What to Serve with Potato Pancakes? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

Try to stop us from drooling while we talk about crispy, savory potato pancakes—it’s impossible.

Whether eaten as an appetizer or side dish, these are a classic favorite for home cooks everywhere.

But what should you pair them with?

We’ve got just the thing: Our list of 12 genius-level side dishes that will make the perfect complement to your potato pancakes!

From creamy and warm veggie-laden sides to zesty salads and more, get ready for a bevy of delicious flavor combinations that will ensure your meal is unparalleled in its tastiness and variety.

Keep reading to explore our top picks sure to complete your next dinner table ensemble.

What to Serve with Potato Pancakes? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

1. Spicy Chipotle Sour Cream

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This Spicy Chipotle Sour Cream is the perfect addition to any dish.

It has a great taste and a perfect texture that will elevate any dish it is added to.

Here are some tips on how to make the most of this delicious condiment:

• Add it to your favorite Mexican dishes for an extra kick of flavor.
• Use it as a dipping sauce for chips or vegetables.
• Spread it on a sandwich or wrap it for a flavorful lunch.
• Add it to soup or chili for a creamy, spicy twist.

2. Salsa Fresca

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Salsa Fresca, or fresh salsa, is a delicious and healthy side dish that goes great with potato pancakes.

This salsa is made with fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro and is perfect for those who like a little spice in their food.

The best part about Salsa Fresca is that it’s so easy to make.

The taste of Salsa Fresca is both fresh and spicy, with a little bit of acidity from the tomatoes.

The texture is chunky and slightly thick, making it the perfect condiment for dipping or spreading on your favorite dishes.

To elevate this dish, try adding avocado or lime juice to give it an extra zing.

Making Salsa Fresca at home is very simple and only requires a few ingredients.

Start by chopping up your fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro.

Then mix everything together in a bowl and add salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste.

If you want a thinner salsa, you can also add some tomato juice or water.

3. Guacamole

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Guacamole is one of those dishes that’s hard to resist.

It’s creamy, it’s flavorful, and it’s just plain delicious.

But what makes guacamole so great? For starters, the taste.

Guacamole is made with avocado, which gives it a unique and mildly sweet flavor.

The avocado is also responsible for the dish’s creamy texture.

Add in some diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, and you’ve got guacamole that’s packed with flavor.

But the beauty of guacamole lies in its versatility.

There are endless ways to elevate this dish.

Need some ideas? Try adding in some diced jalapenos for a bit of spice, or mix in some chopped fruit for sweetness.

You could even add in crumbled bacon or shredded cheese for an extra-indulgent treat.

4. Pico de Gallo

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Pico de gallo, also known as salsa Fresca, is a staple in Mexican cuisine.

This dish is typically made with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and chili peppers.

The ingredients are chopped and then mixed together, resulting in a flavorful and refreshing side dish.

Pico de gallo is traditionally served as a condiment or dip, but it can also be enjoyed on its own.

The dish has a light, fresh flavor with a slight kick from the chili peppers.

The texture is slightly chunky due to the chopped vegetables.

There are many ways to elevate this dish and make it your own.

For example, you could try adding avocado or using different types of chili peppers for more heat.

You could also experiment with different types of tomatoes – such as cherry tomatoes or heirloom varieties.

5. Fried Plantains

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Fried plantains are a delicious and easy side dish that can be made in just a few minutes.

Plantains are a type of banana that is typically used in savory dishes, as opposed to sweet dishes.

When fried, plantains have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

They are often served with dipping sauces or as a side dish to grilled meats.

To make fried plantains, start by peeling the plantain and slicing it into thin pieces.

Then, heat some oil in a pan over medium heat and add the sliced plantains.

Fry the plantains for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Once they are done, remove them from the pan and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Fried plantains are a great way to elevate any dish.

Serve them as a side to grilled meats or fish, or enjoy them on their own as a tasty snack.

6. Refried Beans

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There are few things as comforting as a big plate of potato pancakes.

And while they’re delicious on their own, they’re even better when paired with the right side dish.

Enter: refried beans.

Refried beans are the perfect complement to potato pancakes; thanks in advance for their creaminess and heartiness.

They’ve got a great texture that pairs well with the crispy exterior of the pancakes, and their savory flavor is a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the syrup.

Not to mention, refried beans are incredibly easy to make.

You can find them pre-made at your local grocery store, or you can whip them up yourself in just a few minutes.

If you want to Elevate your refried beans, try adding some cumin or chili powder to give them an extra kick.

You can also top them with shredded cheese or green onions for a little bit of extra flavor.

7. Black Beans

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Black beans are a type of legume that is often used in Mexican and South American cuisine.

They are a delicious and healthy option that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Black beans have a rich, earthy flavor and a firm texture.

When cooked properly, they can be a great addition to any meal.

There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking black beans.

First, make sure to soak them overnight before cooking.

This will help to soften the beans and prevent them from becoming tough.

Second, cook the beans slowly over low heat.

This will allow the flavors to develop, and the beans will become more tender.

If you want to elevate your dish, try adding some spices to the black beans.

Cumin, chili powder, and garlic are all great options.

You can also add some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.

Be creative and experiment with different flavors until you find something that you love.

8. Rice and Beans

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Rice and beans are classic dishes that can be found in many different cultures.

It is simple yet filling and packed with flavor.

The rice provides a starchy, creamy base, while the beans add a hearty dose of protein.

This dish can be made with any type of bean, but black beans are a popular choice.

The texture of rice and beans is quite dense and filling.

The rice will absorb much of the liquid from the beans, making it nice and thick.

If you’re looking for a lighter dish, you can try using brown rice instead of white.

You can also add additional vegetables to the dish, such as corn or diced tomatoes.

There are endless ways to elevate this humble dish.

One way is to add some spice with chili peppers or cumin.

Another is to top it with fresh herbs or avocado slices.

Whether you keep it simple or dress it up, rice and beans are a delicious and satisfying meal.

9. Grilled Corn on the Cob

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Grilled corn on the cob is a delicious and easy summertime treat.

The sweet corn is paired perfectly with the smoky, charred flavor of the grill.

And it’s so simple to make.

The key to great grilled corn is to start with fresh, sweet corn.

Look for ears that are bright yellow and have tight, green husks.

The kernels should be plump and firm.

Avoid ears of corn that have brown or dried-out husks.

To prepare the corn for grilling, simply pull back the husks (leaving them attached at the base) and remove the silks.

Then, Husks can be soaked in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to help prevent them from burning.

Once your corn is prepped and ready to go, fire up the grill.

Grilled corn should be cooked over medium-high heat until the kernels are tender and lightly charred.

This usually takes about 10 minutes.

As soon as the corn comes off the grill, season it with your favorite toppings.

Butter, salt, and pepper are always classic choices.

But, you could also try something a little different, like cilantro-lime butter or chili-lime seasoning.

10. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

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Roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

They are packed with nutrients, and their natural sweetness is a perfect complement to savory dishes.

Roasted sweet potatoes have a lovely caramelized flavor that is both sweet and savory.

Their texture is soft and fluffy on the inside, with a slight crunch on the outside.

Roasting them brings out the best in their flavor and makes them extra delicious.

There are many ways to elevate this dish and make it even more special.

One way is to top it with roasted garlic or fresh herbs.

Another is to add a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar.

11. Mashed Potatoes

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Mashed potatoes are classic comfort food.

They’re creamy, starchy, and satisfying.

But they can also be pretty bland.

Here are some tips on how to elevate your mashed potatoes and make them even more delicious.

First, try using Yukon gold potatoes.

They have a higher sugar content than other varieties of potato, which makes them extra creamy when mashed.

For an even richer flavor, add some whole milk or cream to the mix.

Next, experiment with different seasonings.

Garlic, rosemary, and thyme all go well with mashed potatoes.

You could also add some sharp cheese like cheddar or Parmesan for extra depth of flavor.

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings.

Bacon, chives, and sour cream are all classic choices, but you could also try something unexpected like caramelized onions or roasted Brussels sprouts.

No matter what you choose, just make sure it’s something you love.

12. Salad

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A simple green salad can be the perfect accompaniment to potato pancakes.

The key is to find a balance between the heavier pancakes and the lighter salad.

Something with a bit of acidity will help to cut through the richness of the pancakes while still complementing their flavor.

Try using a mix of greens for your salad- something like arugula or baby spinach would be a good option.

You could also add in some chopped fruits or nuts for a bit of sweetness and crunch.

A light vinaigrette dressing is all you need to finish it off.

If you want to elevate this dish, you could try adding in some grilled chicken or salmon.

This will give the salad a bit more substance and make it a more filling meal.

Conclusion

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy potato pancakes.

I hope this blog post has given you some inspiration on what to serve with your next batch of potato pancakes.

Whether you are looking for something savory or sweet, there is a side dish for you.