Potato gratin is one of those dishes that hits all the right spots (a French casserole of thinly sliced potatoes baked in cream and cheese). It's creamy, cheesy, and just downright delicious.
We love it, and we're pretty sure you do too.
So what's next? Let's talk side dishes.
We've gathered some awesome options to pair with your potato gratin. Want something green and fresh?
We've got you. Craving crispy and savory bites?
Yep, we have that too.
Say goodbye to boring meals. With these sides, your potato gratin will never have to stand alone again.
Ready to up your side dish game?
Top 8 Side Dishes for Potato Gratin
Here are our top picks for side dishes to serve with potato gratin:
| Side Dish | flavor | Difficulty | Prep Time |
| Roasted Asparagus | Earthy, Slightly Nutty | Easy | 20 mins |
| Garlic Bread | Savory, Garlicky | Easy | 30 mins |
| Sautéed Spinach | Fresh, Garlicky | Easy | 15 mins |
| Arugula Salad | Peppery, Tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Baked Salmon | Rich, Buttery | Moderate | 30 mins |
| Herb-Roasted Chicken | Aromatic, Crispy Skin | Moderate | 1 hour |
| Buttered Peas | Sweet, Buttery | Easy | 15 mins |
| Crusty Bread | Warm, Crusty | Easy | 5 mins |
1 - Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is a standout side dish. It's fresh, crisp, and earthy, with a grassy, slightly bitter flavor.
We love how the tips get slightly charred and crispy. The flavor is bright, with a hint of smokiness.
It's a perfect balance to the creamy, rich potato gratin. Plus, it's super simple to make.
Just a little olive oil and salt, then roast.
2 - Garlic Bread
Garlic bread? Yes, please! It's crispy on the outside and soft inside.
The buttery garlic flavor is a dream, made with butter and fresh garlic. Perfect to mop up that creamy gratin sauce.
We sprinkle parsley for a fresh touch.
We've been making this for years. It's always a hit.
Garlic bread adds crunch and contrast; pair it with garlic butter shrimp side ideas.
3 - Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach is simple but impressive; see spinach-stuffed chicken side options.
The fresh, leafy flavor contrasts beautifully with creamy gratin, with a mild, slightly sweet taste. We always add a touch of garlic and lemon.
You get a bit of zest that brightens the dish.
Our go-to side when we need something green. Spinach adds balance.
4 - Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Arugula salad is light and peppery (Eruca sativa). It's a fresh counterbalance to the richness of potato gratin.
The lemon vinaigrette adds zesty brightness.
We've always loved that sharp, tangy burst. Simple, yet improves the meal.
This side brings a refreshing twist; for similar pairings see arugula salad side suggestions.
5 - Baked Salmon
Baked salmon is juicy and flavorful (an oily, omega-3 rich fish). It has a tender texture that complements potato gratin perfectly.
We season it simply with salt, pepper, and a touch of dill.
The slight crispiness on the outside contrasts nicely with the creamy, cheesy gratin. It's a combination of rich and fresh, ideal for a satisfying meal.
6 - Herb-Roasted Chicken
Herb-roasted chicken is juicy and savory. It's seasoned with a mix of rosemary, thyme, and oregano, aromatic Mediterranean herbs.
The skin gets crispy while the meat stays tender.
We love the way the herbs' earthy flavor contrasts with the creamy potato gratin. It's our go-to for a satisfying, balanced meal.
Perfect for any occasion.
7 - Buttered Peas
We're talking about peas that are tender and sweet, but made extra special with butter. Super simple, but utterly delicious.
The freshness of the peas partnered with a buttery richness creates a well-rounded flavor.
We always add a hint of mint for brightness (about ½ teaspoon per cup). This easy side dish perfectly balances the rich potato gratin.
8 - Crusty Bread
Crusty bread is a classic winner. We love its crunchy outside and soft, chewy inside, with a thick, crackly crust from steam baking.
Perfect for pairing with the creamy texture of potato gratin.
We often toast it until golden brown. It's a fantastic texture contrast and great for scooping up all that cheesy goodness.
Simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
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.
