Potato Recipes I Should Have Been Making for Years

Potatoes are one of those ingredients that quietly sit in the pantry, but they can do so much more than just be a side dish. They’re versatile, budget friendly, and a base for recipes that can be as simple or as special as you want them to be. Looking back, there are definitely potato dishes I wish I had been making long ago.

From crispy, golden bites to creamy comfort food favorites, potatoes fit perfectly into every kind of meal. They can carry bold flavors or keep things classic, which makes them an easy go-to no matter what you’re craving. The beauty is in how adaptable they are, whether baked, fried, mashed, or roasted.

This post is all about sharing those potato recipes that deserve a permanent spot in the rotation. They’re practical, delicious, and the kind of meals that make you wonder why you hadn’t been making them for years. Simple steps, familiar ingredients, and big results that it doesn’t get better than that.

Amish Potato Salad

This classic style of potato salad is known for its creamy texture with a hint of sweetness. It usually combines potatoes with eggs, celery, and a touch of mustard for balance. Perfect for picnics or family gatherings, it’s a comforting side that pairs with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad

Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

Red potatoes are boiled until tender, then gently smashed and roasted until crisp on the outside. The skin gets extra crunchy while the inside stays soft and fluffy. They’re great as a side for grilled meats or simply with a sprinkle of herbs and salt.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

Barbecued Potatoes on the Grill

Slices or wedges of potatoes are seasoned and cooked right on the grill until smoky and golden. They take on a delicious char that pairs beautifully with barbecued chicken or steak. Wrapping them in foil with onions or peppers is another tasty option.
Get the Recipe: Barbecued Potatoes on the Grill

Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

This dish brings together juicy steak and tender potatoes coated in a sweet and smoky glaze. The honey adds just the right amount of balance to the bold chipotle flavor. It’s hearty enough to be the star of a weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Soft-boiled potatoes are smashed flat and baked with plenty of garlic and butter. The edges crisp up beautifully while the centers stay fluffy. A sprinkle of parsley or Parmesan on top takes them to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

This comforting bake combines creamy mashed potatoes with cheese and sometimes a crunchy topping. It’s a dish that feels nostalgic and homestyle, often making an appearance at holidays. Warm, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Loaded Potato Salad

Think of all the flavors of a loaded baked potato but in salad form. Bacon, cheese, green onions, and a creamy dressing come together with chunks of potato. It’s rich, flavorful, and always a hit at cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Salad

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Potatoes are sliced and roasted with a layer of Parmesan that crisps into a golden crust. The cheesy coating gives a salty, nutty flavor that pairs well with just about any main dish. Easy to make, yet impressive on the table.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Hamburger Potato Casserole

Layers of ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy sauce bake into a hearty one-dish meal. It’s a comforting weeknight option that doesn’t take much fuss. Simple ingredients but big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Potato Casserole

Boursin Hasselback Potatoes

These thinly sliced potatoes fan out as they bake, turning crisp on the edges while staying tender inside. Adding Boursin cheese gives them a creamy, herby richness that melts right into the layers. Elegant enough for guests but easy enough for home.
Get the Recipe: Boursin Hasselback Potatoes

Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

Potato skins are crisped in the air fryer and topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions. They’re a quicker, lighter version of the classic appetizer. Perfect for game day or party snacking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Mashed potatoes are mixed with cheese, sour cream, and bacon before being baked again in casserole form. It has all the flavors of twice baked potatoes but in an easier, family-style dish. Creamy, cheesy, and always comforting.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Using the Instant Pot makes mashed potatoes quick and convenient without sacrificing flavor. The potatoes cook evenly and mash up creamy with butter and milk. Great for busy nights when you want a homemade side.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

Classic mashed potatoes get extra depth from nutty browned butter. The butter adds a rich, toasted flavor that makes them feel special. A simple twist that turns a familiar dish into something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

Mustard Potato Salad

This version of potato salad gets a tangy kick from mustard mixed into the dressing. It pairs well with grilled foods and adds a little brightness to the plate. A favorite for summer barbecues and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Mustard Potato Salad

Cauliflower Potato Salad

A lighter take that swaps part of the potatoes with cauliflower. It keeps the familiar creamy texture while cutting back on heaviness. A great option for those looking for something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Potato Salad

Creamy Whipped Potatoes

These potatoes are beaten until silky smooth with plenty of cream and butter. They’re lighter in texture than traditional mashed versions, almost cloud-like. A lovely side dish for roasts or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Whipped Potatoes

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

This style is often served warm with a tangy dressing. It mixes potatoes with hard boiled eggs and sometimes bacon for richness. A classic that’s especially popular in Pennsylvania Dutch country.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Potato Onion Pithivier

Layers of thin potatoes and caramelized onions are wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden. It’s a rustic yet elegant dish with a rich, buttery flavor. Perfect as a centerpiece for brunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Potato Onion Pithivier

Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans

Simple and wholesome, this side dish roasts potatoes alongside fresh green beans. The veggies get tender and slightly crisp with just olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s an easy option for weeknights that works with any protein.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans

Mashed Potato Casserole

This dish combines creamy mashed potatoes with cheese, sour cream, and sometimes a crunchy topping. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, making it a great make-ahead side. Comforting, rich, and perfect for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole