Potatoes are a versatile and popular side dish that can complement a variety of main courses. When trying to determine what to eat with a side of potatoes, there are a few key factors to consider: the type of potato, what cooking method was used, what flavors pair well, and what ingredients will provide contrasting textures.
What are the different types of potatoes?
There are several common varieties of potatoes, each with their own unique properties that work well in different applications:
- Russet potatoes have a fluffy, dry texture perfect for baking or mashing.
- Red potatoes hold their shape well when boiled or roasted.
- Yukon Gold potatoes have a smooth, creamy texture great for soups and stews.
- Fingerling or new potatoes are small, waxy potatoes ideal for roasting or sautéing.
The variety of potato will impact what it goes well with. Fluffier russets pair nicely with butter and cream, while waxy red potatoes can withstand richer sauces without breaking down. Keep the properties of the potato in mind when selecting a main dish.
What cooking methods work best?
Potatoes can be prepared in numerous ways, and the cooking technique impacts what flavors and textures pair nicely:
- Baked potatoes have a light, fluffy interior that goes great with chili, broccoli cheese sauce, or barbecue chicken.
- Mashed potatoes complement hearty roasted or braised meats like pork chops or pot roasts.
- Roasting or sautéing brings out the rich, earthy flavor of potatoes, delicious with seafood or grilled meat.
- Boiled potatoes retain their shape and texture, ideal for serving with butter and dill with fish.
Match the preparation of the potatoes to the main course. Delicate fish fillets pair better with boiled new potatoes than creamy, dense mashed potatoes, for example.
What foods pair well flavor-wise?
Potatoes have an inherently earthy, starchy, and versatile flavor. Here are some go-to flavor pairings to consider when deciding what protein to serve alongside potatoes:
- Potatoes complement the herbs in chicken or turkey seasoned with rosemary, thyme, or sage.
- The starchiness provides balance to acidic dishes like tangy barbecue pulled pork.
- Hearty potatoes stand up well to the spicy kick of chili, curries, or tacos.
- Potatoes highlighted with butter or cheese make a nice counterpoint to simply seasoned fish.
When in doubt, herbs like parsley, chives, dill, and scallions almost always taste great on top of potatoes.
What textures provide contrast?
For the most interest, look for main dishes with contrasting textures to the potatoes:
- Fluffy mashed potatoes pair well with crunchy fried chicken.
- Light, soft potato gnocchi is delicious with seared, peppery arugula.
- Creamy potatoes work with tender slow-cooked meats that pull apart.
- Chunky potatoes complement smooth pureed vegetable soups or sauces.
A mix of textures keeps the meal visually appealing and interesting to eat. Avoid pairing soft mashed potatoes with buttery seafood, for example, where the textures are too similar.
What to Eat with Common Potato Preparations
Now that we’ve covered the basic principles, here are some specific serving suggestions for common potato side dishes:
Baked Potatoes
| Pulled pork | Chili | Barbecue chicken |
| Broccoli cheese sauce | Meatballs with tomato sauce | Greek yogurt and chives |
Baked potatoes work well with flavorful toppings. Go for saucy, hearty proteins or vegetarian fillings. Lighter fillings like chives and Greek yogurt provide balance.
Mashed Potatoes
| Roast chicken or turkey | Pot roast | Meatloaf |
| Fried chicken | Sausage and peppers | Butter-sautéed vegetables |
The creaminess of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with roasted and fried meats, especially when served with pan sauces or gravy. Veggies add great contrasting texture.
Roasted Potatoes
| Steak | Fish fillets | Shrimp skewers |
| Ratatouille | Summer squash and zucchini | Greek salad |
Crispy roasted potatoes add texture and earthiness to complements simply prepared meat, seafood, and vegetables. Serve them with meals off the grill.
Sautéed Potatoes
| Fajitas | Stir fry | Sausage and cabbage |
| Pot pie | Ham steak | Herb roasted chicken |
From Southwest favorites to hearty roasted meats, sautéed potato wedges or cubes pair nicely with just about any protein or combination of aromatic veggies.
Hasselback Potatoes
| Pork tenderloin | Smoked salmon | Rack of lamb |
| Chicken cordon bleu | Steaks | Crab cakes |
With their impressive presentation, Hasselbacks make an elegant accompaniment to premium proteins like seafood, lamb, and steak.
Potato Salad
| Fried chicken | Burgers | Bratwurst or hot dogs |
| Pulled pork or shredded barbecue chicken | Poached salmon | Quiche or frittata |
Cool, creamy potato salad is the perfect complement to casual summer fare off the grill or flavorsome sandwiches.
Scalloped Potatoes
| Baked ham | Roast beef | Fried chicken |
| Pork chops | Meatloaf | Shrimp scampi |
The rich, velvety texture of scalloped potatoes makes them a natural fit for roasted and fried meats and seafood.
Boiled Potatoes
| Poached salmon | Seafood stew | Boiled lobster tails |
| Pot roast | Prime rib | Lamb chops |
Retaining their shape after boiling, these potatoes perfectly accompany poached or braised dishes, especially delicate seafood.
Complementary Side Dishes
While the potatoes will be the star side, you can round out the meal with complementary vegetables and sides:
- Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus
- Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or squash
- Sautéed zucchini, spinach, kale, or eggplant
- Dinner rolls, biscuits, or garlic bread
- Rice pilaf or buttered noodles
- Tossed green, potato, pasta, or coleslaw salad
Choose seasonally appropriate veggie pairings that add color contrast and densities that differ from the potatoes. Starchy breads and grains help soak up any delicious sauces.
Putting It All Together
When planning a meal featuring a potato side dish:
- Consider the potato variety and preparation method. Match denser potatoes with lighter mains.
- Choose a main course with complementary flavors like herbs or spice.
- Look for contrasting textures, like crisp roasted potatoes served with tender pork medallions.
- Round out the meal with bright vegetable sides and warm breads.
With the right balance of flavors, textures, and colors, you can create the perfect plate pairing potatoes with proteins like juicy steak, succulent seafood, or fragrant roasted chicken. Potatoes are one of the most versatile side dishes, fitting seamlessly into meals of all types.
Conclusion
Potatoes are a beloved staple that can be served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No matter which potato variety or cooking method you select, keep the main dish flavors, textures, and visual appeal in mind. Seek balance, contrast, and seasonal appropriateness by complementing the potatoes with fresh vegetable sides and warm breads. With the guidelines provided, you can confidently match potatoes with proteins like sausage, poultry, beef, pork, fish, and seafood for delicious, well-rounded meals. Potatoes provide such a wonderful canvas to showcase creative combinations and recipes.