13 Must Try Side Dish Recipes

If you’re a fan of mashed potatoes, get ready to explore new ways to enjoy this classic comfort food. Whether you’re keeping it simple or looking to try something new, these 13 must try side dish recipes are sure to elevate any meal.

Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Bowl of mashed potatoes with a pat of butter on top, garnished with parsley. A spoon and a sprig of parsley are next to the bowl. — Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

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A delightful twist on classic mashed potatoes, this recipe incorporates cottage cheese for an extra creamy and protein-packed side dish. Ideal for those looking for a fresh take on comfort food!
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

How To Make Mashed Cauliflower

Cauliflower florets, a bowl of cauliflower rice, mashed cauliflower in a pan with a spoon, and fresh parsley on a dark surface. — How To Make Mashed Cauliflower. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

If you’re craving a lighter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, this guide walks you through transforming cauliflower into a velvety, satisfying dish. Perfect for keto or low-carb meal plans!
Get the Recipe: How To Make Mashed Cauliflower

Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes

Three crispy potato pancakes topped with sliced green onions on a white plate. — Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Turn leftover mashed potatoes into a savory masterpiece with these loaded pancakes! Packed with cheese, bacon, and green onions, these crispy treats are a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Bowls of mashed potatoes topped with chopped green herbs on a wooden board, with a spoon nearby. — Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Save time on busy meal prep days with these make-ahead mashed potatoes. Simply reheat and serve for a fuss-free side dish that’s just as delicious as freshly made.
Get the Recipe: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potato Waffles

A stack of waffles topped with a dollop of cream and sprinkled with chopped chives on a plate, over a zigzag-patterned cloth. — Mashed Potato Waffles. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Who says waffles can’t be savory? Combine mashed potatoes with a few simple ingredients to create crispy, golden waffles that are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Waffles

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with chopped parsley and a spoon resting inside. A small bowl of additional parsley is in the background. — Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Effortlessly creamy and full of flavor, these mashed potatoes are prepared right in your slow cooker. It’s a hands-off recipe that guarantees a rich, buttery result every time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Bowl of creamy mashed potatoes topped with a cube of butter and chopped chives on a wooden table. — Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This recipe combines the best of both worlds, blending cauliflower and potatoes for a creamy, healthier dish. It’s a great way to lighten up without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

A baking dish containing baked mashed potatoes topped with melted cheese and sprinkled with chopped chives. A serving spoon rests in the dish. — Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Packed with flavor and nostalgia, this mashed potato casserole is baked to golden perfection. It’s loaded with hearty ingredients that will remind you of grandma’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a pat of melting butter and garnished with chopped parsley on a light background. — Photo Credit: Lara Clevenger

This Instant Pot recipe brings easily made cheesy mashed cauliflower to life. It’s creamy, savory, and an excellent addition to your dinner table!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free)

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with melted butter and sprinkled with black pepper and parsley, with a spoon on the side. — Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

A quick and easy keto-friendly mashed cauliflower recipe made right in the Instant Pot! Creamy, delicious, and gluten-free, it’s a dish everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free)

Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Vibrant and nutrient-packed, these creamy mashed purple sweet potatoes add a splash of color and bold flavor to your plate. Healthy has never looked so good.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist)

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with butter, chopped green herbs, black sesame seeds, and thin strips of seaweed, with a wooden spoon on the side. — Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Traditional mashed potatoes get a flavorful upgrade with sesame oil and soy sauce. This Asian-inspired side dish is sure to be a delightful surprise for your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist)

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with melted butter and sprinkled with chopped herbs, placed on a wooden surface next to garlic bulbs and fresh parsley. — Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Infused with the rich, savory flavor of roasted garlic, these mashed potatoes are a must-try for garlic lovers. Creamy, buttery, and undeniably irresistible!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes