they are large, cut them in half.
- In a large bowl, mix the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
9. Smoked Paprika Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into thick fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the sweet potato fries with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
Read More : 15 Vegetarian Recipes to Elevate Your Plant-Based Dining Experience
10. Garlic and Herb Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and dry the baby potatoes. If they are large, cut them in half.
- In a large bowl, mix the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
11. Creamy Potato Salad with Dill

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, red onion, celery, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooled potatoes to the bowl and gently mix until the potatoes are coated with the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve cold as a side dish.
12. Crispy Potato Hash

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook until they are golden brown and crispy, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
13. Cheesy Potato Casserole

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the sliced potatoes with heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with grated cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
14. Garlic and Rosemary Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- While the potatoes are cooking, heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter mixture, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
15. Smoked Paprika Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and dry the baby potatoes. If they are large, cut them in half.
- In a large bowl, mix the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
Conclusion
Potatoes are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used to create a wide variety of side dishes. Whether you prefer classic recipes like roasted potatoes or more creative options like cheesy potato casserole, these 15 recipes are sure to add a delightful touch to any meal. Experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods to find your favorite potato side dish. Happy cooking!