13 Potato Sides That Shouldn’t Overshadow the Main Course (But Will)

Let’s talk about the real MVPs of the dinner table: those potato sides. We’ve got a list of 13 potato sides here that are so good, they might just steal the show from whatever main dish you’ve got planned. And yeah, we love our mains, but who can resist a perfectly done potato? So, as you get ready to explore these potato creations, be prepared. Your main dish might get a little jealous.

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup

A closeup of a bowl of Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup.
Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This soup is a comforting blend of the earthy flavors of cauliflower and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, making it a cozy companion to any meal. It’s a nutritional powerhouse, offering a creamy texture without heavy cream. Its subtle flavors are designed to complement, not compete with, your main course, yet it has the depth to stand out in its simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup

Steak & Potato Soup

Steak & Potato Soup in a black bowl.
Steak & Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A hearty combination of tender steak pieces and velvety potatoes, this soup brings the essence of comfort food to the table. It’s a robust side that pairs well with lighter mains, providing a balance of flavors and textures. While it promises to satisfy the heartiest of appetites, it’s crafted to enhance, not eclipse, the central dish.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Potato Soup

Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

A sweet potato on a plate with a fork.
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet potatoes, when cooked in an air fryer, emerge as a revelation – crispy on the outside and irresistibly soft on the inside. This method highlights the natural sweetness of the potatoes, making them a healthier alternative to traditional frying. They work as a quick, no-fuss side that can easily steal the spotlight from the main dish with their vibrant color and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Greek Lemon Garlic Potatoes in a black dish with lemon in the background.
Greek Lemon Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Infused with the zesty brightness of lemon and Mediterranean herbs, these potatoes offer a tangy twist that can lighten any meal. They’re roasted to perfection, achieving a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. This side dish provides a flavorful counterpoint to richer main courses, promising a palate-cleansing effect that’s hard to forget.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

Potato Cheese Bread

A top-down shot of Potato Cheese Bread with a few cut slices on a black platter.
Potato Cheese Bread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This bread melds the comforting flavors of potato and cheese into a soft, yet crusty loaf that’s irresistible. It serves as an excellent companion to any meal, capable of soaking up flavors or standing splendidly on its own. While it’s meant to be a side, don’t be surprised if it becomes a topic of conversation, thanks to its delightful texture and taste.
Get the Recipe: Potato Cheese Bread

Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Herbed potato salad on a white platter.
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This is not your ordinary potato salad; it’s elevated by the fresh flavors of herbs and the mild kick of green garlic. It serves as a refreshing side, perfect for balancing out heavier mains. Its lightness and flavor complexity ensure it complements rather than competes, though its unique taste profile may just earn it a spotlight of its own.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

A plate of breakfast casserole on a black plate.
Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This casserole brings together sausage and potatoes in a harmonious blend that’s hard to resist, even for the most dedicated egg avoiders. It’s savory, filling, and perfect for any meal where you desire a hearty side without overshadowing the main attraction. While it’s substantial enough to be a meal in itself, it excels as a complement to other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

A bowl of potatoes with sour cream & bacon.
Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine the ultimate comfort food duo: creamy sour cream and crispy bacon, paired with perfectly cooked potatoes. This combination yields a side dish that’s both comforting and luxurious, adding a decadent touch to any meal. While it’s designed to accompany your main dish, the rich flavors and contrasting textures make it a memorable part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine layers of thinly sliced potatoes, immersed in creamy, cheesy goodness, baked until golden and crispy. These stacks are a miniature twist on the classic au gratin, offering a personalized touch to your meal. They’re deceptively simple, yet their elegance belies their ease of preparation. Perfect for transforming any dinner into a more festive occasion without overshadowing the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

Two bowls of cream of butternut squash and sweet potato soup on a wooden table.
Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Blending the sweetness of butternut squash with the richness of sweet potatoes, this soup offers a creamy, comforting side that’s perfect for chilly evenings. It’s a velvety concoction that pairs seamlessly with both light and hearty mains, providing a gentle, warming contrast. While intended as a side, its depth of flavor and creamy texture are likely to capture your guests’ attention.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

Ninja Woodfire Grill Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes on a platter.
Ninja Woodfire Grill Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Taking the beloved smashed potato to new levels, this recipe uses the unique capabilities of a Ninja Woodfire Grill Air Fryer to imbue a smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate. The exterior gets exceptionally crispy, while the inside remains fluffy and soft, creating a delightful contrast in textures. They’re an innovative twist on a classic side, designed to complement any main dish without stealing the show. However, their distinctive taste and texture might just become the highlight of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grill Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Braised potatoes in a pan after cooking.
Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Slowly braised in a mixture of garlic and rosemary, these potatoes absorb every ounce of flavor, offering a tender bite that melts in your mouth. They are a testament to how simple ingredients can elevate a dish to new heights. Designed to accompany any main dish, they bring a subtle, aromatic presence that enhances without dominating.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Corned Beef Hash Casserole in a square baking dish.
Corned Beef Hash Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining the savory taste of corned beef with the heartiness of potatoes in a casserole form brings a touch of indulgence to the table. It’s a side dish that packs a punch of flavor, making it a memorable addition to breakfast or dinner. Even though it’s designed to complement the main course, its robust profile might just take center stage.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash Casserole

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