What to Eat with Mashed Potatoes: 24 Tasty Ideas

We all know mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for many meals, but have you ever wondered what other things to eat with mashed potatoes can really amp up your meal? There are so many possibilities, and we're going to give you our 24 favorite meals!

Mashed potatoes pair well with a variety of dishes. Meats and protein such as pork chops, stuffed chicken breast, and meatloaf are great pairings. You can pair vegetable dishes such as green bean casserole, baked zucchini, and vegetarian pot pie. Also, you can use mashed potatoes as a base for Shepherd's pie, mashed potato cakes, and mushroom bourguignon.

What makes mashed potatoes so good?

Mashed potatoes are my go-to classic comfort food. That's because they're easy to make and eat and can take on whatever spices you add to them! I love creamy mashed potatoes with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Sometimes I switch it up and make mashed potatoes with butter, onion, and garlic. They taste delicious any way you make them!

What potatoes are used to make mashed potatoes?

Russet potatoes are the most common potatoes used for mashed potatoes. Russet potatoes are white and when mashed they become fluffy and smooth. However, you can really use any potato you like! Yellow potatoes such as Yukon gold make for a more creamy mashed potato. You can also use red potatoes and sweet potatoes for a creamy and sweet mashed potato recipe.

If you really want to switch things up you can also mash your potatoes with different varieties of squash. For example, we have a recipe for mashed potatoes and butternut squash that is SO good!

What Meat to Eat with Mashed Potatoes

1. Sheet Pan Pork Chops

Pork Chops in Mushroom Soup with a side of creamy potatoes is the ultimate easy dinner. This dish is great because the creamy mushroom soup used to smother the pork chops also works excellently as a gravy for the mashed potatoes!

If you're one of those people who mix their food together then this is the meal for you. You can even dip the pork chops in the mashed potatoes for a bit that has the best of both worlds!

2. Beef Wellington

This Beef Wellington is a combination of rich and decadent flavors from beef tenderloin and savory mushrooms. These flavors are perfectly balanced by the creamy texture and buttery taste of mashed potatoes. The earthy and comforting qualities of mashed potatoes make them the ideal partner to this classic dish!

3. Turkey Breast

A mashed potato pairing list wouldn't be complete without Turkey Breast. It's a classic Thanksgiving dinner combination that everybody loves!

Pairing mashed potatoes with turkey breast just makes sense because both are so good when smothered in gravy! Plus, this turkey breast recipe is amped up with garlic lemon butter, so the whole family is sure to love it!

4. Homemade Meatloaf

This homemade meatloaf is so tender and juicy! The comforting flavors and textures of the meatloaf and mashed potatoes complement each other perfectly, making for a satisfying and wholesome meal that's sure to please.

Mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for meatloaf, as they provide a creamy buttery flavor that complements the hearty and savory taste of the meatloaf. You're going to want to give this combo a try!

5. Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Mustard-stuffed chicken breasts are a flavorful and healthy main course, and they pair perfectly with a side of mashed potatoes!

These stuffed chicken breasts are oozing with a sauce made up of mustard, yogurt, and cheese. So it's super creamy and delicious!

6. Rosemary and Garlic Roast Beef

Rosemary and garlic roast beef is a classic dish perfect for special occasions or dinner parties, and it pairs beautifully with a side of mashed potatoes!

The earthy flavors of the rosemary and garlic perfectly complement the creamy texture of the potatoes, making this a dish that's both elegant and comforting.

7. Garlic Herb Pork Roast

Garlic herb pork roast is a hearty and flavorful main dish that's perfect for any time of year, and with mashed potatoes, as it's companion, it's sure to be a winner!

The best part of this meal is the smell of garlic roasting, it doesn't get better than that! So grab yourself a fork and dig into this tasty meal.

8. Lamb Chops With Mustard-Thyme Sauce

Lamb chops with mustard thyme sauce is a fancy and flavorful dish that's perfect for a special occasion, and it pairs perfectly with a side of mashed potatoes.

This dish has such elegant flavors and only takes 30 minutes to make! It's a great family meal if you're looking for something new. As I'm sure you've never tried this savory meal!

9. Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a chilly evening. This is one of our favorite recipes with tender beef and a savory mushroom sauce!

You can take this whole dish and pour it right over a big bowl of mashed potatoes, it's the best way to enjoy this classic combination!

What Vegetable Dish to Eat with Mashed Potatoes

10. Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a classic side dish that's always a hit at holiday gatherings, and it pairs perfectly with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.

This recipe has crispy green beans, and savory mushroom soup, and is topped with crunch onion straws. This is a great vegetarian family dinner!

11. Creamy Parmesan Baked Zucchini

This Creamy parmesan zucchini casserole is a delicious and healthy dish that's loaded with flavor!

The creamy parmesan cheese sauce and tender zucchini slices make this a dish that's both light and satisfying.

If you're looking for a lighter vegetable dish to go with your mashed potatoes then this is the one for you!

12. Vegetarian Pot Pie

Vegetarian pot pie is a hearty and comforting dish that's the perfect dinner for a cozy night in, and it pairs beautifully with a side of mashed potatoes!

With its savory and creamy filling, this vegetarian dish is the epitome of comfort food. It's clearly one of the best main dishes for mashed potatoes!

13. Vegan French Onion Lasagna

This Vegan French Onion Lasagna is a legendary dish! It features sweet caramelized onions, vegan ricotta, and creamy thyme bechamel.

This is a perfect dish to pair with some fluffy mashed potatoes because of how hearty they both are together!

14. Cheesy Pesto Broccoli Casserole

Cheesy pesto broccoli casserole is a delicious and healthy meal that should be accompanied by a big side of mashed potatoes!

If you're looking for a dish that's nutrient-packed but doesn't skimp on flavor then this is for you.

This is also great for meal prep, so you can enjoy this perfect recipe all week long!

15. Eggplant Pasta Casserole

This eggplant pasta casserole is a hearty dish that pairs perfectly with the flavor of mashed potatoes.

The tender eggplant, rich cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta create a delicious meal that will fill you right up!

If you've been looking for a filling vegetarian meal then you have good reason to give this recipe a go!

16. Cheesy Mushroom Ravioli

Cheesy mushroom ravioli is a crowd-pleasing dish that's a no-brainer for serving with mashed potatoes.

The rich and savory flavors of the mushrooms and cheese are perfectly complemented by the creamy potatoes, making it a satisfying and delicious meal.

17. Spinach Artichoke Pull-Apart Bread

Spinach artichoke pull-apart bread is a fun and flavorful recipe that's perfect for sharing with friends and family!

The creamy spinach and artichoke filling is fun to dip into mashed potatoes if you're feeling adventurous!

What Dishes to Make with Mashed Potatoes

18. Ground Bison Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food that combines savory ground beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes.

This dish uses instant mashed potatoes, so it's super easy to make!

In every bite, you can taste the heartwarming goodness that comes from the perfect blend of mashed potatoes and savory beef.

19. Homestyle Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls

Homestyle chicken mashed potato bowls are a hearty and satisfying meal that is easy to make!

The mashed potatoes provide a smooth and creamy base for the tender chicken, creamy cheese, and flavorful gravy.

This dish is sure to remind you of a home-cooked meal from your childhood!

20. Mashed Potato Casserole

This casserole is filled with all sorts of delicious and simple ingredients like cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions, and the mashed potatoes act as a perfect binding agent!

Every forkful of this dish is like a warm and satisfying hug that fills you up with happiness. If you're a loaded potato lover then you're going to be obsessed with this recipe!

21. Mushroom Bourguignon

This Mushroom bourguignon is a vegetarian take on the classic French beef stew that features mushrooms instead of meat.

Mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to this dish because they help to soak up the rich, wine-infused sauce!

The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes provides a nice contrast to the chewy mushrooms and hearty vegetables in the bourguignon.

22. Crispy Cheesy Potato Cakes

If you're looking for something a bit different then these crispy cheesy potato cakes are for you!

I can guarantee that you won't be able to resist their crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy center.

Mashed potatoes are the perfect base for these cakes, adding a fluffy texture that holds all the savory flavors together.

23. Easy Potato Dumplings

Easy potato dumplings are a classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with rich and hearty stews.

Mashed potatoes make these dumplings tender and flavorful, with a pillowy texture that melts in your mouth.

Give these dumplings a try, you're sure to love them!

24. Mashed Potato Pancakes

All the breakfast lovers out there gather around! Mashed potato pancakes are a breakfast staple that's both delicious and thrifty.

Next time you have leftover mashed potatoes, you can create a savory breakfast that's easy to make and flavorful!

The mashed potatoes create a tender, fluffy center that crisps up beautifully in the pan.

That completes our list of what to serve with mashed potatoes. We hope you found the perfect recipe! Enjoy your mashed potatoes!