Wondering what to eat with mashed potatoes? Let’s talk about the best main dishes with mashed potatoes that will turn any meal into a hug for your taste buds. My personal preference is always to eat it with steak, but it goes so well with so many other things!
In this guide, we’ll explore a range of delicious dishes that go perfectly with mashed potatoes, ensuring your next meal is both satisfying and spectacular. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, discover the best pairings for your beloved mashed potatoes.
An Introduction to Mashed Potato Pairings
Mashed potatoes, creamy and comforting, are the ultimate side dish. But what complements this classic best? Whether you’re looking for the perfect main dish to elevate your creamy mashed potatoes or aiming to create the ultimate comfort meal, you’ve found the right guide.
Below, you’ll find a carefully selected list of main dishes, including their cooking times and which type of mashed potatoes complement them best. Choose your favorite and prepare to impress with a meal that harmonizes beautifully with your fluffy, buttery potatoes.
Timeless Mashed Potato Companions
Imagine your ideal comfort food plate: a cloud of buttery, creamy mashed potatoes next to a hearty slice of meatloaf or a piece of golden, crispy roast chicken. These dishes are the classic pairings for mashed potatoes, beloved through the generations for their soul-soothing qualities. Let’s explore why these combinations are synonymous with comfort food at its best.
The Beloved Meatloaf
Nothing says comfort like meatloaf paired with mashed potatoes. This traditional dish combines ground meat, herbs, breadcrumbs, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce to create a moist, flavorful loaf that complements the creamy texture of mashed potatoes perfectly.
It’s a nostalgic meal that recalls family dinners filled with warmth and conversation. Discover more pairing ideas for this classic dish in our What to Serve with Meatloaf article.
Crispy Roast Chicken
Crispy fried chicken, or roasted chicken, with its perfectly golden skin and rich aroma, is another timeless partner for mashed potatoes. Chicken served side by side with homestyle mashed potatoes, does more than fill you up; it takes you back to Sunday dinners at grandma’s house, where the only thing better than the food was the company.
There is good reason KFC serves mashed potatoes as one of their three main sides – it just tastes so good! A juicy roasted chicken next to creamy mashed potatoes? Yes, please!
Related Article: See our article on What Goes with Chicken for additional chicken pairing recommendations and learn why these combinations are always a hit.
What to Eat with Mashed Potatoes: Exploring Beyond the Obvious
Mashed potatoes are a classic side that we all love, but they’re often overshadowed by the main dish. It’s time to explore beyond the obvious and discover pairings that truly elevate this beloved side. Whether you’re pairing with a succulent steak, a tender roast, or a zesty chicken dish, there’s a world of flavors waiting to complement your creamy mashed potatoes.
Steak Diane – or any steak, for that matter!
I would have to argue that any kind of steak goes well with mashed potatoes – doesn’t matter how you flavor it or cook it. For a gourmet treat, try Steak Diane for a show-stopping dish. Flambéed with cognac and enriched with Worcestershire sauce and cream, this steak makes your mashed potatoes part of a savory flavor explosion. Besides, have you ever been to Texas Roadhouse, Outback Steakhouse, or any other steak houses – gourmet or casual – that doesn’t have mashed potatoes on the menu?
Sous Vide Roast Beef
Consider the tender perfection of Sous Vide Roast Beef, which pairs impeccably with the soft texture of mashed potatoes. This gourmet duo whispers luxury with every forkful, enhanced by the subtle notes of herbs and garlic.
Chicken Piccata
For a lighter option, Chicken Piccata offers a zesty contrast with its lemon and caper sauce. The bright, tangy flavors cut through the richness of the mashed potatoes, refreshing your palate with every forkful.
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, enhancing the dining experience. Discover the perfect wine pairing for this dish in our article on What Wine Goes with Chicken Piccata.
Marinated Lamb Chops
If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of rustic charm, marinated lamb chops with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil are your best bet. They’re quick to cook and perfect alongside a heaping pile of buttery mashed potatoes.
Smoked Beef Short Ribs
Consider the deep, smoky flavors of slow-smoked beef short ribs. The tender, juicy meat pairs beautifully with the soft, comforting texture of mashed potatoes, making each bite satisfyingly delicious.
Moroccan Tomato and Beef Stew (Harira)
Venture into bolder territory with Moroccan Tomato and Beef Stew, or Harira. This hearty, spiced stew with tomatoes, lentils, and beef provides a robust companion to the mildness of mashed potatoes, making each spoonful a delightful adventure in taste.
Quick and Easy Pairings for Mashed Potatoes
Think weeknight dinners with mashed potatoes have to be dull? Not at all! Elevate your everyday meals by pairing those fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes with dishes that are both quick and sophisticated. It’s time to bring a touch of gourmet to your dinner table without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Herbed Pork Chops & Rich Gravy
Who says gourmet is reserved for the weekends? Certainly not your taste buds. Take herbed pork chops, for example. Sear them to golden perfection, smother in a rich, savory gravy, and serve them over a bed of mashed potatoes that just begs to soak up all that delicious sauce. This meal turns your dinner into a comforting experience that’s ready in no time.
Chicken Marsala
Imagine tender chicken breasts, simmered in a Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms, creating a richly flavored dish that perfectly complements your mashed potatoes. This pairing is not only quick to prepare but also packs a punch of flavor that elevates any ordinary night. Learn more about what to serve with this delightful dish in our article on What to Serve with Chicken Marsala.
Lemon Butter Fish
On the nights when the breeze calls for something lighter, try Lemon Butter Fish. The fish is crisped on the outside, tender on the inside, and drizzled with a zesty lemon butter sauce.
It’s a refreshing leap from the rich, hearty entrees and it pairs surprisingly well with the mellow smoothness of mashed potatoes. This dish brings a light yet flavorful option to your weeknight rotation.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored various delicious options on what to eat with mashed potatoes, it’s clear that this classic side can be the foundation of countless tasty meals. Whether paired with the robust flavors of a herbed pork chop or the delicate zest of lemon butter fish, mashed potatoes enhance every dish they accompany.
Embrace the versatility of mashed potatoes and let them elevate your mealtime into a gourmet experience. Remember, the best meals are those shared with loved ones, so gather around the table and enjoy these perfect pairings that make every bite memorable.
FAQ
Can mashed potatoes be paired with vegetarian options?
Absolutely! Mashed potatoes go great with vegetarian dishes like mushroom stroganoff, grilled vegetable skewers, or a hearty vegetable stew.
What sauces complement mashed potatoes well?
Rich gravies, creamy mushroom sauces, or even lighter options like a fresh mint chimichurri can enhance mashed potatoes wonderfully, adding depth and flavor to the dish.
Is there a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that pairs well with the same dishes?
Yes, mashed cauliflower and potatoes is a popular low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes and pairs well with the same variety of dishes, including hearty meats and flavorful gravies.
Can mashed potatoes be a base for gluten-free meals?
Absolutely! Mashed potatoes are naturally gluten-free and can be paired with gluten-free gravies and other sides like corn on the cob, sautéed spinach, or gluten-free fried chicken to create a full gluten-free meal.
What to serve with mashed potatoes to kids who are picky eaters?
For kids, pairing mashed potatoes with familiar favorites like mini meatloaf muffins, chicken nuggets, or fish sticks can be a hit. You can also mix some pureed vegetables into the mashed potatoes for added nutrition.
