67 Versatile And Quick Potato Side Dishes For Dinner Tonight

No supper is complete without a wholesome starch.

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Updated on November 1, 2023

Fried Skillet Potatoes — Photo: Caitlin Bensel

Here's the thing about potatoes: They deserve every ounce of praise we give them. Whether they're mashed or hashed, baked, or battered—or, yes, even frittered—potatoes can fill in the gaps of any weeknight supper, dinner party, or holiday meal. And that's a pretty impressive feat, considering all they really need is cheese, cream, and something crunchy on top. Simply put, the potato is the perfect vessel for dinnertime success.

In the South, no summer cookout is complete without potato salad, and every Christmas gathering needs a potful of buttermilk mashed potatoes. Not to mention, you haven't lived until you've tried to make our Melting Potatoes. We've rounded up some of our greatest potato side dishes of all time, and you'll find all of your classic favorites and plenty of new ones, too. From Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes to Twice-Cooked Sweet Potatoes with Citrus and Honey, these potato sides are easy, delicious, and downright spud-tacular—and they're serving you many days of weeknight dinner inspiration.

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Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Logs

Chicken Fried Mississippi Potato Logs — Excerpted from The Global Pantry Cookbook: Transform Your Everyday Cooking with Tahini, Gochujang, Miso, and Other Irresistible Ingredients by Ann Taylor Pittman and Scott Mowbray. Workman Publishing Â© 2023.

Also known as "party potatoes," these potato logs are a true crowd pleaser. Thick wedges of baked potato that are battered and fried like chicken tenders,

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Smashed Fried Potatoes With Field Peas And Corn

Southern Living Smashed Fried Potatoes with Field Peas and Corn on a tray to serve — James Ransom, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Andrea Fanning

Give these crispy smashed potatoes a fresh element with a succotash-inspired corn and field pea relish on top.

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Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice Baked Potatoes — Antonis Achilleos

These cheesy boats of heaven will have you rethinking basic baked potatoes.

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Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Cheesy Potato Casserole — Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

A mashed potato casserole without cheese? Once you've tried this, you wouldn't dare.

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Ranch Potato Salad

Southern Living Ranch Potato Salad in a bowl to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Give this classic barbecue side dish a rich, herby update. The creamy homemade ranch dressing, Cheddar cheese, and bacon mesh together to make a potato salad reminiscent of a loaded baked potato.

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Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries — Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

You don't need a deep-fryer or even an air fryer to make crispy sweet potato fries in a flash.

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Roasted Potato Salad

Roasted Potato Salad — Joy Howard

A tasty potato salad doesn't always need mayonnaise. The roasted potatoes mixed with the tangy Dijon vinaigrette makes for a fresh, lightened up version of the classic Southern side dish.

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Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites Recipe

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Sausage balls are a Southern favorite on any appetizer table, and this recipe adds some delicious twists to your standard sausage ball. The earthiness of the sweet potatoes and spice from the chorizo makes for a unique, addicting side dish that all will love.

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Sweet Potato Rolls

sweet potato rolls - southern living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

If you're willing to put in some time, these sweet potato rolls are gorgeous, delicious side that will be the star of your dinner spread. Made just like regular yeast rolls, the sweet potatoes add an earthy flavor that truly elevates this side dish.

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Loaded Potato Soup

Southern Living Loaded Potato Soup in bowls to serve — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Creamy soups are some of the most comforting dishes on a chilly night, and this loaded potato soup is a hearty, savory side dish that'll be gone quick.

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Crispy Potato Galette

Crispy Potato Galette — Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Crispy, creamy, and totally Instagram-worthy side dish will impress your family.

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Microwave Baked Potato

baked potato on a plate — Caitlin Bensel

In 10 minutes, you can make fluffy, tender baked potatoes with the help of the microwave. The toppings are up to you, but classic choices include butter, salt, and pepper.

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Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes — Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

This easy side dish only takes 10 minutes of hands-on time and six ingredients.

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Hasselback Sweet Potato Casserole

Hasselback Sweet Potato Casserole — Photo: Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

You're going to love this tasty twist on sweet potato casserole. It's not overly sweet, and the added texture will be much appreciated.

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Super Crispy Smashed Potatoes

baked smashed potatoes — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Use a sheet pan to make the cooking process for these smashed potatoes even easier.

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Red Potato Salad

Red Potato Salad — Antonis Achilleos

Fresh herbs balance out the rich flavor that bacon gives this new potato salad recipe.

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Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole — ALISON MIKSCH; PROP STYLING: SARAH ELIZABETH CLEVELAND; FOOD STYLING: MELISSA GRAY

Twice-baked potatoes are a dinnertime favorite for a reason. Put them to work in this flavor-packed casserole.

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Meringue-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

Southern Living Sweet Potato Casserole with a lightly torched meringue topping — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

A stalwart on holiday tables, the sweet potato casserole gets an elegant meringue topping in this family-favorite recipe.

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Herbed Potato Stacks

Herbed Potato Stacks Recipe — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: William Smith

Baked in a muffin pan, these potato towers are easier than you think—and only require a short ingredient list. Expect them to come out wonderfully crispy on the outside, yet creamy and tender on the inside.

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Potato Hash

Potato Hash — Hector Sanchez

This hash goes easily from brunch to dinner, which puts it high on the list of "greatest-ever."

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Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes and Smashed Baby Red Potatoes — Southern Living

You'll be wondering why you haven't been putting goat cheese in your mashed potatoes all along. It's a game changer.

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Skillet-Toasted Gnocchi with Peas

Skillet-Toasted Gnocchi with Peas — Victor Protasio

This simple side dish will be ready in 30 minutes. Usually just boiled, gnocchi is so much better when the pillowy potato bites are toasted in a skillet.

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Deviled Potatoes

Deviled Potatoes — Hector Sanchez

Two Southern classics, deviled eggs and potato salad, join forces to create these two-bite wonders.

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Fennel-and-Potato Gratin

Fennel-and-Potato Gratin — Jennifer Davick

This fancy-ish version of potato gratin packs its weight in flavor, thanks to the addition of fennel and the tiniest touch of nutmeg.

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Crispy Potatoes

Crispy Potatoes — Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Katelyn Hardwick

Pair all-purpose potatoes with sweet potatoes for a more interesting version of weeknight roasted spuds.

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Tangy Potato-Green Bean Salad

Tangy Potato-Green Bean Salad — Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This potato salad is spring-ready. We replace the usual mayo-heavy dressing with a zingy lemon-dill vinaigrette.

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Zucchini-Potato Casserole

Zucchini-Potato Casserole — Iain Bagwell

Serve this beautiful centerpiece of layered vegetables at every affair, from spring party to holiday feast.

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Baby Hasselback Potatoes with Blue Cheese and Bacon

Cornmeal Popovers — Laurey W. Glenn; Food Styling: William Smith; Prop Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

This recipe is already to-die-for, but a duo of blue cheese and bacon tips the scale over into side dish greatness.

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Potato-Bacon Hash

Potato-Bacon Hash — Stephen DeVries, Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Enter: the perfect hash. With bell peppers and bacon, this potato recipe works just as well served with fried eggs for brunch as any hearty, simple protein for dinner.

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Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Bacon — Alison Miksch

This oh-so easy side dish is a crowd-pleaser. (And not just thanks to the bacon.)

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Potato Gratin with Rosemary Crust

Potato Gratin with Rosemary Crust, christmas recipes — Jennifer Davick

This herb-filled recipe looks just as good as it tastes.

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Potatoes Patio

Potatoes Patio — Iain Bagwell

This recipe is the dressed-up version of your cheesy potato casserole, with a mixture of Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses.

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Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes — Southern Living

If you never thought "make-ahead" and "mashed potatoes" could go together in a sentence, think again. This recipe will save you so much stress.

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Hot Potato Salad

Hot Potato Salad — Helen Norman

This warmed-up casserole version of potato salad is just the refresh the classic Southern side needs.

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Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes — Beth Dreiling Hontzas

This recipe is a weeknight classic. Hint: You'll know it's done when it's bubbly, melty, and golden brown. Yum.

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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries — Photography, and Food Styling: Karen Rankin

All you need to enjoy crispy sweet potato fries is olive oil, salt, and cooking spray.

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Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham — Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This versatile, comforting potato casserole is the perfect vehicle for your leftover Easter ham.

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Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole — Southern Living

We love having our slow cooker on hand for the busy holiday season.

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Potato Salad with Dijon and Scallions

Potato Salad with Dijon and Scallions — Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This is the most colorful and flavorful potato salad you'll make for cookout season.

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Sweet Potato Soufflé

Sweet Potato Soufflé — Micah Leal

This creamy soufflé is topped with a crunchy, sweet pecan mixture.

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Mashed Potatoes and Rutabaga with Collards

Mashed Potatoes and Rutabaga with Collards — Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Three vegetables meet in one creamy side dish that tastes indulgent but is actually packed with some good-for-you nutrients.

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Creamy Whipped Potato Casserole

Creamy Whipped Potato Casserole — Atonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Our Test Kitchen said this is the fluffiest mashed potato casserole they've ever created.

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Hash Brown Patties

Hash Brown Patties — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Prissy Lee

Frozen shredded hash browns become something beautiful when made into crispy, golden patties.

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Melting Sweet Potatoes

Melting Sweet Potatoes — Atonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

If you're over the usual sweet potato casserole you serve on holidays, try serving something new and beautiful.

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Deviled Egg-Potato Salad

Deviled Egg Potato Salad — Antonis Achilleos

We combined two Southern favorites—deviled eggs and potato salad—in this side dish that will be the star of every summer supper.

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Fried Skillet Potatoes

Fried Skillet Potatoes — Caitlin Bensel

These crispy potatoes are delicious at breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

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Andrew's Potato Latkes

Andrew’s Potato Latkes — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell

This no-fuss latkes recipe will be your go-to way to whip up a batch.

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Perini Ranch Steakhouse Southern Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar Pecans

Perini Ranch Steakhouse's Southern Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar Pecans — Robbie Caponetto; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Tom Perini of the Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, Texas, shared his family recipe that's been feeding happy guests for more than 37 years.

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Mashed Potato Casserole

Mashed Potato Casserole — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Kay E. Clarke; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey

This mashed potato casserole will go with basically any main dish you serve. Instead of one or the other, we topped it with breadcrumbs and crispy fried onions.

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Oven-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Oven-Baked Sweet Potatoes — Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

A little bit of seasoning and butter make for an easy, delicious way to cook sweet potatoes at dinnertime.

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Air Fryer French Fries

Air Fryer French Fries — Caitlin Bensel

What's the point in having an Air Fryer if you don't use it to make French fries that are better-than-takeout?

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Potato Salad with Sweet Pickles

Potato Salad with Sweet Pickles — Southern Living

Sweet pickles add a zesty, tangy kick to this simple potato salad recipe.

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Make-Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole

Make-Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole — Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

You can prep this sweet potato casserole up to four days in advance to help you out before a big holiday.

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Mashed Potato Cakes

Mashed Potato Cakes — Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

We'd happily enjoy these patties at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

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Instant Pot Potato Salad

Instant Pot Potato Salad — Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin

Your Instant Pot helps make classic potato salad quicker than ever.

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Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Vidalia Onions

Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Vidalia Onions — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

For family members who are lactose-intolerant, holidays can feel unbearable with all the heavy cream-laden food. Treat them to classic mashed potatoes with a dairy-free, caramelized onion-filled spin.

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Melting Potatoes

Melting Potatoes — Micah A. Leal

Melting potatoes have become an internet sensation—and now you'll understand why. These are deliciously crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.

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Grilled Sweet Potato Fries

Grilled Sweet Potato Fries — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Sweet potato fries are transformed when cooked on the grill and topped with honey and queso fresco.

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Basic Baked Potato

baked potatoes — Geshas/Getty Images

Every cook needs to know how to make a Basic Baked Potato, and this recipe will be your guide.

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Sweet Potato Stacks

Sweet Potato Stacks — Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

This grown-up, gorgeous version of your favorite sweet potato casserole is perfect for personal portioning.

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Grilled Potatoes

Southern Living Grilled Potatoes on a plate to serve — Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

A kiss from a hot grill takes the flavor of these potatoes up several notches.

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Honey-Buttered Goguma Casserole With Turmeric

Southern Living Honey-Buttered Goguma Casserole With Turmeric in the pan with a serving taken out — Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

Korean sweet potatoes take center stage in cookbook author and New York Times food staff writer Eric Kim's recipe for Honey-Buttered Goguma Casserole With Turmeric.

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Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Funeral Potatoes

While you don't have to serve this casserole at a funeral, it gets its name from its popularity at bring-a-dish functions, as well as the reliable dose of comfort it provides.

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Two-Potato Gratin

Two-Potato Gratin — Hector Sanchez

What's better than one type of potato in a gratin? Two! Add Yukon gold to sweet potatoes for a celebration of everyone's favorite side.

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Smokey Sweet Potato Mashed Potato Bake

Mashed Potato Bakes — Jennifer Davick

Try your hand at this mashed potato bake recipe for a melange of flavors both savory and sweet.

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Hash Brown Casserole

Hash Brown Casserole, hashbrown casserole recipe — Southern Living

Few potato side dishes have the versatility of hash brown casserole. It can work for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

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Chipotle Scalloped Potatoes

Chipotle Scalloped Potatoes — Hector Sanchez

This addition of chipotle gives these scalloped potatoes a deliciously smoky kick.

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