What Goes With Mashed Potatoes – 20 Amazing Dishes You’ll Love

AndrewByAndrew Updated on

Looking back over my life, a vote of thanks would go to mashed potatoes for being there during some of my most difficult times.

My mother would make them for me when I was feeling down, and they always managed to make me feel better. Mashed potatoes are one of those comfort foods that just seem to hit the spot every time.

Moreso, this dish is unique in that it can be both a side and a main course.

It’s also hearty enough to stand up to almost any accompaniment, which is why I love mashed potatoes so much.

But what goes good with mashed potatoes? That’s a question that I get asked a lot, and it’s one that I’m always happy to answer.

It is also the point of this comprehensive guide; to answer ALL of your questions about what goes good with mashed potatoes.

So, let’s get started. Shall we?

Best Mashed Potato Sides

First, let me break it down for you into five categories, and then, I will do a deep dive into the dishes I consider the best. Keep reading, and you’ll find great dishes that pair well with mashed potatoes.

The five main categories of what goes well with mashed potatoes are:

  • Meat and Protein Dishes
  • Vegetable and Vegetarian Dishes
  • Toppings
  • Sauces, Stews, and Soups
  • Miscellaneous Combinations

Of course, there are many other dishes that could technically fall into one of these categories, but I wanted to give you a starting point.

These are what I consider to be the best of the best when it comes to what goes good with mashed potatoes.

Meat and Proteins:

  1. Catfish
  2. Balsamic Pork Chops
  3. Meatloaf
  4. Beef Stroganoff
  5. Fried Chicken
  6. Salisbury Steak
  7. Slow-Cooked Indian Lamb Shanks
  8. Chicken Cordon Bleu
  9. Maple Glazed Roast Chicken
  10. Beef Wellington
  11. Steak
  12. Fish Cakes
  13. Classic Apricot Chicken
  14. Turkey
  15. Roast Beef
  16. Bratwurst
  17. Meatballs
  18. Barbecue
  19. Parmesan Crusted Chicken Drumsticks Parmigiana
  20. Corned Beef

Vegetarian and Vegetables

  1. Spicy Sauerkraut with Turmeric
  2. Chipotle Mac and Cheese
  3. Vegan Mushroom Gravy
  4. Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad
  5. Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
  6. Creamed Spinach
  7. Vegan Red Wine Gravy
  8. Vegan Cashew Gravy
  9. Pickled Cabbage
  10. Creamy Garlic Mushrooms

Toppings

  1. Sour cream, Green onions and Chives
  2. Bacon and Cheese

Sauces, Stews and Soups

  1. Chicken with Mushroom Sauce
  2. Coq Au Vin
  3. Gravy
  4. Guinness Beef Stew
  5. Beef Bourguignon
  6. Irish Beef Stew
  7. Sweet And Savoury Sausage Curry
  8. Lentil Mushroom Stew

Here are my top picks for dishes that go well with mashed potatoes:

  1. Steak
  2. Gravy
  3. Coq Au Vin
  4. Fried Chicken
  5. Bacon and Cheese
  6. Sweet And Savoury Sausage Curry
  7. Roast Beef
  8. Balsamic Pork Chops
  9. Meatballs
  10. Corned Beef
  11. Mashed Potato Toppings
  12. Slow-Cooked Vegetable And Lamb Casserole
  13. Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad
  14. Green beans and bacon
  15. Meatloaf With Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping

Steak

Number one on my list of what goes well with mashed potatoes is steak.

A delicious, juicy steak pairs perfectly with the creamy texture and savory flavor of mashed potatoes.

When choosing a steak to go with your mashed potatoes, I suggest going for a cut that is well-marbled and has plenty of fat. This will help to keep the steak moist and add flavor.

As for what kind of steak to choose, that is entirely up to you. I personally love ribeye steaks, but any cut of steak will do. Just make sure it’s a good quality steak that you would enjoy eating on its own.

Gravy

Another excellent accompaniment for mashed potatoes is gravy.

Gravy adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish that is simply unparalleled. It also helps to keep the mashed potatoes moist, which is important because no one likes dry mashed potatoes.

When making gravy to go with mashed potatoes, I like to use either beef or chicken stock. I also add some chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the gravy for extra flavor.

If you want to get really fancy, you can even make a pan gravy using the drippings from your steak.

Coq Au Vin

Coq Au Vin is a French dish that traditionally consists of chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and red wine.

The chicken is cooked in red wine, which gives it a deep, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes.

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to eat, which makes it perfect for a busy weeknight.

Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is another excellent option for what to serve with mashed potatoes.

The crispy, crunchy texture of the fried chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes. And, if you happen to have any gravy leftover from your steak, you can use it to top your mashed potatoes and fried chicken.

When making fried chicken to go with mashed potatoes, I like to use a boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs.

You will find this the best type of chicken to use because it will cook evenly and quickly.

I also recommend using a simple batter made from flour, salt, and pepper. This will help to create a crispy coating on the chicken without adding too much flavor.

Bacon and Cheese

If you’re in the mood for a topping for your mashed potatoes, then bacon and cheese is the way to go.

The salty flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes. The sharpness of the cheese also helps to cut through the richness of the dish.

I prefer to use sharp cheddar cheese when making bacon and cheese mashed potatoes. However, you may use any type of cheese you choose, including mild cheddar.

I also recommend cooking the bacon in the oven until it is crisp. This will allow you to get evenly cooked bacon without having to stand over a hot stove.

Sweet And Savoury Sausage Curry

This meal is a fantastic alternative if you’re in search of something new.

It’s a sweet and savory sausage curry that is perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes. The sausage adds a rich flavor to the dish, while the curry helps to balance it out.

I love this dish because it is so easy to make and can be on the table in less than an hour.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover sausage that you might have.

If you choose this dish, I suggest you use a mild or sweet curry powder. This will ensure the flavor of the dish is not too overwhelming.

Roast Beef

Better than what an ordinary dish tastes like and is full of flavor, this dish is a great option for what to serve with mashed potatoes.

The key to making a good roast beef is to cook it slowly. This will help to tenderize the meat and make it easier to slice.

Use a well-marbled steak for this dish. This also means that there is a lot of fat running throughout the meat.

The fat will help to keep the roast beef juicy and flavorful.

I like to use a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder on roast beef for mashed potatoes. To deglaze the pan, I also recommend using red wine or beef stock. This will aid in the production of a delicious gravy for your mashed potatoes.

Balsamic Pork Chops

For a slightly different flavor, try balsamic pork chops.

The balsamic vinegar softens and sweetens the pork chops. This goes wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes.

I also like to add a little bit of green onion to give it some freshness.

If you’re going to make this dish, I suggest marinating the pork chops for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to infuse them with flavor.

Meatballs

I don’t think I will ever tire of meatballs.

They are such versatile dishes that can be used in so many different ways. And, when paired with mashed potatoes, they make for a perfect comfort food meal.

Meatballs are a wonderful addition to any meal, and there are several options when it comes to what sort of meat you may use.

I have made them with beef, pork, chicken, and even lamb. My favorite way to make meatballs is to use a mix of ground beef and pork.

I find that this gives the best flavor and texture.

Corned Beef

I like corned beef because it is a bit different than what most people think of when they think of beef.

It has a unique flavor that pairs well with the richness of mashed potatoes.

Corned beef is also very easy to cook. When it’s done, it’s usually tender and flavorful.

I like to serve my corned beef with mashed potatoes and a simple green salad.

Mashed Potato Toppings

Aha! This is the part you’ve been waiting for. Toppings!

Mashed potatoes are not complete without a delicious topping.

There are so many different options to choose from. You could go with the classic sour cream and chives, or get a little bit more adventurous and try one of these toppings:-Bacon bits

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • Caramelized onions
  • Roasted garlic
  • Fresh herbs

The possibilities are endless.

Slow-Cooked Vegetable And Lamb Casserole

The slow-cooked vegetables and lamb casserole greatly benefit from the addition of mashed potatoes.

The dish is packed with flavor and is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. I like to add a little fresh rosemary to the mix for more flavor.

If you are looking for a heartier option, you could also add some diced potatoes to the casserole. You’ll love it.

Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad

It is the salad for me, honestly. This is the perfect dish to help you get your greens in while still being filling and satisfying.

The kale salad is tossed with a light lemon dressing and Parmesan cheese. It is then topped with crispy roasted chickpeas.

I like to serve this salad with mashed potatoes, but it would also be great on its own or as a side dish.

Green beans and bacon

This is a classic pairing that can never go wrong. The smokiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the freshness of the green beans.

I like to add a little bit of garlic to my green beans for extra flavor. This dish is simple, but it is sure to please.

Meatloaf With Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping

Anywhere you would use regular mashed potatoes, you could use cheesy mashed potatoes.

So, why not add some meatloaf to it? This is a meal that will appeal to the whole family.

The cheesy mashed potatoes add a delicious and rich flavor to the dish. They also help to keep the meatloaf moist.

Miscellaneous Combinations

  1. Capsicum, Tomato And Chicken With Chorizo
  2. Meatloaf With Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping
  3. Filet Mignon on Fried Tomatoes
  4. Easy Family Shepherd’s Pie With Cheesy Mash
  5. Turkey Breast With Thyme And Lemon Gravy
  6. Whole Roasted Eye Fillet With Mustard, Parsley And Garlic Butter
  7. Chipolata Sausages In Tomato, Onion And Spinach Sauce
  8. Beef Stroganoff In Garlic Cob Loaf “The Cobanoff”
  9. Spiced Lamb And Winter Vegetable Tray Bake With Yoghurt, Pine Nuts And Herbs
  10. Kielbasa and Mushroom Skillet
  11. Rich Aussie Beef And Veggie Casserole
  12. Herb Crusted Pork Cutlets With Veggie Medley
  13. Bangers And Mash Pie
  14. Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole
  15. Slow-Cooked Vegetable And Lamb Casserole

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you reheat mashed potatoes?

Mashed potatoes can be reheated, but they will not be as good as when they were first made. If you do reheat them, I recommend adding a little bit of milk or cream to them to help restore some of the moisture that was lost.

What can I feed my vegetarian friend?

There are plenty of options for what to serve your vegetarian friend. Some really good options include roasted vegetables, grilled cheese sandwiches, and vegetable soup.

What is the best way to store leftover mashed potatoes?

Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Conclusion

Mashed potatoes are a classic dish. They are creamy, comforting, and satisfying. They can be dressed up or down, depending on what you are looking for.

There are so many different ways to enjoy them. But you need to keep a few things in mind when you are planning your meal.

  • What kind of flavor are you looking for? Mashed potatoes can be pretty bland on their own, so you’ll want something that complements without overwhelming them.
  • What kind of texture are you looking for? Mashed potatoes are usually pretty smooth, so you’ll want to find something with a contrasting texture. Something crunchy or chewy can be a good option.
  • What kind of temperature are you looking for? Mashed potatoes are usually served hot, so you’ll want to find something that can be served at the same temperature.

No matter what you’re serving – beef, chicken, pork, fish, or vegetables – there’s a mashed potato dish out there for you.

Andrew

Chef