25 Scrumptious Potato Side Dishes for a Stress-Free Holiday Feast

Sandra Walker

October 22, 2025

Keen to explore the wonderful world of potatoes? I’ve curated an assortment of mouth-watering recipes that showcase their versatility and ease of preparation. Because let’s face it – potatoes are incredibly delicious, whether served as a simple side dish or the star of the show. Potatoes have an incredible ability to be transformed into a wide range of dishes, from comforting baked potatoes to crispy, golden fries. It’s little wonder why they’re such a staple in many cuisines around the world.

But with so many options available, it can be tricky to settle on just one variation – which is why I’m excited to share 25 different recipes for potato side dishes today. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fluffy or rich and indulgent, I’m confident that there’s a spud-tacular recipe out there waiting to be discovered.

Homemade Tater Tots

Homemade Tater Tots

Creating stunning tater tots at home is easier than you think, especially with the right recipe on hand. Crunchy and golden brown on the outside, they’re perfectly balanced by their tender and fluffy interior. The result is a dish that’s so deliciously made in-house, store-bought frozen tots will be a thing of the past. If this is your first time making tater tots, don’t worry – this recipe is incredibly easy to follow and yields the most flavorful results you’ve ever tasted.

One of the best things about making a big batch is the versatility it offers. You can use them as a side dish or incorporate them into a tasty tater tot casserole.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Elevate your side dish game with these show-stopping crispy smashed potatoes, a culinary twist on traditional roasted potatoes. Unlike their roasted counterparts, smashing the spuds creates an unparalleled texture that can’t be replicated by other cooking methods. The end result is nothing short of stunning – golden, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside – a flavor combination that’s sure to become your new obsession!

Whether you’re serving three servings or more, these potatoes are guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters with their irresistible texture and taste.

Irish Mashed Potatoes

Irish Mashed Potatoes

Yearning for a richer take on traditional mashed potatoes? Look no further than colcannon, the Irish version that’s 10 times better thanks to its liberal use of butter. This indulgent side dish is truly over-the-top, featuring mashed spuds mixed with half-and-half and an abundance of melted butter, resulting in an incredibly creamy, fluffy, and addictive texture.

Mashed Potato Cakes

Mashed Potato Cakes

Pull out your leftover mashed potatoes and get ready to elevate them into something truly special – crispy mashed potato cakes that are sure to become a new favorite. These mouthwatering treats boast a delightful contrast in textures, with a crunchy exterior giving way to a rich, creamy interior. To add an extra layer of flavor, the mashed potato mixture is combined with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a match made in heaven.

Finish off these savory delights by serving them with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions for a truly satisfying experience.

Baked Potato Skins

Baked Potato Skins

Just thinking about potato skins brings a huge smile to my face. I get excited whenever I spot it on a restaurant menu, and I make sure to order it every chance I get. Unfortunately, when the dish finally arrives, it often falls short of my expectations – the toppings are limited, and I’m left wanting more cheese, bacon, and other delicious fillings. To indulge in my love for loaded potato skins without breaking the bank, I’ve learned that making them at home is the way to go.

With this recipe, I can now satisfy my cravings any time of day or night.

Potato Pierogi

Potato Pierogi

Surprisingly, for those unfamiliar with Eastern European cuisine, pierogi are a staple dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of the region. Specifically, they consist of dumplings filled with either sweet or savory fillings, which sets them apart from other types of dumplings commonly found in Asian and Latin American cuisine. In this case, the pierogi are filled with a mixture of mashed potatoes and cheese, a classic combination that is both simple yet satisfying.

However, what elevates these dumplings to a new level is the addition of butter and crispy bacon, which adds a rich and indulgent flavor profile. Ultimately, serving these pierogi with a dollop of sour cream transforms them into a comforting side dish that perfectly captures the essence of European cuisine.

Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet Potato Wedges

Yet again, I find myself craving sweet potato wedges over their starchy counterparts. The reasons for my affinity towards this dish are multifaceted. Firstly, it’s the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors that draws me in – an irresistible combination that few other side dishes can match. They boast a delightful texture, with a crunchy exterior giving way to a soft and chewy interior. What I appreciate most about these sweet spuds is their exemplary balance of opposing flavors.

The harmony between the two tastes is nothing short of impressive. Furthermore, the fact that they’re baked in the oven rather than deep-fried adds an extra layer of appeal – making them a more guilt-free option for those watching their diet.

Funeral Potatoes

Funeral Potatoes

Undoubtedly, one of the most beloved dishes in Utah is often misunderstood by its name. However, funeral potatoes are a true classic that has stood the test of time! They’re essentially a delicious hash brown casserole loaded with creamy sour cream, melted cheese, and a satisfying crunchy cornflake topping.

What’s more, you don’t need to be attending a funeral to enjoy this comforting dish – it’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to bring people together! Its ease of preparation and rich flavor make it an ideal choice for any gathering.

Roasted Baby Potatoes

Roasted Baby Potatoes

Elevating the humble potato dish is a breeze with baby potatoes. These bite-sized tubers are perfect for a quick and easy side or snack. Not only do they require minimal preparation, but they’re also incredibly versatile. One of the best things about baby potatoes is that they can be cooked in just 3 minutes of prep time! Simply give them a good rinse, toss with olive oil, herbs, and seasonings, and pop them into the oven for a crispy exterior and tender interior.

The effortless nature of cooking baby potatoes makes them an ideal choice for busy home cooks. Whether you’re looking for a stress-free side dish or a satisfying snack to munch on, this recipe delivers.

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Potato wedges are a perfect snack to make in an air fryer, and I’m here to persuade you to give it a try. While traditional frying methods can result in greasy spuds that are more indulgent than delicious, the air fryer offers a healthier alternative. You may think that oven-baked potato wedges are a suitable substitute, but let’s be honest, they just don’t deliver the same crispy texture as their fried counterparts – at least not without spending an excessive amount of time in the kitchen.

That’s where this recipe comes in – by using an air fryer to cook your potato wedges, you’ll achieve the perfect balance of crunch and flavor in a fraction of the time it takes with other methods. And don’t just take my word for it; let this recipe prove the air fryer’s superiority when it comes to cooking up crispy, golden potato wedges.

Tater Tot Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole

Understandably, tater tots are often enjoyed on their own, but they truly shine when paired with other ingredients to create a more complex and satisfying flavor profile. In this particular casserole, a medley of ground beef, melted cheese, sautéed vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce come together in perfect harmony.

As the dish bakes to perfection in the oven, each component melds seamlessly, resulting in an irrepressibly addictive casserole that is sure to delight even the most discerning palate. Your taste buds will thank you for this culinary masterpiece!

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole

Gathered around the table on Thanksgiving, there’s one side dish that always steals the show: sweet potato casserole. This beloved classic has become a staple at many holiday gatherings, and it’s easy to see why. Its irresistible combination of sweetness, richness, and crunch is truly unbeatable. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the buttery flavor, while the crumbly streusel on top adds an irresistible textural element that takes the dish to new heights.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or just looking for something new to try, sweet potato casserole is sure to be a hit.

25 Potato Sides For Your Next Dinner

Among the numerous options available, there’s one common thread that ties them all together: creativity. From humble beginnings as simple toppings or accompaniments, potato side dishes have evolved into an art form of their own. A wide variety of recipes can be found, showcasing different cooking techniques and flavor combinations, each one bringing spuds to a new level!

Instructions

Instructions

According to many home cooks, achieving a quick yet satisfying meal is often the biggest challenge in the kitchen. To tackle this problem, start by selecting one of your favorite recipes that can be prepared within a short timeframe. Next, gather all the necessary ingredients and ensure they are readily available to prevent any last-minute rushes or substitutions. With these steps completed, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less!

Leave a Comment