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What to Serve With Mashed Potatoes — 35 Recipe Ideas

Need some tasty recipe ideas for what to serve with mashed potatoes? You’ve come to the right place! From company-worthy main courses to complementary side dishes, you’ll find 35 delicious ideas that perfectly pair with everyone’s favorite comfort food. Bring your appetite because this list will have you ready for dinner.

A silver spoon pouring melted butter on top of mashed potatoes in a black cast-iron skillet on top of a wooden serving platter.
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Favorite Mashed Potato Recipes

First up is to share a couple of my favorite mashed potato recipes. Sure, you can go with classic mashed potatoes — they’re classic for a reason. But these potatoes deliver an extra boost of flavor that the whole family is sure to love.

And these are just a few ideas to grace your dinner table. Let me know if you have any other unique spins on this classic side dish.

Best Main Dishes

Of course, no meal is complete with a show-stopping main course. Our creamy mashed potatoes call for a hearty meal that’s sure to leave everyone full and happy. What a feast, huh?

1. Smoked Prime Rib

A close-up shot of a slice of the smoked prime rib on a platter with green parsley underneath as a garnish.
Smoked Prime Rib (Standing Rib Roast)
For the ultimate special occasion meal, it doesn't get better than this impressive smoked prime rib roast! This beautiful piece of beef is smothered in a spiced garlic butter and then smoked until it transforms into the most succulent, melt-in-your-mouth tender meat. You can smoke it on an electric pellet grill, charcoal grill or gas grill — your choice. No matter how you smoke this flavorful prime rib, you have a guaranteed crowd pleaser that you'll want to serve every chance you get.
Check out this recipe
An aerial view of the smoked prime rib roast with a couple pieces carved off on a cream-colored platter.

2. Apple Cider Pot Roast

An aerial view of the pot roast on a wooden surface with herbs and spices to the left.
Apple Cider Pot Roast
Stay cozy during these chilly months with this fall-apart tender apple cider pot roast. Slowly cooked in apple cider and rich beef stock with fresh herbs and warm spices, this pot roast puts a fall spin on a classic dish. Finish this apple cider pot roast with a rich pan-drippings gravy, and you have yourself some serious comfort food.
Check out this recipe
A plate of apple cider pot roast with gravy and a glass of apple cider with an apple in the background.

3. Maple-Braised Turkey Legs and Thighs

Maple-braised turkey legs and thighs with a focus on the legs on a white platter surrounded by fresh thyme.
Maple-Braised Turkey Legs and Thighs
Give your Thanksgiving main course a fall twist with these maple-braised turkey legs and thighs! After slow cooking in the oven, these ultra moist turkey pieces turn fall-off-the-bone tender, and the real maple syrup adds a slight sweetness to complement the rich dark meat. For an easier, quicker alternative to roasting an entire bird, you will love this braised turkey recipe, especially if hosting a small crowd for Thanksgiving.
Check out this recipe
A pile of braised turkey legs and thighs with fresh thyme on top as a garnish.

4. Smoked Whole Chicken

A carving fork stuck in the smoked chicken after resting and before cutting.
Smoked Whole Chicken on a Pellet Grill
Your summer barbecues aren’t complete without this easy smoked whole chicken! Prepared with a simple yet flavorful spice rub, this chicken is smoked to perfection for the most succulent, tender and moist meat. Plus, this smoked chicken takes 10 minutes of hands-on preparation time, and you can smoke one or multiple chickens at a time.
Check out this recipe
The smoked whole chicken on a cutting board with a spoon of BBQ sauce to the left.

5. Slow-Roasted Blood Orange Salmon

Cutting into the slab of salmon with blood orange slices on top.
Slow-Roasted Blood Orange Salmon
Entertaining has never been easier. Simple yet elegant, this slow-roasted blood orange salmon takes advantage of winter’s most delicious citrus to make a meal that always impresses.
Check out this recipe
Looking at a filet of slow-roasted blood orange salmon with light coming in from the back.

6. Smoked Duck

A close-up shot of the smoked duck on green lettuce with pomegranates on the bottom.
Smoked Duck With Spiced Pomegranate-Maple Glaze
Put an extra delicious touch to your holiday dinner with this juicy smoked duck! Finished with a spiced pomegranate-maple glaze for a festive spin, this duck features the most tender, succulent meat to make one memorable meal that's sure to impress. Don't be surprised if this smoked whole duck becomes a new family tradition.
Check out this recipe
Looking down on the smoked duck on a bed of green lettuce with pomegranates and the glaze to the side.

7. Coq Au Vin

An aerial shot of the coq au vin with wine.
The Best Coq Au Vin
Slowly braised chicken cooks in a rich red wine sauce with a bundle of fresh herbs, bacon, pearl onions and mushrooms to make this fall-off-the-bone tender, flavorful coq au vin.
Check out this recipe
Coq au vin in a white bowl on burlap with mushrooms to the side and a loaf of crusty bread in the background.

8. Smoked Leg of Lamb

A close-up view of slices of the smoked leg of lamb on a white platter with decorative green lettuce.
Smoked Leg of Lamb
When you need an impressive dish, serve this succulent smoked leg of lamb and watch all your guests happily devour every bite. Coated with a simple yet flavorful dry rub, this smoked lamb comes out unbelievably tender and juicy with the perfect touch of complex wood notes. You'll be surprised how simple it is to make, and this recipe only calls for about 10 minutes of hands-on preparation time before your trusty smoker takes care of the rest.
Check out this recipe
The smoked leg of lamb on green lettuce on top of a white platter after it's been carved into slices with rosemary and red wine in the background.

9. Beer-Brined Schnitzel

A side shot of the beer-brined schnitzel with mushroom gravy and a beer in the background.
Beer-Brined Schnitzel With Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Whether you're celebrating Oktoberfest or just looking for some serious comfort food, you'll love this beer-brined schnitzel with creamy mushroom gravy! Ultra moist, tender and flavorful, this German schnitzel is coated with panko breadcrumbs to make a perfectly crisp coating while the creamy mushroom gravy adds a decadent finishing touch.
Check out this recipe
The beer-brined schnitzel topped with creamy mushroom gravy with a bunch of fresh parsley and a hefeweizen in the background.

10. Braised Red Wine Short Ribs

An aerial shot of the red wine-braised short ribs in a bowl of mashed potatoes.
Braised Red Wine Short Ribs
Comfort food meets elegance with these braised red wine short ribs. Cooked low and slow in a rich herbed red wine sauce, these short ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender and always sure to impress. As a bonus, these gourmet short ribs are surprisingly simple to make and come together in one pot to make your life a little easier. Who doesn't love that?
Check out this recipe
A bowl of brown butter mashed potatoes with a red wine-braised short rib on top with a glass of wine.

11. Smoked Lobster Tails

Looking down on one of the smoked lobster tails on a white plate with a bunch of parsley in the background.
Smoked Lobster Tails With Lemon-Garlic Butter
Make your next special occasion even more memorable and put these smoked lobster tails with a decadent lemon-garlic butter on the dinner menu. You’ll love how sweet, buttery lobster gets an extra touch of flavor with the perfect kiss of smoky notes. Plus, this gourmet dinner only requires 20 minutes of hands-on preparation time — it’s elegance meets convenience.
Check out this recipe
A smoked lobster tail on a white plate with a bunch of parsley to the side and a blue and white napkin behind it.

12. Cheddar-Apple Stuffed Chicken Thighs

The chicken thighs in a cast-iron skillet with cream sauce spooned on top of the meat.
Cheddar-Apple Stuffed Chicken Thighs
This fall comfort food is as cozy as it gets. Melted cheddar, sweet apples and fresh thyme are stuffed in chicken thighs and then baked to perfection in a creamy garlic sauce. When only the most decadent meal will do, you need these cheddar-apple stuffed chicken thighs. 
Check out this recipe
A cast-iron skillet with the cheddar-apple stuffed chicken thighs with a spoon in the sauce.

13. Pellet Grill Brisket

Spooning BBQ sauce onto the slices of brisket on a white plate.
Smoked Pellet Grill Brisket (Texas Style)
Let’s make your summer cookouts extra delicious with this smoked pellet grill brisket! After cooking low and slow, this Texas-style smoked brisket comes out melt-in-your mouth tender, and smoking a beef brisket is surprisingly simple, even if this is your first brisket. Your summer barbecues will be everyone’s favorite spot when this brisket is on the menu — it’s the ultimate summer dinner.
Check out this recipe
A close-up shot of the pellet grill brisket on a white plate with baked beans in the background.

14. Smoked Turkey Legs

A side view of the smoked turkey leg on a wooden plate with a bottle and glass of wine behind it.
Smoked Turkey Legs (Drumsticks)
Make your own succulent, delicious smoked turkey legs right from the comfort of your backyard! After soaking in a wet brine and coated with a BBQ dry rub, these turkey drumsticks come out perfectly tender with just the right kiss of smoky flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or backyard cookout, these turkey legs are sure to be a crowd favorite.
Check out this recipe
An aerial view of the smoked turkey legs on a wooden plate with fresh herbs around it and a green salad to the side.

15. Braised Apple Cider Short Ribs

Pouring a spoonful of the sauce onto the polenta and apple cider short ribs.
Braised Apple Cider Short Ribs
Your perfect fall dinner is here! These braised apple cider short ribs slowly cook in a rich, spiced sauce, resulting in the most tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. When only the coziest meal will do, you can't go wrong with these fall short ribs.
Check out this recipe
Two braised apple cider short ribs on polenta with fresh herbs to the side and apples in the background.

16. Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef

A plate of slow cooker corned beef with a wooden tray holding two Guinness pints.
Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef
St. Patrick's Day dinner doesn't get easier than this slow cooker Guinness corned beef! After simmering in Guinness and an array of warm spices, this corned beef becomes fork tender and full of flavor. Whether you serve it with a side of cabbage or piled high on a sandwich, everyone always loves this easy-as-can-be corned beef.
Check out this recipe
A plate of shredded slow cooker Guinness corned beef with mustard on the side and two beers in the background.

17. Smoked Turkey Thighs

A close-up of the smoked turkey thighs on a white plate with several sprigs of fresh thyme in front.
Smoked Turkey Thighs
Thanksgiving dinner has never been so simple and scrumptious than when these smoked turkey thighs are on the menu! With the perfectly spiced dry rub and trip to the smoker, these turkey thighs come out much more flavorful than your typical oven roasting preparation. Let’s fire up the smoker and cook a feast the whole family is sure to love.
Check out this recipe
Looking down on a white plate with smoked turkey thighs and a side of green beans with fresh herbs around it.

18. Pellet Grill Ribs

The pellet grill ribs on a white plate with a baked potato behind it and green onions scattered around the food.
Smoked Pellet Grill Ribs (3-2-1 Method)
Enjoy the most tender, finger-licking smoked pellet grill ribs using the easy 3-2-1 method! Featuring a perfectly balanced sweet, spicy and smoky dry rub, these fool-proof St. Louis-style pork spare ribs will be the star of your next summer barbecue party, and everyone will rave. These smoked ribs are a guaranteed hit.
Check out this recipe
A close-up shot of the pellet grill ribs on a plate with brown parchment paper underneath.let

19. Glazed Roast Duck

Looking down on the roasted duck from the side with rosemary sprigs in the background.
Christmas Roast Duck With Cranberry-Orange Glaze
Make the holidays special with this Christmas roast duck with cranberry-orange glaze! Featuring perfectly crisp skin and a spiced glaze full of festive flavors, this roast duck adds elegance to your holiday table.
Check out this recipe
The finished Christmas roast duck on a wooden board surrounded by rosemary, cinnamon sticks, sugared cranberries and red flowers.

20. Orange-Ginger Roast Chicken

An aerial view of the roast Christmas chicken on a white serving platter with rosemary, cranberries and oranges surrounding it.
Roast Christmas Chicken With Orange-Ginger Glaze
Prepare a memorable holiday dinner the whole family will love with this Christmas roast chicken with an orange-ginger glaze! After rubbing the whole bird with a medley of warm spices, we roast it to perfection to make the most tender, juicy roast chicken. Best of all, this roast chicken requires less than 30 minutes of hands-on preparation time to make holiday entertaining simple as can be.
Check out this recipe
The roast Christmas chicken on white platter with rosemary, orange and cranberries decorating the chicken.

21. Smoked Tri Tip

A close-up shot of the tri tip cut into slices on a wooden cutting board with chopped cilantro to the side.
Juicy Smoked Tri Tip
Put this ultra juicy smoked tri tip on the dinner menu when you need a meal that's sure to impress! In just 90 minutes with only a handful of simple ingredients and very little hands-on preparation, you can put the most flavorful, tender tri-tip steak on the table after smoking to absolute perfection. Bring your appetite because you and your guests will savor every succulent bite. 
Check out this recipe
The smoked tri tip on a wooden cutting board with fresh cilantro surrounding it and the spice mixture sprinkled around it.

22. Smoked Turkey Wings

An aerial view of the smoked turkey wings on a white platter with green leaf lettuce and herbs to the side.
Crispy Smoked Turkey Wings
Skip the whole bird and make these crispy smoked turkey wings for your next holiday dinner! Thanks to a simple dry brining technique, these wings show off tender, succulent meat with that crispy turkey skin everyone loves. Preparing these wings only requires about 20 minutes of hands-on time, and then they smoke to absolute perfection. You’ll love this new holiday tradition for your delicious Thanksgiving dinner.
Check out this recipe
The smoked turkey wings on a white platter and cream-colored placemat with fresh sage to the left.

23. Double-Smoked Ham

An aerial view of the double-smoked ham on green lettuce and a cutting board with a plate of rolls in the corner.
Double Smoked Ham With Spiced Orange Glaze
Make your next holiday meal even more special by serving this double-smoked ham with a spiced orange glaze. Also known as twice-smoked ham, this succulent piece of meat is reheated on the smoker for an extra flavor injection and then finished with a sticky, sweet glaze to make a holiday dinner the whole family is sure to love. This ham is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, and it only calls for about 10 minutes of hands-on cooking time — the smoker takes care of the rest.
Check out this recipe
The double-smoked ham on a brown wooden cutting board with a bed of lettuce and orange wedges around it.

24. Smoked Spatchcock Chicken

A side view of the smoked spatchcock chicken in a black cast-iron skillet on top of a red and white napkin with parsley sprinkled around it.
Smoked Spatchcock Chicken With Crispy Skin
For all those summer grill-outs, make sure your dinner menu includes this succulent smoked spatchcock chicken, featuring everyone's favorite perfectly crispy skin! A simple dry rub gives the chicken those classic BBQ flavors with just the right kiss of smoke. You only need about 10 minutes of hands-off preparation time, and it smokes even faster than a traditional trussed chicken.
Check out this recipe
The smoked spatchcock chicken in a black cast-iron skillet on a brown wooden surface with BBQ sauce in the corner.

25. Smoked Chuck Roast

A silver spoon adding some BBQ sauce on top of the slices of smoked chuck roast on a brown wooden cutting board.
Smoked Chuck Roast
When you need an easy yet crowd-pleasing meal for your next backyard cook-out, everyone will love this tender, juicy smoked chuck roast! This chuck roast is covered with a simple, flavorful dry rub and then cooked low and slow on the trusty smoker until it turns into one seriously succulent piece of meat. One bite will leave everyone's mouth watering for more.
Check out this recipe
The sliced smoked chuck roast on a brown cutting board with a spoon of BBQ sauce in the top-left corner.

26. Smoked Chicken Quarters

An aerial shot of the smoked chicken leg quarters on a parchment paper-lined white dish with BBQ sauce and a beer to the left.
Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
For a simple yet crave-worthy dinner, put these very best smoked chicken leg quarters on the menu and watch everyone fall in love with every delicious, succulent bite! Coated in a flavorful, aromatic dry rub, these tender, juicy chicken quarters are infused with the perfect kiss of smoky flavor and then are finished under a blast of high heat to ensure you get that perfect crispy skin. Your next backyard BBQ will be one to remember when you serve these smoked chicken quarters.
Check out this recipe
A close-up shot of a smoked chicken leg quarter in a white serving dish with a spoon and jar of BBQ sauce to the left.

27. Smoked Chicken Breast

Looking down on a smoker chicken breast on a brown wooden tray with sprigs of parsley in front.
Juicy Smoked Chicken Breast
Make everyone's taste buds salivate when you serve this mouth-watering, ultra juicy smoked chicken breast! For the most tender, moist bite, this chicken slowly cooks in the smoker at a low temperature and is then finished on a hot grill to get that perfect crispy skin. Whether you're hosting a casual backyard BBQ or even a holiday dinner, these smoked chicken breasts make for a wonderful main course that your family and friends will adore for years to come.
Check out this recipe
The smoked chicken breast on a brown wooden tray surrounded by sprigs of parley and a bowl of BBQ sauce in the background.

Best Side Dishes

Along with your main meal, you probably want some other tasty side dishes to go with those creamy potatoes. These sides are always a hit with our family.

28. Croissant Stuffing

An aerial view of the croissant stuffing in a white casserole dish on a light-colored placemat with herbs to the left.
Favorite Croissant Stuffing
Make your next holiday dinner extra memorable with this favorite croissant stuffing! Flaky, buttery croissants are baked to perfection with a medley of fresh herbs, onions, garlic and celery in a custard-like filling to make one dish that's full of those classic stuffing flavors. Plus, this recipe only requires about 20 minutes of hands-on prep time, and you can prepare it ahead of serving.
Check out this recipe
A spoon in the white ceramic casserole dish holding the croissant stuffing on a light-colored placemat.

29. Fresh Green Bean Casserole

A baking dish filled with the green bean casserole with a wooden spoon scooping out some of the casserole.
Homemade Green Bean Casserole (With Make-Ahead Directions)
No Thanksgiving table is complete without a creamy green bean casserole, but for an even more decadent dish, skip the canned green beans and soup and opt for homemade ingredients. One taste of this from-scratch, homemade green bean casserole, and you’ll never go back.
Check out this recipe
A baking dish filled with homemade green bean casserole on a Thanksgiving-themed napkin with two glasses of wine, a stack of plates and forks.

30. Smoked Mac and Cheese

An aerial view of a wooden spoon in the cast-iron skillet with a scoop of the smoked mac and cheese.
The Ultimate Smoked Mac and Cheese
Upgrade your comfort food game with the ultimate smoked mac and cheese! Made with cheddar, Gouda and Gruyère and topped with crispy panko crumbs, this cheesy pasta is the perfect side dish for your summer barbecues and holiday celebrations alike. Everyone will happily come back for seconds when this mac and cheese is on the dinner table.
Check out this recipe
A wooden spoon scooping out some smoked mac and cheese from the dish with cheese strings on the bottom of the spoon.

31. Sweet Potato Soufflé

A wooden spoon in the sweet potato souffle baking dish to show off the fluffy texture.
Sweet Potato Souffle With Coconut-Hazelnut Streusel
Give your Thanksgiving table an extra delicious touch with your new favorite sweet potato dish. Topped with a crumbly, perfectly spiced coconut-hazelnut streusel, this delicate and airy sweet potato souffle features fresh, bright orange zest and real maple syrup for the ultimate holiday side dish.
Check out this recipe
A baking dish of sweet potato souffle with coconut-hazelnut streusel with a pumpkin and Indian corn in the background.

32. Smoked Baked Beans

A side view of the smoked baked beans with a spoon in the skillet on burlap.
Smoked Baked Beans (With Optional Bourbon)
Your summer barbecue party isn’t complete without a side of these smoked baked beans! After cooking low and slow in the most incredible BBQ sauce with loads of bacon, these baked beans balance just the right spicy, sweet and smoky notes. You’ll never go back to canned baked beans after one bite.
Check out this recipe
A cast-iron skillet filled with smoked baked beans on burlap with fresh thyme to the side.

33. Brandied Cranberry Sauce

Spiced-Brandied Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce never tasted so good. Bursting with warm spices, lively orange and rich dark brown sugar, this boozy brandied cranberry sauce makes for one show-stopping holiday side dish and adds an elegant touch to your holiday table. You'll never need another cranberry sauce recipe again.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of brandy cranberry sauce on a wooden platter with twinkle lights behind it.

34. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

The skillet of pumpkin mac and cheese with pumpkins in the background.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Enjoy the perfect fall dish with this creamy pumpkin mac and cheese! Made with cheddar and Gruyère, this pumpkin pasta features a luxurious, decadent cheese sauce and is finished with a buttery Ritz cracker topping and fresh sage for an extra touch of fall flavor. Comfort food doesn't get better than this.
Check out this recipe
A cast-iron skillet filled with pumpkin mac and cheese on burlap with sage next to it.

35. Sweet Potato Cornbread

A slice of the sweet potato cornbread on a brown wooden plate with maple syrup drizzled around it.
Sweet Potato Cornbread With Cinnamon-Maple Butter
Enjoy a taste of the season’s favorite flavors with a big slice of this fluffy sweet potato cornbread! Served with a cinnamon-maple butter, this fall-inspired cornbread is a comforting accompaniment to your Thanksgiving dinner or bowl of warming chili. You’ll want to make this cornbread a staple for all your fall meals.
Check out this recipe
A close-up of the sweet potato cornbread on a colorful napkin with fall decor to the left.

Mashed Potato FAQs

What are the best potatoes to use?

Go for Yukon gold or russet potatoes. These are starchy potatoes that will give you an ultra creamy texture. Avoid waxy varieties, such as red potatoes.

How do you store leftover mashed potatoes?

If you have leftover mashed potatoes, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The potatoes should last for about three days with proper storage.

Can you freeze mashed potatoes?

You bet. To freeze mashed potatoes, spoon them into an airtight, freezer-safe container, cool completely and then place in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to thaw, move the potatoes to your refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. As the potatoes thaw, they may seem a bit watery, but they should come together again as you reheat them and stir.

How do you reheat leftover mashed potatoes?

You can reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave in intervals, stirring after each interval, or by cooking them over medium-low heat on the stove. If necessary, add a little extra heavy cream or milk if they’ve thickened too much in the refrigerator.

Expert Cooking Tips

Peel the potatoes first: This ensures we get the smoothest, creamiest mashed potatoes to make one satisfying meal. 

Mash just until it reaches the right consistency: We don’t want to overwork the potatoes. Otherwise, they can turn gluey. 

Uniformly cut potatoes: If our potatoes are all different sizes, they won’t cook evenly. You don’t have to be exact here — we’re just looking for a rough match.

Keep cooked potatoes warm in a slow cooker: On big feasting nights, like Thanksgiving dinner, you can make your mashed potatoes a few hours before serving time and keep the potatoes on the warm setting for a couple hours. I recommend using a slow cooker liner to prevent the potatoes from sticking.

When mashed potatoes are on your dinner menu, I hope you also enjoy these delicious main courses and side dishes. No matter which recipes you decide to pair with your potatoes, you’re in for one tasty meal.

More Recipes for Potato Lovers

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