Mashed potatoes are one of the best comfort foods.
They are also one of the most common side dishes served alongside another dish eaten at a meal – contrary to how some people believe mashed potatoes are THE meal.
The main ingredients in mashed potatoes are butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
Potatoes are the star of this dish, with a little help from butter, milk, or cream to add extra flavor.
Sometimes, when you eat mashed potatoes, all you can taste is butter and salt.
This is not always a bad thing, because who doesn’t love salt and butter? However, sometimes you want to have the delicious flavor of the potatoes shine through.
When serving mashed potatoes as a side dish, you must pick your accompanying items wisely.
A good combination will not only taste great together but also complement each other.
Here are seven recipes that go well with mashed potatoes, read on to find out which ones they are.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Mashed Potatoes?
Mashed potatoes are a delicious addition to dinner menus everywhere.
They are easy to make, inexpensive, and can be used in place of other starches, such as rice or pasta.
Unfortunately, they also have the unfortunate tendency to lose their appeal quickly.
Spouses may begin snacking on them while they wait for dinner; children may become bored and want to leave the table before dinner is served, and guests may lose interest in them altogether.
To avoid these problems, a few different side dishes can be offered with mashed potatoes or served as a replacement for other starches on the menu.
These side dishes will add variety to the meal and keep everyone at the table until the main course is served.
It’s important to note that the side dishes should complement, not compete with, the starches or main course.
What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes? 7 BEST Side Dishes
So without further ado, here are the eight best side dishes to serve with mashed potatoes:
1 – Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
Green beans with toasted almonds is an excellent side dish that will add a touch of class and sophistication to any meal.
The green beans are crisp and fresh, the almonds provide a nutritious crunch, and garlic adds spice to the mix.
You can choose to cut the green beans and garlic into small pieces, but leaving them larger provides a nice contrast of textures.
Salt is an essential ingredient in this dish; it brings out the flavors rather than overwhelming them or making them taste salty.
This side dish would be particularly good with any grilled meat, such as chicken or beef.
2 – Goat Cheese Polenta
Goat cheese polenta is a creamy, cheesy side dish that is rich and delicious.
Goat cheese itself has an earthy taste, making the flavors in this dish complex but not overwhelming.
The polenta is soft and smooth, but it can be a bit heavy, so serving this with lighter meat, such as chicken or trout, will help to keep the meal from being too heavy overall.
This dish is also easy to prepare and cooks quickly in a saucepan on the stovetop.
3 – Roasted Beef or Chicken Gravy
Roasted beef or chicken gravy is a savory, creamy sauce that will add depth of flavor to any dish that you pour it on.
It also adds moisture and richness without becoming greasy like some other types of gravy can be.
The roast drippings give the gravy a rich color; not only does this make it more visually appealing, but it also makes the flavors in the gravy much more complex.
Once you have removed any unwanted pieces from the drippings, add a bit of flour and a splash of red wine.
Simmer until thickened, and then pour in your meat juice or chicken drippings before bringing it to a boil.
This is an excellent companion to mashed potatoes or even meatloaf.
4 – Leek and Cheddar Quiche
Leek and cheddar quiche is an excellent alternative to the traditional potato side dish at a casual dinner party.
The creamy texture of this quiche combines with the flavor of the leeks perfectly, making it light but not flavorless.
While the texture of leeks is more delicate than onions, they have a similar level of flavor.
This recipe does not contain any potatoes, so it is the perfect side dish for people on low carbohydrate diets or if you prefer to serve something different than what everyone else is eating.
5 – Arugula Salad with Parmesan Cheese
Arugula salad with parmesan cheese is an excellent way to serve a simple green salad without making it appear too plain.
The arugula’s sharp, slightly bitter flavor offsets the cheese’s richness, and vinaigrette dressing adds extra flavor without overpowering anything else in the dish.
You can also choose to add some fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries.
This is an excellent side dish for any meal because it goes well with both light and heavy tastes; if you are serving something spicy, like jambalaya, adding this salad will help balance the flavors.
6 – Roasted Vegetables
A vegetable side dish is another excellent alternative to using potatoes.
Roasted vegetables are easy to make and can provide a full range of flavors, textures, and colors for your guests to enjoy.
Choose from zucchini, carrots, onions, potatoes, or any other veggies that you like and prepare them according to your preferred roasting method.
Roasted vegetables can be served with nearly any type of meat and go well with most sauces.
This is a perfect side dish for informal and formal dinners alike and can be altered to fit nearly any dietary preference or food allergy.
7 – Wild Rice Pilaf
An easy way to dress up rice, wild rice pilaf is a great alternative to plain white rice if you are looking for something a little bit more exciting.
The tartness of the cranberries compliments the slightly nutty flavor of the rice perfectly.
If you add a few pieces of toasted pine nuts, this dish will have a complex, buttery taste without being overwhelming.
As with any side dish containing rice, be sure to double-check on your guests’ preferences before you serve this to avoid any unexpected allergens.
This is an excellent choice for vegetarians or people who are simply looking for something different than regular white rice.
Conclusion
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with many different main courses.
However, if you are looking for something just a bit different to serve the next time you have guests over, consider one of these seven excellent alternatives.
From cranberries and pine nuts to roasted vegetables, there is something for everyone in this list of the best possible accompanying dishes to serve with your mashed potatoes.
So, next time you are looking for a side dish to go perfectly with your main course, try one of these eight suggestions.
You won’t be disappointed.
What To Serve With Mashed Potatoes? 7 BEST Side Dishes
Ingredients
- Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
- Goat Cheese Polenta
- Roasted Beef or Chicken Gravy
- Leek and Cheddar Quiche
- Arugula Salad with Parmesan Cheese
- Roasted Vegetables
- Wild Rice Pilaf
Instructions
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list of options.
- Organize all required ingredients and prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less!