What to Serve with Baked Potatoes? 13 Best Side Dishes

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 (whole russet potatoes baked until fluffy inside), 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.

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!

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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, with a sweet-smoky molasses backbone. 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 (made with a béchamel-style cream), making any baked potato way more exciting.

Spinach goes from ordinary to extraordinary with a bit of cream and seasoning; pair it with complementary mains using spinach side dishes for chicken.

It's rich, cheesy, and goes well 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, with deep, umami-rich notes. 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; find complementary pairings at liver and onions side ideas.

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 filling and warm, perfect for any occasion.

This dish brings together ground beef, beans, spices, and tomatoes (aim for a 2:1 meat-to-bean ratio). You can customize the heat level to fit our taste.

Serving over baked potatoes is a solid choice! For lighter pairings, see white chicken chili side options.

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

This dish is cheesy, creamy, and just plain fun; for crowd-pleasing combos see broccoli casserole side ideas.

We can load it on baked potatoes for a bright 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, often using sharp cheddar aged 12 months.

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, yielding a garlicky, buttery aroma.

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, with caramelized, slightly nutty notes.

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

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 (best with pork shoulder braised 8-10 hours low and slow). 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, with a bright citrusy finish that preserves crunch.

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

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 (try a 3:1 mayonnaise-to-yogurt ratio).

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

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, with a silky sour-cream tang.

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; rest 5-10 minutes depending on cut.

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

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 (about 2 tablespoons olive oil per pound). 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.