The BEST Meals That Go With Mashed Potatoes

Do you love nothing more than a creamy side dish of mashed potatoes, but need some inspiration for the best main courses to serve them alongside? 

We’re here to help! 

If you’re bored of your usual go-to choices and you want to discover some new ideas, you’ve come to the right place. 

From meat dishes, to fishy favourites, to veggie friendly delights, let’s take a look at some of the very best ideas… 

Meals That Go With Mashed Potatoes

Meat Dishes

Mashed potatoes are a fantastic side for a variety of meat dishes. Consider pairing them with a juicy steak or tender pork chops for a delectable meal.

A classic meatloaf can be elevated when served alongside creamy mashed potatoes.

For a festive option, try a succulent turkey or a flavourful roast beef.

Some other meat dishes to explore include:

• Lamb chops: They provide an exquisite contrast of richer flavours with the lightness of mashed potatoes.
• Chicken fried steak: A Southern staple that pairs exceptionally well with mashed potatoes.
• Beef Stroganoff: Creamy, savoury, and delicious – a great match for mashed potatoes.

(Be sure to also take a look at sauces for mashed potatoes, for more inspiration). 

Fish Dishes

Fish can also work brilliantly when it comes to meals that go with mashed potatoes. 

A simple pan-seared salmon delivers a light and healthy option.

Catfish, whether grilled or fried, is an excellent choice to complement the smooth texture of mashed potatoes.

Another seafood option to consider is fish cakes; their crispy exterior paired with the soft potatoes will delight your tastebuds.

Vegetarian Options

For a vegetarian twist, mashed potatoes offer a versatile base for a variety of dishes.

A comforting vegan mushroom stew is a delightful option that provides a hearty, satisfying meal.

You could also try these tasty options:

• Vegetarian “meatballs”: Made from alternative proteins like lentils or chickpeas, they’re a protein-rich choice.
• Stuffed bell peppers: Fill peppers with a mix of veggies, rice, and cheese for a flavourful combination.

With so many delicious options at your fingertips, you’ll never run out of delicious mains to pair with your mashed potatoes. 

Side Dishes that Complement Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a delightful comfort food that pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

To make your meal even more enjoyable and balanced, let’s explore some scrumptious side dishes that go perfectly with mashed potatoes.

Vegetable Sides

Caramelised Onions: Adding caramelised onions to your mashed potatoes lends a depth of flavour and a hint of sweetness.

You can prepare these by thinly slicing onions and cooking them slowly in a frying pan with a bit of butter or olive oil until they reach a deep golden colour.

Stir occasionally and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Creamed Spinach or Kale: Creamed spinach or kale make for a wonderfully rich side dish balancing the fluffiness of mashed potatoes.

To make this dish, simply sauté fresh spinach or kale in a pan with some chopped garlic and butter, then add a splash of cream, and cook until it’s thickened.

Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg. This dish works well with both fresh and frozen vegetables.

Peas: Tender peas, either fresh or frozen, are a perfect accompaniment to mashed potatoes.

You can simply steam the peas and season with a little butter and salt, or try something a bit fancier like mixing them with caramelised onions or even adding some mint for a burst of freshness.

(If you love potato dishes, you might also enjoy what to eat with potato wedges!) 

Salad Options

Mixed Greens Salad: A light, fresh mixed greens salad is an excellent contrast to the creaminess of mashed potatoes.

Choose a mix of leafy greens, such as baby spinach, rocket, and watercress, and top with your choice of thinly sliced vegetables, like cucumber, radish, or carrot.

Drizzle with a simple dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Warm Onion Salad: Try a warm onion salad, flavoured with balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey.

Start by thinly slicing a variety of onions – red, white, and shallots – and slowly cooking them in a pan until soft and lightly browned.

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar and honey, and continue to cook until the onions are nicely caramelised.

Serve over a bed of mixed greens or with other roasted vegetables, like carrots or parsnips.

This warm and tangy salad brings out the best in your mashed potatoes.

Special Occasions Meals

Holiday Pairings

When it comes to holidays, turkey and mashed potatoes are a classic combination.

A perfectly roasted turkey, with its crispy skin and juicy, tender meat, is the perfect centrepiece for a festive meal.

You could elevate your mashed potatoes by mixing in some fragrant herbs and a bit of garlic for an added touch of flavour.

Roast dinners are another popular choice for special occasions.

They often include succulent roast beef or pork, served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.

If you want a twist on the traditional, try including some Swedish meatballs or a comforting shepherd’s pie alongside your mash.

Both of these dishes offer rich and flavourful accompaniments to the velvety mashed potatoes.

For a touch of Irish tradition, pair your mashed potatoes with corned beef.

Slow-cooked and tender, corned beef benefits greatly from the smooth, buttery texture of mashed potatoes.

Barbecue Pairings

When you think of barbecues, you often picture grilled meats and bold, smoky flavours.

Mashed potatoes make a fantastic side dish to add to your barbecue repertoire, providing a lovely contrast to the robust flavours of your grilled dishes.

You can never go wrong with pairing your mashed potatoes with succulent barbecued ribs.

The sweet and smoky flavour of the barbecue sauce melds beautifully with the creaminess of the mashed potatoes.

Bacon-wrapped treats are a barbecue favourite, and they go exceptionally well with mashed potatoes.

Whether you’re grilling bacon-wrapped shrimp, chicken, or vegetables, the saltiness of the bacon complements the smooth, buttery texture of mashed potatoes.

Lastly, comfort food classics are welcome additions to a warm, inviting meal that features mashed potatoes.

Dishes like creamy macaroni and cheese or homemade baked beans provide a delightful contrast and a perfect accompaniment to the fluffy potatoes.

By choosing any of these pairings, you’re sure to create a memorable and delectable meal that highlights the versatility and deliciousness of mashed potatoes.

Alternative Pairings

Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that pair well with many alternative main dishes.

Switching up the traditional pairings can bring excitement and variety to your dinners, without compromising on taste.

One popular choice for meals that go with mashed potatoes is hearty vegan mushroom stew.

This flavoursome and comforting stew combines assorted mushrooms, vegetables, and herbs, making it a delicious and healthy alternative to meat-based dishes.

The rich earthiness of the mushrooms complements the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes splendidly.

For those curious about sides for burgers, look no further than mashed potatoes as well.

Rather than going for the usual chips or salad, you can elevate your burger experience by adding a side of buttery, fluffy, and seasoned mashed potatoes.

This different pairing will provide a novel taste experience, and remember, you can always add your personal touch by experimenting with various potato seasonings! 

If you love potato sides, you might also want to check out meals that go with roast potatoes, and dauphinoise potatoes! 

For more meal planning ideas, take a look at meals that go with garlic bread.