Are you in need of a little inspiration about what to serve with mashed potatoes?
We’ve got your back!
Mashed potatoes are one of the most beloved side dishes, but all too often they lack something exciting.
But don’t worry – we’re here to help add some delicious and varied flavors to your plate.
From veggies to meats, there are an endless array of possibilities when it comes to sides for mashed potatoes.
Keep reading as we share 14 tasty side dishes that will pair perfectly with your favorite spuds!
What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes? 14 TASTY Side Dishes
1. Honey Balsamic Roasted Beets
Honey Balsamic Roasted Beets are the perfect side dish to any meal, especially mashed potatoes.
These beets are roasted to perfection with a honey and balsamic glaze.
They are sweet, tangy, and absolutely delicious.
The best part about these Honey Balsamic Roasted Beets is that they are so easy to make.
Simply coat the beets in a honey and balsamic vinegar glaze and roast in the oven.
That’s it.
These beets can be served as is, or you can elevate the dish by adding some crumbled goat cheese on top.
2. Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Garlic Broccoli
Looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with your mashed potatoes? Look no further than this air fryer crispy Parmesan garlic broccoli.
This dish is packed with flavor and has a great texture that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes.
The key to making this dish is to get the broccoli nice and crispy.
The air fryer does a great job of this without making the broccoli soggy.
I like to add a little bit of Parmesan cheese and garlic to the mix for extra flavor.
You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little bit of heat.
One tip I have for elevating this dish is to serve it with a lemon wedge.
The acidity from the lemon really helps to brighten up the flavors.
You could also garnish with some chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
3. Easy Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts
These Easy Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts are the perfect side dish for any meal.
They are packed with flavor and have a great texture.
The bacon adds a nice crunch, while the cheese provides a creamy element.
These Brussels sprouts are also super easy to make.
Simply cook them in the oven until they are crispy, then top with cheese and bacon.
There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish.
First, try using different kinds of cheese.
Sharp cheddar or gouda would be great options.
You could also add some spices to the Brussels sprouts before cooking them.
A little bit of garlic or onion powder would be delicious.
Lastly, if you want to make this dish even more decadent, top it with a fried egg before serving.
4. Pan-fried Salmon with Mango Salsa
Salmon is a versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways.
One of our favorite ways to prepare salmon is by pan-frying it and serving it with fresh mango salsa.
The combination of the juicy, succulent salmon with the sweet and slightly tart mango salsa is absolutely delicious.
When pan-frying salmon, it’s important to get a good sear on the outside while keeping the inside nice and moist.
We like to use a cast iron skillet for this dish because it gets nice and hot, allowing us to get that perfect sear.
Be sure to preheat your skillet before adding any oil, or else your salmon will stick.
We like to use avocado oil because it has a high smoke point and doesn’t impart any flavor onto the fish.
Once your skillet is heated, add enough oil to coat the bottom, and then place your salmon filets in the pan skin-side down.
Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through.
The mango salsa is really easy to make and only requires a few ingredients: mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro.
Start by dicing up your mango into small cubes.
Add in the diced red onion, jalapeño (seeded), lime juice, and cilantro, and mix everything together.
5. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
This roasted butternut squash soup is the perfect dish to cozy up with on a cold winter night.
It’s rich and creamy, with a subtle sweetness from the roasted squash.
And it’s so easy to make.
Just roast the squash, then puree it with some chicken or vegetable stock, and you’re done.
I like to add a bit of spice to my soup by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
This gives the soup a nice kick without being too overwhelming.
You can also add some chopped apples for sweetness and texture or top the soup with crumbled bacon for a bit of salty contrast.
- Make sure to roast the squash until it is fork-tender. This will help it blend easily into a smooth soup.
- If you want a really creamy soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup right in the pot. Otherwise, you can transfer it to a regular blender and blend it in batches.
- For extra flavor, roasted garlic goes great in this soup. Just add a few cloves along with the squash when you roast it.
6. Spicy Thai Red Curry with Chicken
When it comes to comfort food, mashed potatoes are definitely up there.
They’re creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-satisfying.
But what do you serve with them? If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to complement your mashed potatoes, look no further than this Spicy Thai Red Curry with Chicken.
This dish is packed with flavor and has a great balance of heat and sweetness.
The chicken is cooked until it’s nice and tender, and the vegetables are all perfectly cooked.
The sauce is made with red curry paste, coconut milk, and fish sauce, and it’s absolutely delicious.
If you want to elevate this dish even further, try serving it with a side of steamed rice.
The rice will help to absorb some of the curry sauce and make the dish even more filling.
You could also top the curry with a few fresh herbs, like cilantro or basil.
7. Quinoa Fried Rice with Egg
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fried rice, quinoa fried rice is the perfect dish for you.
Quinoa is a nutrient-rich grain that is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a healthier option than white rice.
This dish is also loaded with veggies and eggs, making it a complete meal that is sure to leave you satisfied.
The best part about quinoa fried rice is that it can be customized to your liking.
You can add any veggies or proteins that you like, making it a versatile dish that can be made to suit any taste.
You can also switch up the herbs and spices used to give the dish a different flavor each time you make it.
- Add in some chopped bacon or sausage for a heartier dish.
- Switch up the veggies used based on what is in season.
- Add a touch of heat with some chili flakes or Sriracha sauce.
- Top with a fried egg for an extra protein boost.
8. Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao chicken is a delicious, stir-fried dish that originates from the Sichuan province of China.
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The dish is typically made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy sauce.
Kung pao chicken is known for its bold flavors and fiery heat.
The dish gets its name from the Kung Pao sauce, which is made with a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, chili peppers, and garlic.
This sauce gives the dish it’s signature salty, sweet, and sour flavor profile.
The dish is also traditionally cooked with a good amount of chili peppers, which give it its characteristic heat.
If you’re looking to elevate your kung pao chicken game, there are a few things you can do.
First, try using different types of meat, such as pork or shrimp.
You can also add in additional vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli.
And finally, if you want an extra kick of heat, try adding in some extra chili peppers or even some Sichuan peppercorns.
9. Beef and Broccoli
Mashed potatoes are comfort food that everyone loves.
They are creamy, dreamy, and delicious.
But what do you serve with them? Beef and broccoli are the perfect side dish.
The beef is tender and juicy, while the broccoli is slightly crunchy and has a slight bitterness to it.
Together, they create a perfect balance of flavors that complement each other perfectly.
The best part about this dish is that it is so easy to make.
You can either cook it in the oven or on the stovetop.
If you want to elevate this dish, try serving it with some grilled onions and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.
You can also add some red pepper flakes to give it a little bit of a kick.
This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
10. Sweet and Sour Pork
When it comes to Chinese cuisine, there are few dishes more iconic than sweet and sour pork.
This dish is typically made with pork that is fried and then coated in a sauce that is both sweet and tangy.
The result is a dish that is simultaneously juicy and crunchy, with a flavor that is impossible to forget.
While sweet and sour pork can be enjoyed on its own, there are also many ways to elevate this dish.
For example, adding fresh vegetables or using a different type of meat can help to create a more complex flavor profile.
Additionally, serving the dish over rice or noodles can help to make it into a more filling meal.
11. Orange Chicken
This dish is a great way to enjoy chicken without all the heavy frying.
The orange flavor is light and refreshing, making it a perfect summer meal.
The chicken is tender and juicy, with a slight crunch from the batter.
Serve this dish with a side of rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
To elevate this dish, try serving it over a bed of mixed greens or shredded cabbage.
This will add a pop of color and some extra nutrients to the dish.
You can also top the chicken with sesame seeds or green onions for some extra flavor.
If you’re looking for a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the batter before frying.
12. Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan is a classic dish that is hearty and satisfying.
The eggplant is thinly sliced and fried, then layered with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
This dish can be served as an appetizer or main course.
The eggplant should be thinly sliced so that it cooks evenly.
If the slices are too thick, the eggplant will be tough and chewy.
The eggplant should also be fried until it is golden brown.
This will give the eggplant a crispy texture.
To elevate this dish, use a high-quality tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
You can also add fresh herbs such as basil or oregano to the tomato sauce.
13. Chicken Teriyaki
Chicken Teriyaki is a classic Japanese dish that is loved by many.
The chicken is cooked in a sweet and savory sauce and is often served with rice and vegetables.
While it may seem like a simple dish, there are a lot of flavors packed into every bite.
One of the best things about Chicken Teriyaki is the combination of tastes and textures.
The chicken is juicy and tender, while the sauce is sticky and sweet.
The rice provides a perfect contrast to the chicken, soaking up all of the delicious sauce.
There are a few simple tips that can help you elevate your Chicken Teriyaki dish:
- Make sure to use quality ingredients. Fresh chicken and organic soy sauce will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe. You can add different vegetables or even fruits to the dish to change things up.
- Don’t forget to garnish your dish before serving.
A sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds can really take it to the next level.
14. General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s chicken is a delicious, hearty dish that is perfect for a winter meal.
The chicken is cooked in a savory sauce and served over steamed rice.
The dish is named after General Tso, who was a famous Chinese general during the Qing Dynasty.
The taste of General Tso’s chicken is savory and slightly sweet.
The chicken is cooked in a sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and garlic.
The dish is usually served with steamed rice, which helps to balance out the flavors.
There are a few things you can do to elevate the dish.
First, try using dark soy sauce for a richer flavor.
You can also add some fresh ginger to the sauce for an extra zing.
Finally, make sure to use good quality chicken breasts for the best results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a variety of delicious side dishes that go great with mashed potatoes.
Some of our favorites include roasted vegetables, green beans, fried onions, and gravy.
No matter what you choose to serve with your mashed potatoes, we hope you enjoy your meal.
What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes? 14 TASTY Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. Oven Roasted Potatoes
- 2. Honey Glazed Carrots
- 3. Green Beans Almondine
- 4. Cranberry Sauce
- 5. Apple Cider Gravy
- 6. Sweet Potato Casserole
- 7. Butternut Squash Soup
- 8. Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup
- 9. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- 10. Cornbread Stuffing
- 11. Mac and Cheese
- 12. Mashed Potatoes
- 13. Pumpkin Pie
- 14. Peach Cobbler
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!