What Goes With Baked Potatoes? 9 Great Meals 2025

Baked potatoes are a comforting and versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of flavors to create a satisfying meal. Their crispy skin and fluffy interior offer the perfect base for both hearty and light toppings, making them a great choice for any occasion.

From savory proteins to fresh vegetables, there are endless ways to elevate your baked potato. Whether you enjoy it as a side or make it the star of the plate, these meal ideas will show you what goes with baked potatoes for a delicious and well-rounded meal.

1. Grilled BBQ Chicken With Sautéed Asparagus

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. If using a barbecue, heat it to medium heat; otherwise, preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC).

2. Once heated, wash the potatoes and place them directly on the oven rack to bake. Bake for about 40–50 minutes or until tender in the middle.

3. In the meantime, season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Cook the chicken on the barbecue or in the oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF in the center of the thickest piece of chicken.

5. Baste the chicken with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes.

6. While the chicken cooks, trim and chop the asparagus.

7. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the asparagus with salt and pepper for 5–7 minutes until tender.

8. Optional: Add a splash of white wine and chopped garlic while the asparagus cooks for added flavor.

9. Bake the potatoes until soft, about 45 minutes, then slice open and fluff the insides.

10. Top the potatoes with sour cream and sprinkle with chives or parsley.

Overview 🔍

BBQ chicken and asparagus make a flavorful and balanced meal when paired with baked potatoes. The smoky, tangy chicken is complemented by the fresh, tender asparagus, creating a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors. The creamy sour cream and fresh herbs on the baked potatoes tie the meal together beautifully.

This pairing is perfect for lunch or dinner, offering a combination of protein, greens, and comforting carbohydrates. The BBQ sauce enhances the chicken’s juiciness, while the asparagus adds a healthy, crisp element. Together with the baked potatoes, this dish provides a well-rounded and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare.

2. Crispy Salmon With Herb-Infused Veggies

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Wash and bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for 45–50 minutes until soft.

3. While the potatoes bake, chop the broccoli and carrots. Toss them with 2 tbsp olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 30–40 minutes.

5. Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.

6. Cook the salmon skin-side down for 3–4 minutes, basting with melted butter, then flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

7. Top the potatoes with sour cream and serve alongside the salmon and veggies.

Overview 🔍

Salmon with crispy skin and roasted veggies is a fresh and satisfying combination with baked potatoes. The rich, buttery salmon balances beautifully with the fragrant roasted broccoli and carrots, creating an indulgent and healthy meal.

Baked potatoes with creamy sour cream provide a hearty base that complements the salmon’s crispiness and the herby flavors of the veggies. This dish is ideal for seafood lovers looking for a well-rounded, nutritious meal. The lemon juice brightens the salmon while the roasted veggies add a wholesome crunch, making this pairing a great addition to any dinner party.

3. Loaded Baked Potato Wedges With Avocado & Cheddar Cheese

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Wash and dry the produce.

2. Line a sheet pan with foil. Cut the potatoes into 1-inch-wide wedges and transfer them to the sheet pan.

3. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and the spice blend. Toss to coat.

4. Arrange the potatoes in an even layer, skin side down, and roast for 22 minutes.

5. Grate the cheese on the large side of a box grater.

6. Once the potatoes are done, top evenly with the grated cheese.

7. Return the potatoes to the oven and roast for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the potatoes are tender.

8. Meanwhile, halve the lime and slice the scallions, separating the white bottoms and green tops.

9. Halve and pit the avocado, scoop out the flesh, and mash with lime juice and white scallion bottoms. Season with salt and pepper.

10. Chop the peppadew peppers and finely chop the jalapeño.

11. In a bowl, combine the sour cream and chopped jalapeño.

12. Once the potatoes are done, top with the mashed avocado, jalapeño sour cream, chopped peppadew peppers, and sliced green scallion tops.

13. Serve with the remaining lime half on the side.

Overview 🔍

This recipe from Blue Apron is a vibrant, satisfying, and flavorful dish. The crispy, spiced wedges are loaded with creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, and zesty pickled peppers, creating a medley of bold flavors and textures. The spice blend adds a flavorful kick, making each bite satisfying and fresh.

Perfect as a stand-alone dish or side, this recipe combines rich cheddar with refreshing lime-infused avocado for a delightful contrast. The scallions and peppers add a fresh and tangy kick, while the golden-baked wedges bring a comforting crunch. This dish elevates your meal with a mix of indulgence and freshness.

4. Herb-Buttered Baked Potatoes With Freshly Chopped Chives

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Wash and dry the potatoes.

2. Pierce the potatoes with a fork and place them directly on the oven rack.

3. Bake the potatoes for 50–60 minutes, or until soft when pierced with a fork.

4. While the potatoes bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.

5. Add the herbs to the melted butter and stir to combine.

6. Once the potatoes are done, slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork.

7. Spoon the herb-butter mixture over the potatoes and season with salt and pepper.

8. Top with sour cream and freshly chopped chives.

Overview 🔍

These baked potatoes brushed with herb butter are a flavorful side dish. The creamy, rich butter infused with fresh herbs enhances the softness of the potatoes, making each bite satisfying and fragrant.

The sour cream adds a cool and creamy contrast to the warm potatoes, while the chives offer a fresh, mild onion flavor. This dish is simple yet elegant, making it a great accompaniment to any main course and a perfect way to elevate your baked potatoes.

5. Chicken & Bacon Baked Potato Casserole

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Wash and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain and return to the pot.

3. While the potatoes cook, steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside.

4. In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Cook the bacon until crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels.

5. Add the chopped chicken breast to the same pan, sprinkle with fry seasoning and garlic powder, and cook until browned, or about 5–7 minutes.

6. In a large bowl, mash the potatoes with butter and sour cream, then fold in the cooked chicken and broccoli.

7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with cheddar cheese. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle it over the casserole along with freshly chopped chives.

Overview 🔍

For a hearty, comforting dish, perfect for the family, try this casserole. The creamy mashed potatoes, tender chicken, and crispy bacon combine to create a flavorful casserole, while the melted cheddar adds a rich, gooey finish.

With a hint of garlic and fry seasoning, this dish brings a savory twist to classic baked potatoes, making it a satisfying meal on its own. The addition of broccoli offers a touch of freshness and nutrition, rounding out this indulgent dish.

6. Grilled Ribeye Steak With Roasted Garlic & Veggies

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

2. Wash and scrub the potatoes, then pierce with a fork. Wrap in aluminum foil and bake in the oven at 400°F for 40–45 minutes until tender.

3. Season the ribeye steaks with salt, pepper, and olive oil.

4. Grill the steaks for 4–5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer to your preferred doneness.

5. While the steaks cook, peel and chop the carrots. Trim the asparagus.

6. Heat a baking sheet in the oven. Drizzle the carrots and asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through.

7. Once the potatoes are done, remove from the foil, and slice open. Add butter and season with salt, pepper, and freshly chopped chives.

8. Serve the grilled steak alongside the roasted veggies and potatoes.

Overview 🔍

Grilled ribeye steak pairs beautifully with the creamy, satisfying texture of baked potatoes. It offers a smoky, rich taste, combined with baked potato, making them a perfect complement. It’s a classic dish that delivers bold flavors and an elegant presentation.

The potatoes’ mild flavor balances the savory intensity of the steak and roasted garlic while adding a hearty element to the meal. Combined with the fresh, roasted veggies, this dish offers an impressive and comforting dining experience.

7. Garlicky Sautéed Shrimp With Mixed Salad Greens

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the potatoes with a fork and bake them directly on the oven rack for 45–50 minutes until tender.

2. While the potatoes bake, peel and devein the shrimp, if necessary. Pat them dry and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Mince the garlic cloves and slice the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion thinly. Set the vegetables aside.

4. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and fully cooked. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss to coat.

6. In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss with balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.

7. Serve the garlicky sautéed shrimp alongside the baked potatoes and mixed salad greens for a light yet satisfying meal.

Overview 🔍

For a fresh and flavorful dish that’s super easy and quick, I recommend this shrimp with mixed greens. The shrimp’s rich garlic and lemon flavors are perfectly complemented by the hearty, creamy texture of baked potatoes.

The potatoes provide a satisfying, starchy base that balances the lightness of the salad and shrimp, making the dish feel complete and well-rounded. Together, these elements create a harmonious combination of crisp, savory, and comforting flavors.

8. Pulled Pork on Brioche Buns With Crispy Coleslaw

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Trim excess fat from the pork. Place in a slow cooker or Dutch oven.

2. Add 1 cup of BBQ sauce, season with salt and pepper, cover, and cook on low for 6 hours or at 300°F (150°C) in the oven for 4-5 hours.

3. When the pork is about one hour away from being done, place washed potatoes directly on an oven rack to bake. Bake for 40-50 minutes until golden and crisp.

4. Once done, shred the cooked pork. Mix with remaining BBQ sauce to taste.

5. To make the coleslaw, shred cabbages, carrots, and onion using a knife or food processor, and combine with salt, pepper, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.

6. Toast brioche buns lightly. Fill with pulled pork. Cut the potatoes open and top with butter, sour cream, and chives. Serve everything together and enjoy!

Overview 🔍

Pulled pork sandwiches and baked potatoes are a match made in comfort food heaven. Smoky, tender pork piled high on a soft brioche bun mingles perfectly with the rich, earthy potatoes. A dollop of sour cream on the potatoes adds just the right amount of creaminess, enhancing the BBQ flavors in every bite.

The crispy coleslaw brings a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness, offering a satisfying crunch with every forkful. Its tangy bite provides the perfect contrast to the smoky pork and fluffy potatoes, lifting the entire dish with a lightness that ties it all together.

9. Savory Beef & Pork Smash Burgers on Brioche Buns

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF or 180ºC. Once heated, place washed potatoes directly on an oven rack.

2. In the meantime, season the ground beef and pork with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and divide into 4 equal portions.

3. Shape the portions into balls, then press them flat into patties with your hands or a spatula.

4. Cook the patties in the skillet for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Add a slice of cheddar cheese to each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt.

5. Slice the red onion thinly and combine Dijon mustard and mayonnaise in a small bowl.

6. Toast the brioche buns in the skillet for 1–2 minutes until golden.

7. Assemble the burgers by spreading the mustard-mayo mixture on the buns, adding the cooked patties, and topping with red onion. Serve with baked potatoes and fries on the side.

Overview 🔍

The juicy patties made from beef and pork pair perfectly with the comforting, starchy baked potatoes, creating a hearty meal that satisfies all appetites. Add melted cheddar cheese to the burger and crispy fries on the side, and you've got a well-rounded dish that complements the baked potato’s flavor.

Baked potatoes get a delightful upgrade with this burger combo. The tender, fluffy potatoes serve as the perfect base, while the crispy fries and tangy mustard-mayo sauce bring freshness and crunch. With each bite, the savory burger, potatoes, and sides come together to create a satisfying, flavor-packed experience.

FAQ

Is a baked potato a balanced meal?

A baked potato alone isn't a balanced meal, but when paired with protein and vegetables, it becomes one. For instance, in the Salmon with Roasted Vegetables and Baked Potatoes, the creamy potato complements the rich, buttery salmon and herby roasted vegetables, creating a well-rounded, nutritious dish. The salmon provides protein and healthy fats, while the vegetables add fiber and vitamins, making the baked potato an ideal base for a balanced and satisfying meal.

What do you pair with baked potatoes?

Baked potatoes pair well with savory meats, fresh vegetables, or creamy toppings. For a complete meal, consider adding rich proteins like pulled pork, steak, or chicken, along with a fresh side. For example, Pulled Pork on Brioche Buns With Crispy Coleslaw pairs perfectly with baked potatoes. The tender, BBQ-infused pork and tangy coleslaw complement the creamy, soft texture of the potatoes, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

What can I eat my potatoes with?

Baked potatoes go great with proteins, salads, or grilled veggies. They’re versatile and complement a wide range of dishes. For example, Savory Beef & Pork Smash Burgers on Brioche Buns are an excellent pairing. The savory, cheesy smash burgers are the perfect contrast to the fluffy baked potatoes, creating a fulfilling and satisfying meal.