Potatoes are done playing backup—they’ve taken over the whole plate and they know it. These 17 bold, filling dishes make a strong case for skipping the main and sticking with the side. They’re hearty enough to stand alone and confident enough not to care. Honestly, it’s less of a side dish and more of a power move.
Retro Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples
Slow cooking makes this hearty dish a winner in any kitchen. The combination of pork tenderloin alongside sweet potatoes and apples is perfectly balanced. Retro Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples leans into flavors that work together effortlessly. It’s a meal that fills you up and gets better with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Retro Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples
Grandma’s Mashed Potatoes
Rich history meets simplicity in Grandma’s Mashed Potatoes, a dish rooted in homes everywhere. Soft and creamy textures create a warmth that feels nostalgic in every bite. It’s perfect alongside main dishes or even as the star of the plate on casual evenings. The focus on texture is what keeps this timeless.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potatoes
The Backyard Table
Get it NOW and level up your outdoor dining! The Backyard Table - Recipes for Summer Cookouts features 34 of Chef Jenn's BEST recipes for outdoor eating and entertaining.
You'll get ad-free recipes like:
- Grilled Corn Guacamole
- Grilled French Onion Burgers
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Blueberry Grunt
- and so many more!
Every recipe is created, tested and loved by Chef Jenn and her family - there's no AI here!
Get it now, at a special introductory price of $7.99. That's over 50 pages of foodie love at your fingertips!
Buy Now!Potato Leek Soup
Balancing comfort and simplicity, soups always hold a special place. Potato Leek Soup brings a smooth and velvety experience, highlighting the earthy taste from its signature elements. Perfect for cozy nights or as a starter, this dish shines no matter the occasion. Every spoonful holds unmatched heartiness while still being easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Potato Leek Soup
Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon
There’s something satisfying about pairing hearty and crisp textures. Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon combines tender bits with those smoky, crunchy accents that draw attention. It’s adaptable as a dinner side or a standalone plate. This balanced blend feels complete, yet leaves you wanting more on the second round.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon
Parisian Potatoes
Simple dishes with a bold twist always make an impact, and Parisian Potatoes are no exception. These perfectly seasoned bites offer a lightly crisp exterior with a smooth inside that’s hard to resist. Each bite offers something unique, making it an ideal choice for casual gatherings. Whether paired or solo, the outcome remains consistently impressive.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Steak and Potato Soup
Meals that mix two powerhouse ingredients always feel gratifying, and that’s the real charm of Steak and Potato Soup. This hearty recipe combines tender bites of one with the smooth textures of another. The end result is warming, filling, and meant to impress whether shared or enjoyed solo.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Potato Soup
Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles
Dialing up tradition, Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles blends smooth textures with bright bites for added complexity. It’s perfect for any occasion needing a flavorful side. The balance between creamy elements and the pops of tang give this dish its standout personality. It’s not just a side; it’s a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles
Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese
This takes layering to a next level of full flavor combinations. Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese blends cheesy richness with pieces of smoky goodness for something truly filling. It’s just the kind of meal that scales easily between casual dinners and special celebrations. Each layer carries on bold styles yet completes harmoniously.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese
Tuscan Soup with Sausage Kale
Soups often evoke feelings of warmth and care, and Tuscan Soup with Sausage Kale does precisely that. It combines hearty bites alongside leafy freshness in a bowl with bold flavors. Perfect as a starter or main item that satiates larger appetites smoothly during hang spotlights itself small enough – managers keep timeless.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Soup with Sausage Kale
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Salads don’t always have to be light; they can pack incredible texture and bulk. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes brings the perfect balance of crunch, soft bites, and vibrant flavors. Whether on its own or a side dish, it’s versatile and deeply fulfilling after every bite. There’s no skimping on flavor or texture, making it a crowd-pleaser for varied preferences.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Fully Loaded Baked Potato Skins
There’s no mistaking the appeal of crispy potato skins packed with hearty goodness. Fully Loaded Baked Potato Skins are all about layering flavors inside a perfectly crisp shell, creating a snack or appetizer that’s hard to ignore. They’re perfect for casual gatherings or simply elevating a weeknight appetizer. Each bite delivers bold, structured flavors in every layer.
Get the Recipe: Fully Loaded Baked Potato Skins
Ukrainian Potatoes
Simple yet remarkably flavor-focused, Ukrainian Potatoes showcase how basic ingredients can create unexpectedly bold combinations. This dish masterfully balances crisp textures with hearty interior bites. It’s a go-to option for sides or an unpretentious main course. The flavors linger without overpowering, proving simple can be standout when done right.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crisp and tender collide in Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes, yielding consistently satisfying bites. The grilling technique enhances earthy flavors while achieving a balance between crunchy exteriors and soft insides. Suitable for a side dish or snacking, they encourage repeat servings. It’s ideal when you want bold textures with effortless effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Irish Nachos
Layers of potato slices reinvent nachos for a heartier vibe. Irish Nachos stack crunchy, tender bases with all the richness typical of loaded toppings. They’re perfect for a casual night or redefining your snack game altogether. Skipping traditional approaches, this dish highlights how versatile potatoes can be.
Get the Recipe: Irish Nachos
Pulled Pork & Sweet Potato Hash
A plate of Pulled Pork & Sweet Potato Hash brings together tender meat with the natural sweetness of a hearty side. Each element complements the other, creating a dish that works as breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Its bold flavor pairing keeps it grounded without overcomplicating things. Perfect for any table seeking variety.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork & Sweet Potato Hash
Shepherd’s Pie Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Creative twists on classics keep meals exciting, and Shepherd’s Pie Stuffed Baked Potatoes achieves that seamlessly. Combining the structured elements of a beloved pie with hearty, soft potato bases, it’s equal parts familiar and innovative. This makes for a comforting dinner choice or a reinvention of weeknight staples with ease.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Potato Cheese Bread
Warm and packed with texture, Potato Cheese Bread blends the softness of potatoes with gooey layers for an unexpectedly hearty treat. This dish serves as a snack or a complementary side. Each bite connects basic components into something surprisingly bold, showing off its ability to adapt to different servings.
Get the Recipe: Potato Cheese Bread