Potato Side Dishes for Roast Beef: Top Tasty Picks!

If you’re looking for ideas and recipes for potato side dishes for roast beef, you’re in the right place! 

A potato side is an essential part of a delicious roast dinner, and whether you want to go for a traditional favourite or something a little innovative and creative, there are plenty of options to consider. 

Let’s dive into the best choices… 

(By the way, make sure that you also take a look at my guide to the best starters for a roast dinner, and the best desserts for roast beef!) 

Classic Potato Side Dishes for Roast Beef

Sometimes, the good old favourites are the best! These traditional choices are popular for good reason, and we’re going to look at the best ways to prepare and serve them… 

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Who doesn’t love this creamy, delightful addition to their plate? Grab your spuds, and let’s get peeling!

Start by boiling your potatoes until they’re soft and tender. While you’re at it, get some garlic cloves smashed and lightly sautéed in butter. Drain the spuds, add a generous dollop of butter, cream, and the sautéed garlic. Mash away, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bob’s your uncle, we’ve got scrumptious garlic mashed potatoes ready to be devoured!

Pro tip: Don’t be shy with the garlic. The more, the merrier when it comes to flavour!

Scalloped Potatoes

Moving on, we have another beloved classic: scalloped potatoes. Perfectly layered potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy sauce — what’s not to love?

Begin by thinly slicing your potatoes and onions, then arrange them in an oven-safe dish, alternating layers. Heat some butter and whisk in flour, followed by milk, and let it thicken. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, then pour over the potato layers. Add a generous layer of grated cheese (preferably something mature) on top and bake until golden and bubbly.

Pro tip: Double-matured cheddar gives an extra kick! You won’t regret it.

Armed with these classic potato side dishes, your roast beef dinner is bound to be an absolute showstopper!

Roasted Potatoes for Roast Beef

Roasted potatoes are a perfect companion for a succulent roast beef, and there are various flavours that can elevate this classic side dish.

In this section, we’ll focus on two delicious options: rosemary roasted potatoes and thyme and parmesan potatoes.

Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

For a fragrant twist on a traditional potato side, rosemary roasted potatoes are just the ticket. Here’s a simple and scrumptious recipe:

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Peel and chop 1kg (2.2lbs) of potatoes into bite-sized chunks, and parboil for 5 minutes.
  3. In a baking tray, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and a generous handful of chopped fresh rosemary.
  4. Add the potatoes to the tray, and toss them in the oil mixture to coat them evenly.
  5. Bake the potatoes for 45 minutes or until crisp and golden brown, turning them halfway through.
  6. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

These rosemary-infused potatoes will have your guests sniffing the air in anticipation!

Thyme and Parmesan Potatoes

If you’re a fan of cheese and herbs, then thyme and parmesan potatoes will utterly delight your taste buds. Here’s how to whip up this toothsome treat:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Thinly slice 1kg (2.2lbs) of potatoes, either using a mandoline or a very sharp knife.
  3. In a large bowl, mix 100g (1 cup) of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
  4. Add the potato slices to the bowl, and gently toss them in the cheese and herb mixture.
  5. Layer the potato slices in a greased baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice.
  6. Sprinkle any remaining Parmesan mixture over the top.
  7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown.

Take a moment to appreciate the “mmms” and “ahhs” from your guests as they savour the mouthwatering flavours of these thyme and parmesan potatoes.

Potato Salads and Cold Sides for Roast Beef

As we venture further into the delightful world of potato side dishes for roast beef, let’s take a moment to appreciate the versatile and ever-popular potato salad! In this section, we’ll explore a couple of mouth-watering variations that will leave you hankering for more.

Traditional Potato Salad

Who doesn’t love a classic potato salad? Tender potatoes, seasoned just right, mingling with crunchy celery and pickles, and bathed in a creamy mayo-based dressing. The traditional potato salad recipe is simple, yet so satisfying! Here’s a brief rundown of what you’ll need:

  • Boiled potatoes
  • Chopped celery
  • Diced pickles
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Mayonnaise
  • Mustard
  • Seasonings (salt, pepper, and paprika)

Simply mix all the ingredients together and let the salad chill for a couple of hours, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully. Trust me; this scrumptious salad will be a hit with your roast beef dinner guests!

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Now, if you’re looking for a potato salad with a bit more pizzazz, feast your eyes on the loaded baked potato salad – it’s the fun, extroverted cousin of the traditional version! This flavour-packed powerhouse brings together all the best elements of a loaded baked potato in the form of a potato salad. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Baked potatoes
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Chopped green onions or chives
  • Grated cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Seasonings (salt, pepper, and garlic powder)

It’s as simple as combining all the ingredients, adjusting the seasonings to taste, and letting it chill in the fridge for a bit. Roll out this loaded baked potato salad alongside your roast beef, and you’ll be inundated with requests for seconds (and thirds)!

So, there you have it, two fantastic potato salads ready to up your roast beef side dish game. Go forth and conquer the kitchen, my fellow spud aficionados!

Unique and Creative Ideas

Stretch your culinary muscles and impress your guests with some outstanding potato side dishes for roast beef. Let’s explore a couple of unique and creative ideas that will elevate your dining table to new heights.

Potato Gratin Stacks

Why settle for a regular gratin when you can make individual potato gratin stacks? This fun and tasty twist on the classic gratin not only looks fancy, but it also ensures that each serving has the perfect amount of crispy edges and tender potato layers. Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Thinly slice potatoes and layer them with a mix of grated cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
  • Stack these layers in a greased muffin tin, filling each cup to the top.
  • Pour a small amount of heavy cream over each stack, allowing it to seep between the potato layers.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 40-45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
  • Allow the stacks to cool for a few minutes before removing them gently with a spatula or fork.

These brilliant stacks not only taste amazing but they’ll leave everyone chatting about your mad cooking skills!

Potato and Vegetable Skewers

Transform your humble spuds into a delightful potato and vegetable skewers presentation. Mix it up by adding colourful and flavourful veggies, like bell peppers, red onions, and mushrooms, to your skewers. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Parboil the potatoes until slightly tender, then cut them into roughly equal-sized chunks.
  2. Prepare and chop your choice of vegetables into similar-sized pieces.
  3. Thread the potatoes and vegetables onto skewers, alternating them for a visually appealing pattern.
  4. Season with a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, herbs, salt and pepper, and baste your skewers generously.
  5. Grill or bake the skewers at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-15 minutes per side or until the potatoes are golden and vegetables are tender.

Your guests will savour both the flavours and the presentation of these delicious potato and vegetable Skewers. Bon appétit!

Tips for Pairing Potatoes with Roast Beef

When it comes to pairing potatoes with roast beef, you want to strike the perfect balance of flavours and textures to create a tasty, mouth-watering combination. To achieve this, consider these helpful tips:

1. Choose the right potato variety: Select potato types based on the dish you’re preparing. Classic choices include Yukon Gold for their buttery flavour, red-skinned potatoes for their waxy texture, and russets for their starchy, fluffy nature. Each type adds a unique element when used in various potato dishes.

2. Experiment with cooking methods: Showcase the versatile nature of potatoes with different cooking techniques. Try classic roast potatoes, air-fried for a healthier alternative, or opt for creamy mashed potatoes to please all palates.

3. Flavour your spuds with herbs and spices: Enhance the flavour of your potato dishes by adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or by mixing in spices like garlic, onions, or paprika. This will ensure your potatoes truly sing alongside the roast beef.

4. Don’t forget the gravy: A good potato side dish is never complete without a delectable gravy to accompany it. Remember to keep it rich and flavourful by using beef drippings and a touch of red wine or beer, if you’re feeling extra cheeky.

When you follow these tips and let your inner culinary artist shine, you’ll have a roast beef and potato pairing that is simply spud-tacular. And remember, it’s not always about following the recipe to a tee; sometimes, it’s all about having fun and letting your taste buds be the judge! 

Get more inspiration over at what to eat with Mississippi pot roast