Smashed potatoes make us feel warm and fuzzy inside-like a cozy hug from Grandma. Oh man, who doesn't love buttery, fluffy goodness?
We always find ourselves digging in with a fork, ready to scoop up those dreamy bites. But what do we pair with our potato masterpiece (smashed potatoes are small boiled potatoes that are smashed and roasted for crispy edges and a fluffy interior)?
The sides can make or break the meal!
Think about it: that crispy outside and creamy inside can match so well with the right dish. We've got a list of stellar options that complement smashed potatoes beautifully.
Get ready for some tempting ideas that'll have you licking the plate clean!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Smashed Potatoes
Here are our top picks for side dishes to serve with smashed potatoes:
1 - Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Garlic butter steak bites are a favorite at our dining table. They're packed with flavor and super easy to prepare.
Just sear the steak until it's juicy and golden brown.
Toss in loads of garlic and a generous pat of butter (about 2 tablespoons for four servings).
We often serve them with smashed potatoes or salads; they also pair well with garlic butter shrimp sides for easy dinners.
These bites are fantastic for when we want something quick yet impressive.
Enjoy the bites fresh off the pan for the best experience!
2 - Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
It's a dinner classic that never fails. You get juicy chicken with a zesty kick from the lemon (Citrus limon).
We marinate it to max out the flavor. Fresh herbs make all the difference.
Pair it with smashed potatoes, and you'll have a real feast; finish with lemon pound cake pairings for simple desserts.
Cook it in the oven or on the grill. Both methods keep it tender.
Add a sprinkle of extra herbs at the end for a pretty finish. Simple, tasty, and always a hit at our table.
3 - Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Creamy mushroom sauce? Oh yes, we love it.
It's a match made in heaven with smashed potatoes. The sauce is rich and full of flavor.
We sauté mushrooms with garlic and shallots for the base.
A splash of cream makes it luscious (about ¼ cup of cream for every 2 cups of sliced mushrooms). Don't forget to season well; salt and pepper really bring it to life.
We pour it over chicken or pasta when we're feeling wild; try creamy mushroom chicken sides for hearty meals alongside.
It's a cozy dish that we can't resist!
4 - Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a total win for us. It's crunchy and bright (with a smoky, slightly sweet char); perfect with smashed potatoes.
We love how easy it is to whip up. Just toss the spears in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
They complement so many dishes, including grilled salmon sides for family dinners.
We also add lemon zest for a fresh kick. It's super flexible; perfect for any meal.
You can serve it hot or at room temperature. Either way, it's always a hit!
5 - Honey Glazed Carrots
They add a lovely sweetness to any plate, pairing well with honey sriracha chicken sides for sweet-spicy meals.
We just toss carrots in honey and butter, then roast them. The caramelization is where the magic happens (roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes).
Try adding a pinch of salt for balance.
They cook quickly, which is a bonus. Perfect for weeknights or special gatherings.
We find them hard to resist. They're bright, tasty, and always look fancy without any fuss!
6 - Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic Brussels sprouts are our go-to for a veggie vibe that doesn't skimp on flavor. They're tangy, sweet, and bring a nice crunch.
We roast them until they're caramelized (roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes). Drizzle balsamic reduction before serving; it's a total flavor bomb.
Don't forget-getting them at the right temp is key. We love that charred, crispy goodness.
Perfect alongside smashed potatoes, or they steal the show solo. Trust us; you won't regret adding this side to your dinner line-up.
7 - Crispy Fried Shallots
Crispy fried shallots are like the fairy dust of the dinner table. They add crunch and flavor to just about anything.
We love sprinkling them over soups or salads for that extra zing. Easy to make, just slice, fry, and boom.
These little guys caramelize beautifully (shallots are in the Allium family). They go from simple onion to gourmet topping in no time.
Also, don't be shy on the seasoning. A bit of salt and pepper makes a big difference.
8 - Herb-Crusted Salmon
Herb-crusted salmon is a delight on any plate. It's flaky and full of flavor.
We coat salmon fillets with mixed herbs and breadcrumbs for that crunchy topping (for a nutty, herbaceous crust).
The baking is simple and makes clean-up a breeze. Fresh herbs shine here; we like using dill and parsley.
A drizzle of lemon juice at the end brightens everything.
Pair it with smashed potatoes for a solid meal. Enjoy it hot right off the tray for the best flavor experience.
9 - Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Parmesan roasted cauliflower hits the spot. It's simple and packed with flavor.
We just toss florets in olive oil, sprinkle with grated parmesan, and roast until crispy (roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes).
The cheese gets that nice golden crust. We love serving it as a side or snacking on it straight from the tray.
Bake it on parchment for easy clean-up. Season with garlic or herbs to mix things up.
This side dish is a total crowd-pleaser that never disappoints!
10 - Spinach and Artichoke Dip
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/3391875-Hot-Artichoke-and-Spinach-Dip-II-Photo-by-LazyFoodieGirl-650x465-aabfe600d3394aa4978fa69e34c3c795.jpg)
Spinach and artichoke dip? Yes, please!
This creamy blend is a staple at gatherings. We love how cheesy and rich it is.
It's easy to whip up in no time (ready in about 20 minutes).
Serve it warm with crispy chips or toasted bread. A real winner at parties.
Another thing we adore? You can throw in extra cheese for good measure.
Leftovers? They make a fantastic spread for sandwiches too!
It's versatile, simple, and always a crowd favourite.
11 - Slow-Cooked Beef Brisket
Slow-cooked beef brisket is a star on any dinner table.
It's tender and juicy, seriously good eats. We season it well and let it cook low and slow for hours (cook for 8-10 hours on low in a slow cooker).
That gives it the chance to soak up all those flavours.
We love it smothered in barbecue sauce or added to sandwiches.
The leftovers can make killer tacos too. A tip?
Searing the meat first adds a nice crust for extra texture.
It's simple comfort food that keeps us coming back for seconds!
12 - Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
Sautéed green beans with almonds? Count us in!
They're crispy and crunchy, bringing texture to your plate (sauté 5-7 minutes until bright green). We toss fresh green beans in a hot pan and sauté until tender.
A sprinkle of sliced almonds adds a nice nutty crunch. Seasoning with a bit of garlic and lemon zest amps up the flavour.
These beans cook quickly, making them perfect for busy nights.
We love serving them alongside any main dish. They always look fancy without needing much fuss!
13 - Blue Cheese Crumble Salad
Who doesn't love a good salad? The blue cheese crumble salad makes our meal so much brighter.
It's got a mix of crunchy greens and creamy blue cheese (use tangy Gorgonzola or Roquefort for bold flavor). We toss in a handful of nuts for added texture.
The dressing? A zesty vinaigrette does the trick.
This salad goes well with grilled meats.
We often gobble it up as a light lunch, too.
Leftovers hold up well in the fridge. It's a go-to for when we need something fresh and quick!
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.
