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    Home » Round Up

    What To Eat With Mashed Potatoes

    Published on Oct 16, 2023 Modified: Oct 15, 2023 by Alexandria Drzazgowski.

    Mashed potatoes are a crowd-pleasing side everyone can love, but they are not meant to be eaten alone. Try one of these 30 recipes to make your mashed potatoes a meal!

    A bowl of Garlic Redskin Mashed Potatoes with a slab of melted butter on top.

    I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like mashed potatoes. This delicious dish is a comfort food staple, versatile enough to be dressed up or down to anyone’s taste, and served as part of just about every special occasion. 

    While mashed potatoes probably should not be enjoyed as an entire meal in themselves, they are a great addition to many other meals. 

    Mashed potatoes can be enjoyed alongside roasted or smoked meats, underneath a saucy curry, or side by side with some beef stew. Any hearty meal is made complete with the addition of some buttery spuds.

    If you, like me, have a deep love for mashed potatoes and are looking for more ways to incorporate them into your weekly meals, I’ve got you covered!

    Jump to:
    • FAQs 
    • Favorite Recipes
    • Expert Tips
    • What to Eat With Mashed Potatoes
    • Recipes to Serve with Mashed Potatoes 
    • Instant Pot Turkey Breast
    • Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon
    • Plokkfiskur
    • Irish Stew Recipe
    • Sukuma Wiki
    • Creamed Peas Recipe
    • Creamed Corn
    • Chicken Paprikash Recipe
    • Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts
    • Stoemp
    • Easy Cranberry Sauce
    • Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
    • Instant Pot Chicken Marsala
    • Slow Cooker Osso Buco
    • Roasted Pork Tenderloin and Apple Skillet
    • Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Ribs
    • Meatloaf Muffins
    • Air Fryer Steak
    • Meatball Recipe
    • Crispy Chicken Goujons
    • Chicken Scarpariello
    • Authentic Italian Sausage and Peppers
    • Pan-seared Salmon with Almond Basil Pesto
    • Honey Dijon Pork Tenderloin
    • Air Fryer Salmon
    • Crockpot Mississippi Pot Roast
    • Air Fryer Green Beans
    • Cajun Catfish
    • Onion Burger Mini Meatloaf
    • Chestnut and Pepper Crusted Salmon Fillet

    FAQs 

    What Kind of Potatoes Are Best For Mashed Potatoes?

    This question leads to a never-ending debate. Most experts would agree that russet potatoes or Idaho potatoes make the best-mashed potatoes, but there is a strong argument for Yukon gold or even red potatoes. Some would even say a mixture of different kinds of potatoes is the best way to go.

    Mashed potatoes are one of those dishes that everyone has their own secret recipe for and to be honest, there is no wrong answer. 

    Russet potatoes have a high starch content. This means when they are mashed they don’t become too gluey but retain a fluffy texture.

    Yukon gold potatoes also have a high starch content and a naturally buttery, slightly sweet flavor.

    Red potatoes are naturally creamy and mix very well with cream cheese and milk. With red potatoes, you do need to be careful not to overmix as red potatoes have a tendency to become gluey. Some recipes call for a mixture of red potatoes and russet potatoes to take advantage of the fluffy texture of russet potatoes but the creamy flavor of the red.

    How Far in Advance Can I Make Mashed Potatoes? 

    Fresh mashed potatoes can be a time-consuming dish (unless you make these super easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes) but mashed potatoes can easily be made ahead of time and reheated to enjoy later.

    To make mashed potatoes ahead of time, prepare them as usual up to three days in advance. Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container, and put them in the fridge or freezer. 

    Simply thaw and reheat with a bit of warm milk to serve.

    What is the Best Tool for Mashed Potatoes? 

    I’ve seen many people mash potatoes with an electric mixer but my favorite tool for mashing potatoes is a good old-fashioned potato masher. 
    If you use an electric mixer you risk over-mixing your mashed potatoes which activates the starch in the potatoes and can lead to a gluey mixture. 

    A simple, handheld potato masher lets you feel the texture of your potatoes as you mash, to ensure they are not over-mixed. 

    A potato ricer works in the same way and may also be worth checking out for a slightly finer mash. Some people prefer a more creamy texture that the potato ricer provides.

    Can You Keep Mashed Potatoes Warm in the Instant Pot or Crock Pot?

    Yes! If you make your mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot, you can put them on the Keep Warm setting for several hours to keep the potatoes warm. 

    You can do the same in a crock pot or slow cooker. Set the crockpot to Warm or Low and your creamy mashed potatoes should stay perfectly warm for hours.

    Why Do Restaurant Mashed Potatoes Taste so Good?

    The answer to ridiculously creamy, rich mashed potatoes is very simple. Cream and butter. Many restaurants load up their mashed potatoes with these two ingredients. The result is a dish full of fat and carbs but with a flavor that is so, so good.

    How Do You Make Mashed Potatoes Fluffy and Not Gluey?

    Perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes can take some time to master. Here are a few tips:

    Use russet potatoes. Russet potatoes have a high starch content which keeps the molecules from sticking together and becoming gluey.

    Mash by hand. Electric mixers easily overmix mashed potatoes and lead to a texture that is less than desirable. Mash and then mix gently.

    Butter first. Butter is important for the flavor of the potatoes but the fat in butter also gives it an excellent texture.

    Use milk. Milk, rather than heavy cream, will keep the mixture light.

    Do I Need to Cut Potatoes Before Boiling?

    You don’t have to cut your potatoes before you boil them for mashed potatoes but if you are working with large potatoes, cutting them will help them boil more evenly. 

    Are Mashed Potatoes Vegan?

    Most mashed potato recipes are not vegan as they call for butter and milk. You can easily make this classic dish vegan by substituting vegetable stock or soy milk and olive oil or avocado oil. 

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    Favorite Recipes

    1. My Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot are a family favorite for quick, easy mashed potatoes any day of the week. 
    2. These Garlic Redskin Mashed Potatoes require no peeling for an easy and garlicky dinner.
    3. These Horseradish Mashed Potatoes are perfect for serving alongside a juicy steak or prime rib!

    Expert Tips

    • Place your potatoes into cold water to begin the boiling process. This ensures the potatoes cook evenly, rather than the outside boiling quickly and the interior remaining crunchy.
    • Don’t settle for dry mashed potatoes! Be sure and keep plenty of chicken stock, beef broth, or milk nearby to add to your potatoes as you mash. 
    • It’s best to make sure your milk or stock is warm when you add them. This helps the potatoes to soak in the liquid and keeps the dish nice and warm for serving.

    What to Eat With Mashed Potatoes

    Main Course: Fried chicken, roasted chicken breast, roasted turkey breast, roast beef, pork chops, beef wellington, chicken cordon bleu, beef bourguignon, fish cakes, vegan mushroom stew, pork roast, shepherd’s pie

    On Top: Gravy, butter, garlic salt, beef stew, green onions, cheese, black pepper, parmesan cheese, herb butter, bread crumbs

    Mix in: Butter, cream, collard greens, garlic, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, salt, little sour cream

    Side dishes: Peas, corn, broccoli, roasted brussels sprouts, green beans, cranberry sauce

    Recipes to Serve with Mashed Potatoes 

    Instant Pot Turkey Breast

    Sliced turkey breast covered in gravy next to fresh herbs.
    Use your Instant Pot to cook the perfect juicy, tender, and hands-off turkey breast. Enjoy this recipe on Thanksgiving or any other night of year!
    Read More

    Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon

    A bowl of beef bourguignon with a spoon sticking out of the top.
    Stew Beef is cooked in red wine alongside bacon, carrots, mushrooms, and onions, for a deep, umami-rich meal. We are cooking this French classic in an Instant Pot to cut the cook time for this recipe in half!
    Read More

    Plokkfiskur

    Mashed potatoes and fish mixed together to make Plokkfiskur, topped with pepper and parsley, with rye bread in the background.
    Icelandic Fish Stew is a traditional dish made by mixing mashed fish, béchamel sauce, and potatoes. Plokkfiskur is a popular dish for cold weather, and is an awesome way to try the flavors of Iceland at home. 
    Read More

    Irish Stew Recipe

    Irish stew in a bowl with carrots, beef, potatoes, and thyme with a spoon sticking out of the top.
    Irish stew is the perfect dish for a cool fall day or any day of the year. Warm up with a hearty bowl of filling Irish stew!
    Read More

    Sukuma Wiki

    Sukuma wiki in a wooden bowl on a wooden cutting board.
    Sukuma Wiki is a simple but very flavorful side dish made up of collard greens and tomatoes. It’s a delicious way to enjoy your greens and make your meal more filling too!
    Read More

    Creamed Peas Recipe

    A serving crock filled with Instant Pot Creamed Peas.
    This recipe for Creamed Peas comes together in under 10 minutes, and is one of the most beloved sides on our dinner table!
    Read More

    Creamed Corn

    Creamed corn in a serving crock topped with black pepper.
    Homemade Creamed Corn in the Instant Pot is about to make your weeknight dinners so much easier and delicious. With a 3 minute cook time, you'll have a family favorite side on the table in no time!
    Read More

    Chicken Paprikash Recipe

    Plate of mashed potatoes with chicken paprikash served with fork and knife on the side.
    This recipe is one of the most famous recipes to come out of Hungary. Chicken stewed in Hungarian paprika and sour cream makes for an easy and delicious meal!
    Read More

    Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts

    Brussels Sprouts with bacon and topped with parmesan cheese in a bowl.
    Make this as a Thanksgiving side or just for dinner any night. These Honey Dijon flavored Brussels Sprouts are bursting with flavor and begging to be eaten!
    Read More

    Stoemp

    Pat of butter melting over Stoemp in a serving bowl with a wooden serving spoon resting in the creamy veggie filled potato mixture.
    Stoemp from Belgium is the epitome of the perfect comfort food. Mashed potatoes are mixed with cream and sauteed vegetables and eaten to experience the taste of a homey and comforting dish.
    Read More

    Easy Cranberry Sauce

    Close up of cranberry sauce topped with lemon zest and sitting next to a pink linen and a serving spoon.
    All you need is some cranberries, sugar, oranges and an Instant Pot and you have the easiest Easy Cranberry Sauce! To make the flavor even better, this Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice also features a slight cinnamon flavor. And you’ll love the 2 minute cook time almost as much as you love the taste.
    Read More

    Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

    Stuffed chicken breast with couscous and roasted carrots on the side.
    In this recipe, Chicken Breasts are stuffed with Goat Cheese and Herbs de Provence Seasoning and smothered with dijon sauce. This is the perfect blend of flavors for a flavorful, stuffed chicken breast meal!
    Read More

    Instant Pot Chicken Marsala

    Instant Pot Chicken Marsala on a plate with a linen on the side.
    This Instant Pot Chicken Marsala is such an easy rendition of a classic dinner favorite.
    Read More

    Slow Cooker Osso Buco

    Slow cooker osso buco in a bowl with a sid of greens and polenta.

    This Slow Cooker Osso Buco recipe is super flavorful and tender. Serve it over noodles, creamy polenta, or mashed potatoes for the most delicious and amazing dinner.

    Read More

    Roasted Pork Tenderloin and Apple Skillet

    Skillet with roasted pork tenderloin with apple slices and red onions.

    This Easy Roasted Pork Tenderloin and Apple Skillet is glazed in maple and whole mustard with thyme and a splash of cider vinegar. There are peeled and quartered shallots in it too! It is fancy enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight!

    Read More

    Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Ribs

    Slow cooker Guiness beef ribs served over mashed potatoes with a side of green peas.

    Guinness Beef Ribs (aka beef short ribs) are one of the easiest dishes to make in your slow cooker. No slow cooker? No problem you can make these delicious fall off-the-bone short ribs in a crock pot, dutch oven on the stove or in your oven in a covered roasting pan.

    Read More

    Meatloaf Muffins

    Meatloaf muffins with a red sauce served over the top on a plate that has potatoes and green beans served with it.

    These delicious little Meatloaf Muffins capture all that homestyle, old-fashioned meatloaf flavor your family loves, in a quick-baking mini! Prep them ahead for a super-fast, comforting dinner on busy nights!

    Read More

    Air Fryer Steak

    Air fryer steak cut into thin slices on a wooden serving board.

    Perfectly cooked steaks, all done in the air fryer. This is our favorite way to cook steak! Seared on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside, this Air Fryer Steak recipe is easy and full of flavor. Hands off cooking and ready in just 10 minutes.

    Read More

    Meatball Recipe

    Bowlful of homemade meatballs.

    Making meatballs from scratch is so much easier than you might think. This meatball recipe has only a handful of ingredients and bakes in the oven for very minimal cleanup. Whether you’re making a batch of homemade meatballs for Sunday spaghetti or a crockpot recipe with a sweet sticky sauce, here’s an easy and versatile recipe everyone can use!

    Read More

    Crispy Chicken Goujons

    Plateful of crispy chicken goujons with a side of ketchup on the plate and a plate of french fries served next to it.

    Juicy, tender, and crispy baked chicken goujons. All the flavour of fried chicken, but baked instead for minimal effort and is much healthier too. Crunchy chicken strips will be popular with adults and kids alike. They’re so easy to make, you will never need to buy frozen chicken goujons again.

    Read More

    Chicken Scarpariello

    Chicken scarpariello served on two red plates with mashed potatoes and a fork and knife on the side.

    Chicken Scarpariello is a hearty, Italian-American, one-pot, dinner recipe of braised chicken, sausage, and peppers. If you have ever been far from home and homesick for a comforting home-cooked meal, chicken scarpariello is the cure for such matters of the heart. Juicy braised chicken thighs, spicy Italian sausages, and zesty red vinegar and wine sauce create a satisfying meal that just tastes like home. If this ain’t comfort food, then I don’t know what it is.

    Read More

    Authentic Italian Sausage and Peppers

    A cast iron skillet full of Authentic Italian Sausage and Peppers with a wooden spoon.
    Italian Sausage and Peppers is a savory, filling meal that can be on the table in 30 minutes or less. If you are looking for a quick meal that is sure to satisfy, give this one a try!
    Read More

    Pan-seared Salmon with Almond Basil Pesto

    Pan-seared salmon with almond basil pesto over the top and lemon wedges on the side.

    This pan-seared salmon with almond basil pesto is a restaurant-quality dish that is easy and fast to make at home.

    Read More

    Honey Dijon Pork Tenderloin

    Slices of honey dijon pork tenderloin resting on a serving plate with fresh herbs garnished.

    Honey Dijon Pork Tenderloin – juicy and delicious pork tenderloin is roasted in the oven with an irresistible honey dijon glaze. This is so easy to make and is perfect for a weeknight dinner, or a special occasion, too!

    Read More

    Air Fryer Salmon

    Air fryer salmon served over rice with a side of cooked broccoli and a spoon drizzling a honey garlic sauce over the top.

    In under 20 minutes, you can get your hands on this tender, flaky, and flavorful Air Fryer Salmon with Honey Garlic flavor! This simple weeknight salmon is deliciously healthy and super easy to throw together! 

    Read More

    Crockpot Mississippi Pot Roast

    Crockpot Mississippi pot roast with banana peppers served over potatoes.

    Mississippi Pot Roast is the most delicious and easiest pot roast you will ever make! It’s hard to believe that a recipe with only 5 ingredients could be this good but it is!

    Read More

    Air Fryer Green Beans

    Lemon wedge on the side of air fryer green beans.

    Air Fryer Green Beans are a quick and easy side dish perfect to pair with all of your favorite mains! Green beans are coated in simple seasonings and then cooked until tender and crispy. Try this healthy recipe for a delicious way to eat more nutrients!

    Read More

    Cajun Catfish

    Cajun catfish on a plate.

    Initially when I made my migration from the Canadian depths of winter to Virginia, I wanted to learn more about Southern cuisine. I am by no means an expert and really only touched the surface of my learning but a few solid recipes I taught myself were shrimp and grits, and this cajun catfish. What I love about this recipe is that it is so simple, easy, the fish is flakey, delicious, and gets such a nice crisp because you broil it!

    Read More

    Onion Burger Mini Meatloaf

    Onion burger meatloaf bites on a plate with mixed veggies and potatoes.
    Read More

    Chestnut and Pepper Crusted Salmon Fillet

    A chestnut and pepper salmon fillet o a cutting board with some of the salmon broken away from the fillet to eat with the fork resting on it.

    The colours and flavours make for a wonderfully festive dish that will happily serve six, and the refreshing, mild flavours of the sockeye salmon fillet are beautifully complemented by a delicate chestnut crust.

    Read More

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