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What Goes with Mashed Potatoes?

When it comes to comfort food, mashed potatoes are hard to beat. They are warm, creamy, and satisfying. But if you are wondering what to eat with mashed potatoes, this article has some ideas for you. With a little creativity, anyone can find the perfect dish to serve alongside their mashed potatoes.

A white bowl of mashed potatoes on a table.

What to eat with mashed potatoes?

One of the best things about mashed potatoes is that they are so versatile. You can pair them with just about anything and create a delicious meal.

A good place to start is to choose a protein, and add a crisp vegetable side dish to round out the meal. Then consider whether your mashed potatoes also need a sauce (hint: they probably do).

Here are a few of our favorite ideas on what meats, sides, and sauces to serve with mashed potatoes.

What meat goes with mashed potatoes?

Steak with mashed potatoes and green beans on a white plate.

When it comes to comfort food, it doesn’t get much better than mashed potatoes. But what meat goes best with this classic dish? Here are a few of our favorite pairings.

Roasted chicken

Roasted chicken and mashed potatoes are a classic combo (think KFC). The savory chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes. Add some brown gravy for the perfect meal.

>> Related recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Chicken

Steak

Another classic pairing, steak and mashed potatoes, are a match made in heaven. Whether you prefer a perfectly formed filet mignon, or a The rich, juicy steak pairs perfectly with the fluffy potatoes.

>> Related recipe: Air Fryer Steak

Pork chops

Pork chops are a classic dish that can be dressed up or down, depending on your preferences. They are delicious when paired with mashed potatoes, as the two complement each other perfectly. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table, so give it a try the next time you’re looking for a hearty meal.

>> Related recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops

Meatloaf

One of our favorite ways to serve mashed potatoes is with meatloaf. The savory flavors of the meatloaf mix perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes. For an extra bit of flavor, we like to top our mashed potatoes and meatloaf with brown gravy.

Lamb chops or lamb rack

Tender lamb chops with creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting and satisfying meal. Lamb is rich and hearty, and is balanced nicely by the simplicity of mashed potatoes. Add a side of lightly steamed vegetables for the perfect dinner.

>> Related recipe: Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Salmon

Whether you serve it grilled or steamed, the richness of salmon pairs perfectly with the creaminess of mashed potatoes. Add a sauce like Hollandaise sauce or dill and parsley mayonnaise to finish the dish.

>> Related recipe: Air Fryer Salmon

Chuck roast

There’s nothing like a hearty chuck roast with creamy mashed potatoes to warm you up on a cold winter day. This classic comfort food is sure to please the whole family. Serve it up with a green vegetable and dinner is complete.

>> Related recipe: Instant Pot Chuck Roast (with Vegetables)

Crumbed fish

Crumbed fish with mashed potatoes is a classic dish that is easy to make and can be adapted to suit any taste. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a casual night in with friends.

Sauces for mashed potatoes

A bowl of mashed potato with gravy in a jug.
Gravy is one of the best sauces for mashed potatoes.

A great way to dress up your mashed potatoes is to top them with a delicious sauce. Here are some classic sauces for mashed potato.

Gravy

An absolute classic pairing is mashed potatoes and gravy. The gravy can be made from scratch, or you can use a store-bought variety. Either way, it will add a delicious richness to the dish.

>> Related post: How to Make Gravy from Stock

Mushroom gravy

For a variation, try topping your mashed potatoes with delicious mushroom gravy. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never want to eat mashed potatoes any other way!

>> Related post: Cream of Mushroom Soup Gravy

Cheese sauce

Cheese sauce is another popular addition to mashed potatoes.

You can make a quick and easy cheese sauce by warming a cup of milk in a saucepan, then adding 8 slices of American cheese (chopped), and stirring over a low heat until the cheese is melted.

Mustard sauce

Another classic pairing is mashed potatoes with mustard sauce. This works particularly well if you are serving the mashed potatoes with ham or corned beef!

Garlic and herb butter

Alternatively, you can keep things simple and just top your mashed potatoes with a tasty garlic and herb butter. You can either use a store-bought compound butter, or try making your own.

>> Related recipe: How to make herb butter

Side dishes for mashed potatoes

A white bowl of mashed potatoes on a table.

When choosing a side dish to go with mashed potatoes, I think that the key is to choose other side dishes that have a different texture. Anything with some crunch is a good match for mashed potatoes. Think lightly steamed vegetables or crunchy salads.

Fresh Green beans

If you want to add some vegetables to your meal, green beans are a great match for mashed potatoes. They add some crunch and the freshness of the flavor balances out the creamy flavor of the potatoes.

>> Related recipe: Microwave Green Beans
>> Related recipe: Air Fryer Green Beans

Slaw

Another classic side with some crunch is slaw. Shredded cabbage and carrot is a classic, but you could also try adding shredded beet, or apple for some variation. Try slaw with mashed potatoes, gravy and roasted or grilled chicken.

Corn on the cob

There’s nothing like corn on the cob with mashed potatoes. The sweetness of the corn combined with the creamy potatoes is a heavenly combination. This dish is perfect for a summer BBQ or a winter comfort food.

>> Related recipe: Microwave Corn on the Cob
>> Related recipe: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

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