What to Eat with Mashed Potatoes – 17 Best Recipes
Wondering what to eat with mashed potatoes? We are sharing 17 of our favorite recipes that pair perfectly with this hearty and delicious side dish!
Mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of main dishes.
From classic comfort foods to unique, international flavors, there are plenty of ideas for pairing mashed potatoes with your favorite mains.
Mashed potatoes are a great side dish because they are quick and easy to make, can be flavored in many different ways like our cheesy mashed potatoes, and are a good source of complex carbohydrates.
Mashed potatoes are also a great way to use up leftover potatoes. They can even be frozen for later use. Creamy mashed potatoes are a very popular side dish for both an easy weeknight meal and a special occasion like Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner. Try them with the main dishes below!
1. Roast Beef
Roast beef is a classic dish to serve alongside creamy potatoes. This tasty dinner option is oven-roasted and features juicy, tender slices of beef cooked to perfection.
2. Baked Salmon
Fresh baked salmon is a flavorful and healthy option to serve with mashed potatoes. Prepared using herbs, panko crumbs, and butter, this fish is a surefire way to make delicious memories for your taste buds.
3. Baked Chicken
Baked chicken is an easy and delicious main course that pairs well with mashed potatoes, whether it is baked chicken tenderloins, baked chicken thighs, or baked chicken breasts.
Marinate your chicken in your favorite herbs and spices before baking in the oven for a delicious and juicy meal. Serve the fluffy mashed potatoes covered in onion gravy with a side of green beans to complete the meal.
4. Meatloaf
Savory and hearty, meatloaf makes a delicious, hearty meal to serve with mashed potatoes. This is one of my favorite recipes to serve with mashed potatoes. Prepare this classic dinner using hidden vegetables, eggs, and your favorite seasonings along with a surprise mozzarella cheese layer inside to make a flavorful main course that the whole family will love.
5. Steakhouse-style Steak
Steakhouse style steak is a flavorful main course that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes. It’s an easy dinner, just season your steak with flavor-rich spices before searing then baking in the oven to perfection. Steak and mashed potatoes are a classic combination and the perfect dinner that everyone will savor!
6. Burgundy Beef
Burgundy beef is a tasty main dish made with beef, caramelized onions and mushrooms cooked in a rich burgundy wine sauce. Mashed potatoes make the perfect side dish for a comforting dinner.
7. Barbecue Ribs
Whether you prepare them in the oven or slow cooker, barbecue ribs are the perfect dish to serve with mashed potatoes. Enjoy the flavor-packed goodness with every bite of this classic comfort food.
8. Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a savory meat and vegetable pie filled with beef or lamb, vegetables, and herbs all topped with mashed potatoes. The savory flavors of mashed potatoes in shepherd’s pie pair perfectly for a delicious and comforting dish.
9. Braised Short Ribs
Braised short ribs are a juicy and tender main dish made with braised boneless beef short ribs cooked until they are fork-tender. This easy meal has simple ingredients and when served with mashed potatoes, it’s an unbelievably comforting dinner that your whole family can enjoy.
10. Roasted Pork Chops
A great alternative to chicken, pork chops or even a pork roast is an ideal main course to enjoy with mashed potatoes. To make this savory dinner option, season your pork chops with herbs and spices, then bake in the oven for juicy and flavorful results.
11. Fish and Chips
Fish and chips are a classic British dish that you can tailor to your taste preferences. Enjoy a battered fish fillet, lightly fried and served with your favorite mashed potatoes, giving you a nice contrast for your meal.
12. Pot Roast
Pot roast is a succulent comfort meal made with slow-cooked beef cooked in a flavorful broth. You can make pot roast in the slow cooker or stovetop pot roast. The beef becomes deliciously tender and melts in the mouth making this dish a winner and a classic pairing when served with buttery mashed potatoes.
13. Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is a Russian-inspired dish made with beef and mushrooms cooked in a creamy stroganoff sauce. Serve with your favorite mashed potatoes recipe for a rich and comforting dinner that’s sure to please. Try this easy ground beef stroganoff for a fast and easy dinner with your mashed potatoes.
14. Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is an indulgent but delicious main course to pair with buttery potatoes. Crispy fried tender chicken breasts are always an easy way to please even the pickiest of eaters.
15. Pot Pie
Pot pies are a casserole-like dish filled with a savory blend of ingredients such as vegetables and meats, topped with a savory pastry crust. Enjoy your favorite pot pies such as turkey pot pie or chicken pot pie with a side of velvety potatoes for a classic side dish for a well-rounded family dinner.
16. Chicken and Gravy
Instant Pot chicken and gravy is perfect for serving over a big tasty scoop of mashed potatoes. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
17. Chicken Fried Chicken with White Gravy
Chicken fried chicken in a Southern staple and the delicious (and easy) white gravy it is traditionally served with is perfect for serving with mashed potatoes.
