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    Home » Side dishes

    20 Easy Potato Sides That Take Make Any Meal Better

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated May 20, 2026 · Published May 29, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Potatoes are a versatile side that can complement any meal, whether it's a casual dinner or a festive gathering. From crispy roasted varieties to creamy mashed options, there are countless ways to prepare them. Here are 20 easy potato sides that can add flavor and variety to your table.

    Cast Iron Potatoes

    Cast iron potatoes.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Cast Iron Potatoes are a great side dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. They're ideal for breakfast or any meal, and they're both vegan and gluten-free.

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    Country Potatoes

    Country potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Country Potatoes are a quick and flavorful side dish that you can make in just 15 minutes using leftover boiled potatoes. With simple seasonings you probably already have at home, this diner-style dish is sure to please.

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    Smashed Potatoes

    Smashed potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Smashed Potatoes are full of garlic flavor and are a crispy, cheesy side dish that's easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. They're perfect for adding a tasty touch to any meal.

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    Mexican Potatoes

    MExican. potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Mexican Potatoes are a quick and easy side dish that you can make in less than an hour, whether in the oven or an air fryer. Seasoned with lime and cilantro, they go great with sour cream or a refreshing sauce.

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    Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

    Sour cream mashed potatoes.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Sour cream mashed potatoes are a tasty twist on the classic recipe. They're just as easy to make and add a nice creaminess that pairs well with any meal, whether it's a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner.

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    Mashed Potato Casserole

    Mashed Potato Casserole
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This mashed potato casserole is rich and cheesy, making it a great side dish or a way to use up leftover potatoes. It can also be prepared ahead of time for added convenience.

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    Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

    Baby potatoes in a bowl.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Baby Potatoes are quick and easy to prepare in under 20 minutes. These small, crispy potatoes are perfect for any meal and are nicely seasoned with salt, reminiscent of Canarian "Papas Arrugadas."

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    Air Fryer Rosti

    A potato cake on a plate.
    Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

    Air fryer potato rosti is a delicious side dish that uses just 5 easy ingredients. You can have it on your table in only 20 minutes!

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    Honey Miso Garlic Roasted Potatoes

    Honey Miso Garlic Roasted Potatoes.
    Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks.

    Roasted potatoes topped with a tasty honey miso garlic sauce that caramelizes nicely, adding a delicious kick. This is a great side dish that everyone will enjoy.

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    Mashed Potatoes Without Milk

    A bowl of mashed potatoes.

    The best mashed potatoes without milk have no extra ingredients - just more butter! Done in under 30 minutes these mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish and will have you wanting to finish them all by yourself.

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    Greek Potatoes

    Greek potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Greek-style roasted potatoes are packed with zesty lemon, fragrant oregano, and savory garlic. Topped with melted Feta cheese, these tasty potatoes are a great side dish for any meal.

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    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    Photo Credit: inquiring chef.

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are steamed to perfection, making them soft and easy to mash without getting soggy. This method gives you creamy potatoes that are great for any meal.

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    Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    Potato wedges.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer potato wedges are quick to prepare and ready in just 15 minutes. With a sprinkle of salt and a touch of olive oil, they offer a healthier choice while still being deliciously crispy.

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    Classic American Potato Salad

    Classic American Potato Salad
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    This classic American potato salad is a great side for summer BBQs. With boiled eggs and a creamy texture, it can be prepared in advance and tastes even better the next day.

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    Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

    Air fryer hasselback potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Hasselback Potatoes are a quick version of the classic Swedish side dish, ready in just 30 minutes. With garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to be a favorite you'll want to prepare often.

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    Boursin Mashed Potatoes

    A bowl of mashed potatoes.
    Photo credit: The Gourmet Bon Vivant.

    Boursin cheese adds a tasty twist to your mashed potatoes, turning them into a delightful side dish. This is a great way to elevate a classic favorite.

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    Potato Cauliflower Bake

    Potato Cauliflower Bake
    Photo credit: Lavender and Macarons.

    Drenched in a silky white sauce, sprinkled with Gruyere, and baked until perfection, this Potato And Cauliflower Gratin is the best side dish for any occasion.

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    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    An air fryer baked potato.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer baked potatoes are quick to make and have a soft, tasty inside with a crispy outside. With just three ingredients, this side dish is sure to become a favorite.

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    Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Potatoes

    A bowl of garlic herb potatoes.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This recipe is a great solution when your oven is full. It offers a simple way to prepare a delicious potato side dish without taking up extra space.

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    Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

    Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes are quick and easy to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. This side dish adds great flavor to any meal.

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    More Side Dish Recipes

    • Air fryer hasselback potatoes.
      39 Standout Sides That Take Steak Night to the Next Level
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      Potato Wedges with Feta Cheese & Olives
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      Easy Overnight Focaccia
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      3 Cheese Mac and Cheese

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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