Potato Recipes That Go Beyond the Mashed Bowl

Potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. They can be crispy, creamy, or comforting depending on how you prepare them. While mashed potatoes often take the spotlight, there are so many other ways to enjoy this humble ingredient.

From baked bites to golden fries and flavorful casseroles, potatoes can take on all kinds of personalities in your meals. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just experimenting with new ideas, these recipes show that potatoes can do more than just fill the side of a plate.

Simple to prepare and full of flavor, these dishes make the most of what potatoes have to offer. They’re hearty, easy to customize, and perfect for adding your own twist, proving that this everyday staple can be anything but ordinary.

Dauphinoise Potatoes

This French classic layers thinly sliced potatoes with cream, garlic, and cheese for a rich, velvety texture. As it bakes, the potatoes absorb the creamy sauce, creating a soft, buttery interior and golden top. It’s perfect for pairing with roasted meats or serving as a cozy side dish for any special meal.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

A traditional favorite often served at celebrations, this salad combines potatoes, carrots, peas, and eggs with a creamy dressing. The mix of tender vegetables and tangy mayo creates a comforting balance of flavors. It’s hearty enough to stand alone or sit beautifully beside roasted or grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Hamburger Potato Casserole

Layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, and creamy sauce come together in this family-style comfort meal. Each bite offers a mix of savory and smooth textures baked to perfection. It’s a simple dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Potato Casserole

Potato Onion Pithivier

Encased in golden puff pastry, this dish features soft layers of potatoes and caramelized onions. The flaky crust contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling, making it both hearty and elegant. It’s an impressive centerpiece for a weekend dinner or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Potato Onion Pithivier

Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Using an Instant Pot makes preparing fluffy, smooth mashed potatoes effortless and quick. The steam-cooking method locks in natural flavor, while butter and cream finish it off with a silky touch. Great for busy nights when comfort food is still on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Hasselback Potatoes

Thin, even slices across each potato allow for crisp edges and a tender middle. Butter, herbs, and a sprinkle of seasoning melt through the layers as they roast. They’re a simple yet striking way to serve potatoes with a bit of flair.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

This lighter version blends cauliflower with potatoes for a smooth, creamy side. It keeps the familiar flavor you love while offering a softer, more balanced texture. Perfect for anyone looking for a comforting but lighter alternative.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Creamy Whipped Potatoes

These are extra fluffy thanks to whipping that adds air and lightness. Butter and cream create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s impossible to resist. Ideal for holidays or any meal where you want a classic side that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Whipped Potatoes

Barbecued Potatoes on the Grill

Grilled potatoes pick up smoky notes while staying soft inside. Tossed with herbs and oil, they cook up beautifully crisp on the outside. They’re an easy crowd-pleaser for outdoor meals or weekend cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Barbecued Potatoes on the Grill

Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Crispy on the outside and fluffy within, these potatoes are roasted after being gently pressed and brushed with garlic butter. The combination gives them a rustic texture and irresistible flavor. Perfect for serving alongside grilled meats or hearty mains.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Potato Fritters

Shredded potatoes mixed with simple seasonings and pan-fried until golden make a quick, comforting treat. They’re crunchy outside and soft inside, ideal for breakfast or as a savory snack. Serve with sour cream or a favorite dip for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Potato Fritters

Potato Skins

Baked potato shells filled with cheese, bacon, and green onions turn into a fun and hearty appetizer. The crisp edges and melty filling make them hard to stop at just one. They’re always a hit at parties or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Parmesan Potatoes

A light coating of Parmesan adds crispness and flavor to these oven-roasted potatoes. Each bite combines nutty cheese and a soft, warm center. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a familiar side feel just a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes

Smashed Potatoes

Boiled and gently flattened before roasting, these potatoes turn wonderfully crisp. The rough edges catch the butter and seasoning, making each bite full of flavor. They’re great served hot from the oven with a sprinkle of herbs.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

Mashed Potato Casserole

Creamy mashed potatoes are baked with cheese and sometimes bacon or breadcrumbs for a comforting dish. The top turns lightly golden while the inside stays soft and rich. It’s perfect for holidays or any time you want something cozy and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

Using an air fryer gives these potato skins a crisp texture without excess oil. Filled with cheese, bacon, and a touch of sour cream, they come together quickly. They’re a fun and easy way to make a classic appetizer at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

Mashed Potato Waffles

Leftover mashed potatoes get new life in this creative recipe. Cooked in a waffle iron, they turn golden and crispy with a fluffy inside. They’re great for brunch or as a savory base for toppings.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Waffles

Mustard Potato Salad

A tangy mustard dressing adds a punchy flavor to this potato salad variation. Combined with crunchy vegetables and herbs, it’s bright and refreshing. A perfect side for picnics, barbecues, or weekday lunches.
Get the Recipe: Mustard Potato Salad

Parmesan Oven Fries

These oven-baked fries have a crisp texture and a light Parmesan coating. They’re flavorful without being heavy and make a great match for burgers or grilled meats. Simple ingredients make them an easy, go-to favorite.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Oven Fries

Loaded Potato Salad

Packed with bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing, this salad brings all the flavors of a baked potato to your table. It’s hearty enough for potlucks or picnics and always gets compliments. A fulfilling twist on the traditional potato salad.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Salad

Amish Potato Salad

Sweet and tangy with a creamy dressing, this version stands out for its balance of flavors. The mix of boiled eggs, potatoes, and a hint of vinegar makes it unique and comforting. It’s a traditional recipe that never feels out of place on the table.
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad