What Goes With Mashed Potatoes? Easy Recipes 2024

Mashed potatoes are more than just a creamy side – they’re a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. With the right accompaniments, mashed potatoes become the perfect complement to savory mains, fresh veggies, and flavorful sauces, transforming a simple meal into something extraordinary.

Mashed potatoes are a great base for many delicious combinations, from classic pairings with juicy steaks to creative twists with roasted vegetables. Explore these ideas for what goes with mashed potatoes and discover how this beloved dish can take your meals to the next level!

1. Garlic, Butter & Herb-Basted Striploin Steak With Mashed Potatoes

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Season steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

3. Sear steaks for 2–3 minutes per side, developing a golden crust.

4. Lower heat to medium, add butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the pan.

5. Tilt the pan and spoon melted butter over the steaks repeatedly for 2–3 minutes.

6. Check internal temperature; aim for 130°F (medium-rare). Adjust cooking time if needed.

7. Remove steaks and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Overview 🔍

This Garlic, Butter & Herb-Basted Striploin Steak is pure indulgence. Seared to a perfect golden crust, the steak gets basted in a rich blend of melted butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Every bite is packed with bold, savory flavors, while the butter ensures the steak stays tender and juicy. It’s a simple technique that transforms a good steak into something truly unforgettable. With this easy recipe, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Paired with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is a complete flavor experience. The buttery, herby steak perfectly complements the smooth, velvety texture of the potatoes. Together, they strike a balance between comfort and elegance, making them ideal for date nights, family dinners, or even holiday gatherings. It’s simple enough yet restaurant-quality, sure to impress anyone who joins your dinner party!

2. Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers With Creamy Mash

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Slice off the tops of the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and save the tops for optional use as lids.

3. Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water and cook according to package instructions; set aside to cool slightly.

4. Finely chop the onion and garlic.

5. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

6. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, half the shredded cheese, sautéed onion and garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

7. Lightly grease a baking dish and arrange bell peppers upright.

8. Stuff each pepper generously with the quinoa mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.

9. Place the tops of the peppers back on (optional) or sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.

10. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.

11. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly.

Overview 🔍

These Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers are as delicious as they are colorful. Packed with protein-rich quinoa and black beans, they’re seasoned with smoky cumin and chili powder for a flavor-packed filling. A generous sprinkle of cheese melts into every layer, creating a dish that’s hearty and satisfying.

The velvety mash balances the bold spices of the peppers, making it perfect for meatless dinners that still feel indulgent. Whether for weeknights or entertaining, this combination is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

3. Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Lower heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet.

4. Finely chop garlic and sauté in the butter for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Slice sun-dried tomatoes into strips and add them to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.

6. Pour in heavy cream and stir in dried oregano. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.

7. Add spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 1 minute.

8. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).

9. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Overview 🔍

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and comforting classic. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then simmered in a velvety sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. The result is a dish that’s bursting with flavor and feels like it came straight out of a cozy Italian trattoria.

Served alongside mashed potatoes, this meal is the ultimate comfort food pairing. The creamy sauce complements the smooth texture of the potatoes, while the savory chicken ties it all together. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

4. Lemon & Herb-Grilled Salmon Fillets

Method 🧑‍🍳

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

2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Finely chop garlic and parsley.

4. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, the juice of half a lemon, garlic, oregano, and parsley to make a marinade.

5. Brush the marinade generously over each salmon fillet, ensuring even coverage. Reserve a small amount of the marinade for basting, if desired.

6. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking.

7. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill and cook for 5–6 minutes.

8. Flip the fillets carefully with tongs and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade.

9. Remove the salmon from the grill and squeeze the remaining lemon half over the fillets for a burst of fresh flavor.

10. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Overview 🔍

This Lemon & Herb-Grilled Salmon is light, fresh, and packs a flavor punch! Perfectly grilled fillets are infused with a zesty marinade of lemon, garlic, and herbs, creating a balance of tangy and savory notes. The caramelized edges and tender interior make each bite a delight.

The smooth, buttery potatoes enhance the salmon’s brightness, making it a standout meal for both casual dinners and special occasions. It’s a healthy yet indulgent option that’s sure to impress.

5. Tasty & Tangy Beef Sirloin Stroganoff

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Slice beef sirloin into thin strips, then season with salt and pepper.

2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

3. Finely chop the onion and garlic.

4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

5. Stir in the flour, cooking for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

6. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

7. Reduce heat to low and return the beef to the skillet. Stir in the sour cream and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Overview 🔍

This is a hearty, comforting dish. Tender strips of beef are simmered in a rich and creamy sauce made with sour cream, beef broth, and a touch of flour to create the perfect, velvety texture. The savory flavors are perfectly balanced by the tanginess of the sour cream.

The potatoes provide a smooth, buttery contrast to the rich and flavorful stroganoff, creating a well-rounded meal that’s ideal for cozy nights or impressing guests. 

6. Pan-Seared Pork Chops

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Peel and cut russet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 12–15 minutes until tender.

3. While potatoes cook, trim the green beans and place them on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast in the oven for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through.

4. Slice shallot and finely chop garlic.

5. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork chops with salt and pepper and sear in the skillet for 4–5 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.

6. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté the shallot and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.

7. Add 1 tbsp flour to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

8. Slowly pour in 1 cup water and turkey broth concentrate, stirring to create a smooth gravy. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

9. Add the pork chops back to the skillet, spoon some gravy over them, and cover. Cook for another 5–7 minutes until pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

10. Mash the cooked potatoes with a potato masher or fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.

11. Serve the pork chops with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, and rosemary gravy.

Overview 🔍

These Pan-Seared Pork Chops are a comfort food classic. The juicy, perfectly browned pork chops are served with creamy mashed potatoes and topped with a rich rosemary-infused gravy. Every bite is packed with hearty, savory flavors that are balanced by the aromatic sweetness of the rosemary.

Paired with roasted green beans and mash, this dish feels like a homemade feast. The crispy, tender beans add a fresh and slightly smoky contrast to the richness of the pork and mashed potatoes. 

7. Popcorn Chicken & Mashed Potatoes

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Peel and cut Yukon gold potatoes into chunks. Place them in a medium pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 12–15 minutes until tender.

2. While the potatoes cook, season the diced chicken thighs with savory seasoning, garlic salt, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

4. In the same pan, add corn kernels and sauté for 2–3 minutes until heated through and slightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.

5. In a separate medium non-stick pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

6. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth concentrate and 1 cup of water, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens, about 3–4 minutes.

7. Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

8. Drain and mash the cooked potatoes. Mix in mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. To serve, plate the mashed potatoes, top with crispy chicken, and pour the cheddar gravy over the top. Sprinkle with corn kernels for added texture and flavor.

Overview 🔍

This Popcorn Chicken and Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food indulgence. The crispy, golden chicken is perfectly seasoned, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite. Paired with rich mashed potatoes and smothered in a creamy cheddar gravy, this dish is pure decadence. The addition of sweetcorn adds a delightful pop of flavor and texture, making this a well-rounded and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

FAQ

What food goes well with mashed potatoes?

Mashed potatoes are a perfect side dish for a variety of meals. For example, they pair wonderfully with Garlic, Butter & Herb-Basted Striploin Steak. The creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich, juicy steak, making every bite a savory indulgence. 

The buttery potatoes enhance the steak’s flavors, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. In addition to steak, mashed potatoes also work well with roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, and other hearty proteins, making them a versatile option for many dishes.

What is good on top of mashed potatoes?

When it comes to toppings, mashed potatoes can be made even more flavorful. For example, with dishes like Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers with Creamy Mash, the creamy potatoes provide a rich side that pairs perfectly with the savory filling of the stuffed peppers. 

Toppings like melted cheese or fresh herbs can elevate the dish further, adding a fresh and flavorful finish. Additionally, a drizzle of gravy or a sprinkle of crispy onions can add texture and depth to the potatoes, making them even more satisfying.

Are mashed potatoes a comfort food?

Yes! Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food, as seen with Creamy Tuscan Chicken. The smooth, buttery mashed potatoes serve as a perfect base, complementing the rich, creamy sauce from the chicken. This combination creates a meal that’s both indulgent and comforting, perfect for cozy nights.

The velvety texture of the potatoes and their ability to absorb the flavors of the sauce makes them a go-to for those seeking a warm, satisfying meal.