Whether you prefer them baked, fried, mashed, chipped or boiled, there's no denying potatoes are among the most versatile and delicious ingredients out there. What's more, they complement pretty much every main dish going. Here are our best-ever potato recipes that transform the humble spud into show-stopping side dishes.
Click or scroll through these tasty potato side dish recipes, including elevated fries and extra-special twists on potato salad.
These potato wedges are extremely moreish. Roasted in rosemary, garlic, olive oil and Marsala wine, they become sticky and sweet and go perfectly with the accompanying spicy tomato sauce. They make the perfect side for a variety of dishes and would go down a storm served at a barbecue.
Get the recipe for potato wedges with spicy tomato sauce here
Potatoes and bread, what could be better? This mouth-watering recipe gives focaccia an Irish spin, resulting in a moreish crowd pleaser. To make the perfect potato and rosemary soda focaccia at home, the keys to success lie in precise measurements, minimal handling of the soda dough (kneading it will make it tough) and generous glugs of olive oil.
This recipe from TV chef James Martin is one for seafood lovers. New potatoes are tossed in lemon and parsley butter, with cayenne and Worcester sauce adding an extra kick. Tiny, tasty brown shrimp finish off this dish perfectly. These would work well as part of a seafood dinner or even as a side to steak for a twist on surf 'n' turf.
You can never go wrong with buttery, creamy, golden potato gratin similar in its spirit to dauphinoise potatoes. Break through the crisp top to reveal the soft, comforting grated potato below. We guarantee there will be second helpings all round.
This easy one-pan dish is the perfect side to serve alongside other dishes for a tasty brunch or lunch. The roast potatoes, flavoured with the oil from the chorizo, are crispy and full of flavour and pair perfectly with the eggs.
Let the aromas of cinnamon, garlic, cumin and ginger fill your home – and bellies – thanks to this delectable recipe for Moroccan sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoes are baked for 45-60 minutes until tender then loaded with cooked lentils, a whole medley of spices, and a tasty tahini dressing.
The secret to crisp French fries lies in parboiling potatoes first, before deep-frying the chips twice, if you're making your own. Be sure to let the fries air dry after each frying, drain the extra oil on paper towels and fry in small batches to ensure maximum crispiness. For the ultimate indulgence, top your fries with a gooey cheese sauce and crispy bacon bites.
The taste of the Deep South and pit-barbecue country is captured in these spicy wedges. The Cajun spicing goes perfectly with both white and sweet potatoes. Cut into wedges or chips (don't bother peeling them), toss in oil then add plenty of spice. For ease, you could even buy a ready-made mix from the supermarket.
Update a classic chippy tea with an Indian-inspired makeover. For the fries, Maris Piper potatoes are sprinkled with ground turmeric and salt for a flavoursome bite. For a whole meal the recipe suggests fish is battered in a chilli and gram flour mix, making it gluten-free. A side of piquant chutney, in place of the typical tartar sauce, is the perfect accompaniment.
A recipe full of exciting Indonesian flavours, this warm potato salad is known as gado gado. A combination of potatoes, green beans, beansprouts and peanut-coconut dressing, this one-tray dish will brighten up any meal. You could try adding boiled eggs, fried tofu, shredded Chinese leaf cabbage or some prawn crackers on the side.
Adding pea shoots, radishes, sugar snap peas and asparagus (or any other vegetables you have) to the humble potato salad really elevates this classic dish. The potato and vegetable mixture is tossed in a creamy dressing featuring lemon juice, honey and a lovely kick of horseradish, which is simply delicious.
Get the recipe for asparagus, new potato and radish salad here
Roasted new potatoes are always a winning side dish and this recipe's crème fraîche, mint and watercress dip make them even more delightful. The potatoes are so moreish you'll want to go back for seconds. Serve with whatever you fancy!
Get the recipe for roasted new potatoes with mint and watercress dip here
Potato salad is always a favourite side dish, and this version is taken to new heights with an irresistible dressing made with a soft, creamy garlic and herb cheese. This works well served alongside grilled meat or fish and greens.
Potato dishes don’t necessarily have to be heavy as demonstrated in this zingy and refreshing salad. Spiralised sweet potato forms the noodles in the dish, while the punchy flavours of sesame, ginger, chilli, coriander and spring onions add an Asian-inspired twist. Serve alongside chicken, fish or tofu.
Perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner, a crisp and satisfying sweet potato rösti makes the perfect accompaniment. Try it topped with guacamole and poached eggs. Best of all, you can prepare the rösti ahead of time then reheat them in a hot oven to serve.
Get the recipe for sweet potato rösti with poached eggs here
These miso-tamarind roasted wedges are unlike any potato wedges you've had before. Miso and tamarind combine to give them a wonderfully piquant glaze that, when served with a side of garlic mayo, oozes perfection. The accompanying salad of peas, asparagus, radishes, baby beetroot and Okahijiki is delightfully fresh.
Waxy, mellow potatoes, like Jersey Royals, pair perfectly with salty and sharp pickled samphire while citrusy sorrel gives the dish a zingy lift. When making this recipe, make sure the potatoes have cooled fully before combining with the sorrel leaves so they maintain flavour and the bright green colour.
Get the recipe for new potatoes with pickled samphire and sorrel here
This warm baked sweet potato salad will steal the show with its bold flavours. Tamari (similar to soy sauce), lime juice and chillies make it citrusy, salty and spicy. Roasted peanuts add crunch and a handful of coriander and mint keep it fresh in a dish that's great year-round.
Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside: roasties are potato perfection, especially when slathered in gravy and served with a hunk of meat. But cooking the perfect roasties can prove difficult. Hint: for foolproof results, use a floury variety of potato, such as King Edward, and cover liberally in goose fat before cooking.
These crispy potato skins are stuffed with feta and spring onion, but you can easily adapt the flavours to use up whatever other ingredients you have lurking in your fridge. A brilliant one-tray dish, it's perfect as part of a meal or just a snack.
To make these wontons, mashed sweet potato and water chestnuts are mixed with cauliflower, asparagus and green beans but you can use whatever veg you have to hand. Sushi ginger and spring onions add a lovely fresh flavour before the mixture is simply spooned into wonton wrappers and fried. They can also be made in advance and frozen.
Get the recipe for Vietnamese sweet potato and water chestnut wontons here
Crunchy sweet potato fries are elevated with the addition of spicy pulled barbecued jackfruit, smothered in melted Cheddar. It's the perfect side to serve alongside several other barbecue style dishes, or as a standalone snack. Either way, you'll be coming back for more!
Hasselback baked potatoes are a Swedish classic and relatively hassle-free despite their impressive looks. Simply cut a series of small vertical slits three-quarters of the way through small or medium sized potatoes, then rub with oil or softened butter and salt. This recipe sees them topped with feta and a spicy peri peri dressing, served with a black bean salsa – simply stunning.
Creamy, cheesy mashed potato is seasoned, coated in breadcrumbs and fried to make the perfect bitesize treat, which can either be served as canapés or as a tasty side dish to a variety of meals. Just sprinkle with sea salt and finish with a squeeze of lemon to serve.