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What To Serve With Mashed Potatoes – 39 BEST Side Dishes

If you’re wondering what to serve with your mashed potatoes, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 39 of the most popular side dishes for mashed potatoes.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best dishes to serve with mashed potatoes are lamb chops, brats with sauerkraut, coq au vin, steak pie, Italian-stuffed cabbage rolls, poached lobster tails, and porcupine meatballs. Try lentil loaf, mushroom bourguignon, or cauliflower “steak” for vegetarian or vegan options.

Ready? Let’s get started!

Related: how to reheat mashed potatoes

Mushrooms bourguignon

This meatless version of the famous French stew involves two types of mushrooms braised in red wine and the reserved mushroom soaking liquid.

Spoon a generous serving over some fluffy mashed potatoes for a comforting, vegan meal everyone will enjoy. 

Why we love this recipe: it’s packed with umami goodness.

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Vegan mushroom bourguignon
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Scalloped portobello mushrooms

Porcupine meatballs

These meatballs will have all your dinner guests laughing their socks off.

Raw rice is added to the meatball mix, and as the meatballs cook, the rice starts poking out and by the end, the meatballs resembles a porcupine.

Pro-tip: for the spikiest results, use regular long-grain white rice.

Why we love this recipe: it’s fun and flavorful!

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Porcupine meatballs
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Teriyaki meatballs

Lamb chops with salsa verde

Impress your significant other with a meal of seared lamb chops and salsa verde over a bed of luscious mashed spuds.

The lamb’s grassy, savory notes, combined with the zesty green sauce are an excellent contrast to a rich mashed potato side. 

Why we love this recipe: it looks like it came from a professional kitchen.

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Steak pie

There’s nothing like a hearty steak pie to lift your spirits on a cold, gloomy day.

I like the flaky, buttery texture you get from puff pastry. But if you’re more interested in crunch – use a shortcrust pastry.

Complete the ultimate comfort meal by serving this indulgent meat pie with fluffy mashed potatoes.

Why we love this recipe: it’s great for serving a crowd.

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Steak pie
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Roast beef
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Beef wellington

Southern baked beans

This recipe gives your plain old can of baked beans a major upgrade. 

Simple additions like ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, diced veggies, and mustard amp up your beans’ flavors. 

They’re fabulous with barbecued meats, but to really make the most of the sauce you need some mash to soak it all up.

Why we love this recipe: there’s not much hands-on cooking involved in this dish.

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Southern baked beans
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Vegetarian baked beans
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Balsamic spinach and mushrooms

If you’ve already got your main dish planned, and you’re just looking for another side dish… it has to be vegetables.

Vegetables are easy-to-make, and they’re full of good-for-you vitamins and nutrients. 

Pro-tip: add the garlic at the end to prevent it burning.

Why we love this recipe: it’s perfect for those busy weeknight dinners.

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Balsamic spinach and mushroom
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Spinach balls
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Garlic parmesan broccolini

Lentil loaf

Another meat-free main that pairs superbly with mashed potatoes is this vegetable lentil loaf. 

You need to be careful with moisture when you’re making it, because too much moisture could result in a soggy meatloaf.

But when it’s done right the loaf has a delightfully chewy bite.

Psst… brown lentils will give you the best results.

Why we love this recipe: any leftovers will make great sandwiches.

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Brats with sauerkraut

Sausage and mash is classic British.

But this dish has a German spin on it.

The sauerkraut is sauteed with caramelized onions, apples, and aromatics, then braised with beer (you can pick your favorite beer!)

A side of mash, and maybe some gravy will complete the meal.

Why we love this recipe: it highlights a little used (but super healthy) ingredient.

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Poached lobster tails

Mash can be fancy too!

Especially when you pair it with lobster tails.

This intimidating dish is actually quick and straightforward, it just needs some concentration to make sure you don’t overcook the fish. 

Prop a tail or two over a bed of mashed potatoes…

Or chop them up and mix them into your spuds for an extra indulgent side dish.

Why we love this recipe: it’s simple but elegant.

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Italian-stuffed cabbage rolls

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/316026098865400021/

This recipe features cabbage leaves filled with spicy Italian sausage, ground beef, rice, and cheese mixture, then rolled and smothered with spicy tomato sauce before being baked. 

They can be eaten alone, but they’re also fantastic with mashed potatoes – just make sure you don’t have anywhere to go after this meal! 

Why we love this recipe: it’s a highly detailed step-by-step recipe.

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Coq au vin blanc

For a main dish that’s comforting and elegant at the same time, go for coq au vin.

This French classic involves chicken, mushrooms, and bacon braised in dry white wine – a splash of cream is added, making a creamy, flavorful sauce. 

Just think about your mashed potatoes soaking up all the goodness from this dish’s decadent sauce – yum!

Why we love this recipe: it’s a one-pot dish (which means less washing up).

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Cajun roasted cauliflower “steaks”

Keep your mashed potato meal meat-free but interesting by making these faux steaks. 

Roasting thick slices of cauliflower makes them crisp-tender, and you get some slightly charred edges that are simply irresistible. 

The cajun seasoning also adds a smoky, slightly spicy flavor which will be mellowed out by the mash. And if you don’t have any, you can use one of these cajun seasoning substitutes.

Psst… don’t forget the chimichurri sauce to lighten up the meal.

Why we love this recipe: it’s filling but low-carb.

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Cajun roasted cauliflower “steaks”
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Grilled cauliflower steak
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Caprese eggplant steaks

Korean short ribs (kalbi)

Want to go on a culinary fusion adventure? 

Serve your mashed potatoes with a generous helping of these Korean short ribs, also known as kalbi. 

The juicy, fall-off-the-bone kalbi ribs are covered in a sticky sweet-spicy glaze that will leave you licking your fingers. 

Y-U-M.

Why we love this recipe: its super unique.

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What herbs go with mashed potatoes?

Fresh herbs are the easiest way to bring more flavor to your mashed potatoes. Rosemary, thyme, and sage are the go-to options. For a slightly brighter flavor, try chives, scallions, parsley, or basil.

What meat goes with mashed potatoes?

Mashed potatoes are the quintessential side to savory, meaty dishes. They’re fantastic with fancy dishes like lamb chops and prime rib roast. But they’re also great with everyday dishes like baked pork tenderloin and chicken tenders. 

The best meat dishes to serve with mashed potatoes

What To Serve With Mashed Potatoes

In this short recipe, I show you exactly what to serve with your mashed potatoes.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, British
Keyword: mashed potatoes side dish, what to serve with mashed potatoes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 person
Calories: 88kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 person mashed potatoes

Instructions

  • Prepare your mashed potatoes according to your favorite recipe.
  • In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
  • Side dishes include: mushrooms bourguignon, porcupine meatballs, lamb chops with salsa verde, steak pie, southern baked beans, balsamic spinach and mushrooms, lentil loaf, brats with sauerkraut, poached lobster tails, Italian-stuffed cabbage rolls, coq au vin blanc, cajun roasted cauliflower “steaks”, and Korean short ribs (kalbi).
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 100g | Calories: 88kcal

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