Alright, let’s chat about those side dishes that can save our baked potatoes from a fate of plainness!
Baked potatoes are pretty great on their own, but we all know there’s room for some serious upgrades here. We remember cozy nights, huddled around a table, loaded up with butter, cheese, and maybe even some chili.
It’s all about teaming up with a killer side that takes your spud experience to the next level. Whether we’re craving something cheesy, zesty, or packed with greens, we’ve got you covered.
There’s seriously no need to overthink it. From hearty salads to yummy veggies, we’ll find the perfect accompaniments to make those potatoes shine. Let’s kick it off with some tasty ideas!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Baked Potatoes
Here are some of the best side dishes to take your baked potato game up a notch:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Grilled BBQ Chicken | Chicken, BBQ sauce | Smoky, tangy | Medium | 40 mins |
| Creamed Spinach | Spinach, cream, garlic | Creamy, savory | Easy | 20 mins |
| Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions | Mushrooms, onions, butter | Earthy, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
| Chili Con Carne | Ground beef, beans, spices | Spicy, hearty | Medium | 1 hr |
| Broccoli and Cheese Sauce | Broccoli, cheese, milk | Cheesy, savory | Easy | 20 mins |
| Garlic Butter Shrimp | Shrimp, garlic, butter | Savory, garlicky | Medium | 15 mins |
| Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts | Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar | Tangy, caramelized | Medium | 30 mins |
| Pulled Pork | Pork, BBQ sauce, spices | Smoky, sweet | Medium | 4 hrs |
| Lemon Garlic Asparagus | Asparagus, lemon, garlic | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Creamy Coleslaw | Cabbage, mayo, vinegar | Creamy, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Beef Stroganoff | Beef, mushrooms, cream | Rich, savory | Medium | 35 mins |
| Grilled Steak | Steak, spices, olive oil | Savory, hearty | Medium | 20 mins |
| Roasted Vegetable Medley | Mixed vegetables, olive oil, herbs | Fresh, herby | Easy | 30 mins |
1 – Grilled BBQ Chicken
What’s the deal with grilled BBQ chicken? It brings the flavor, no arguments there!
It’s juicy, smoky, and totally versatile. We can load it up on our baked potatoes or serve it alongside them.
Season it right, and it’s a winner.
Use a mix of sweet and spicy for a nice balance. It’s all about that tasty sauce, folks.
Cook on high heat for grill marks that scream “I’m gourmet!”
Don’t forget to rest it. This lets the juices hang out before we dig in.
2 – Creamed Spinach
Can we just agree that creamed spinach is a total crowd-pleaser?
This dish is creamy and dreamy, making any baked potato way more exciting.
Spinach goes from ordinary to extraordinary with a bit of cream and seasoning.
It’s rich, cheesy, and pairs perfectly with, well, everything!
Watch your portions. Too much cream can drown the flavor.
A sprinkle of nutmeg gives it a subtle kick.
We can whip this up quickly for a last-minute side. It’s a classic that never disappoints!
3 – Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions
Are we hungry for a side that sizzles? Sautéed mushrooms and onions hit the spot!
This combo brings out those earthy flavors. We toss them in a pan with a bit of butter.
Caramelization is key for that sweet touch. Add garlic for extra flair.
They pair well with baked potatoes or as a topping on steak.
Don’t overcook them; we want a nice bite! Easy to whip up for any meal.
4 – Chili Con Carne
Chili con carne is a classic. It’s hearty and warm, perfect for any occasion.
This dish brings together ground beef, beans, spices, and tomatoes. You can customize the heat level to fit our taste.
Serving over baked potatoes is a solid choice!
Remember to let it simmer — flavors get more intense.
Beans add texture, and toppings like cheese or sour cream bring it home. It’s all about satisfying our cravings!
5 – Broccoli and Cheese Sauce
Broccoli with cheese sauce: the ultimate plant in disguise! This dish is cheesy, creamy, and just plain fun. We can load it on baked potatoes for a vibrant color pop.
Prep time is quick if we steam the broccoli first.
A good cheese sauce can make any veggie sing. We typically go for cheddar, but mix it up if we’re feeling adventurous.
Keep it extra cheesy by adding a bit of cream cheese.
Melt it all together and watch those green trees shine.
6 – Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is a total keeper in our recipe collection. It’s quick and tasty; what’s not to like?
We just toss shrimp in garlic-infused butter and sauté until they’re pink and juicy.
Don’t skimp on the seasoning! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds zing.
It’s perfect for topping baked potatoes. Perf for last-minute meals.
We can throw in some parsley for a pop of color. Even frozen shrimp works perfectly here.
Just keep an eye on cooking time; overcooked shrimp are a bummer.
7 – Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts? Talk about a veggie that means business!
These little green guys are sweet and tangy, giving us a flavor boost.
They’re a cinch to whip together. We roast them until they’re crispy and drizzle that balsamic goodness on top.
This combo takes our veggies from blah to yum. Tip: Toss in some bacon for an extra crunch.
The balance of flavors makes this side dish a total win.
Perfectly pairs with anything hearty on our plates!
8 – Pulled Pork
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Who doesn’t enjoy tender pulled pork?
This dish is super versatile. We can toss it on our baked potatoes or serve it in sandwiches.
Slow-cooking makes all the difference. It lets those flavours really come through.
Chill out with sweet sauces or spice it up with mustard.
Adjust the seasonings to fit our preference. A hint of smokiness never hurts.
Leftovers are a bonus. They make great tacos or nachos.
It’s all about keeping it fun and tasty!
9 – Lemon Garlic Asparagus
Asparagus is like the green warrior of side dishes.
It’s fresh, crunchy, and super easy to whip up. A quick sauté in lemon and garlic transforms this veggie.
We can’t get enough of that citrus zing paired with the familiar punch of garlic.
Use the freshest asparagus for the best flavor. A sprinkle of parmesan tops it off beautifully.
We can toss in some nuts for extra texture.
Eating asparagus brings that perfect feel-good vibe to any meal.
10 – Creamy Coleslaw
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Creamy coleslaw is the side dish that you can’t help but reach for. It’s crunchy, creamy, and totally versatile. We can dress it up with mayonnaise or try a healthier yogurt alternative.
Add in a splash of vinegar for zing. Shredded carrots and cabbage give it that extra crunch. This side is perfect for balancing out heavier meals.
Chill it before serving to let those flavors mingle. Leftovers? Perfect for sandwiches or wraps.
11 – Beef Stroganoff
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What’s better than creamy beef stroganoff? Nothing! It’s all about that rich, thick sauce. We appreciate how it coats everything nicely.
Rich beef, mushrooms, and a tangy sauce complete the dish. Serve it over baked potatoes for extra comfort and yumminess. We like to let it simmer for the flavors to mingle.
Extra tips? Use sour cream for a lighter touch, and don’t forget the garlic. This dish makes weeknight dinners feel a bit more fancy.
12 – Grilled Steak
Grilled steak is a total barbecue champ. It brings juicy goodness to any meal.
The right marinade makes a difference. We love a mix of soy sauce and garlic.
Resting the steak is essential. This step keeps it tender and flavorful.
Pair with sides like veggies or potatoes. It’s versatility shines with each bite.
Don’t skip the sear; that crust adds texture. We rally behind a good meat thermometer for perfect doneness!
13 – Roasted Vegetable Medley
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Roasted vegetable medley? It’s like a garden party on our plates!
We toss in whatever veggies we have. Think carrots, bell peppers, zucchini — you get it.
Season them generously with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roasting brings out those delicious, caramelized flavours.
Keep an eye on them, though; we want a good browning, not mush.
Add some herbs for that fresh vibe. We’re all about the basil or thyme to make things pop.
These veggies can turn into the star of our meal or hang out as a trusty sidekick.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.