20 Easy Potato Recipes That Work for Any Meal

Potatoes are one of those ingredients that always come through, whether you’re craving something cozy, filling, or just plain satisfying. This roundup brings together comforting classics and easy favorites that fit right into busy weeknights, lazy weekends, and everything in between. From rich and creamy options to crispy, oven-baked goodness, these potato recipes are all about big flavor with minimal fuss, making them perfect for everyday cooking when you want something reliable and delicious.

Instant Pot Potato Curry with Red Lentils

A bowl containing a serving of brown rice alongside a portion of yellow lentil and vegetable curry. — Instant Pot Potato Curry with Red Lentils. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

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This dish brings tender potatoes together with red lentils in a warmly spiced sauce. The Instant Pot helps everything cook evenly while locking in flavor. Each bite is soft, filling, and layered with gentle heat. It works well as a main dish served with rice or flatbread.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Potato Curry with Red Lentils

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

This casserole turns classic twice baked potatoes into a scoopable dish for sharing. Mashed potatoes are blended with rich add ins and baked until bubbly. The top develops a golden finish that contrasts with the creamy center. It is easy to serve straight from the dish.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Roasted Pesto Potatoes

These potatoes roast until crisp on the outside and tender inside. Pesto coats each piece, adding herbal depth and richness. The roasting process brings out a nutty flavor from the sauce. They pair well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pesto Potatoes

Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup

Chunks of potato and chicken simmer together in a smooth broth. The soup thickens as the potatoes soften, creating a comforting texture. Each spoonful feels hearty without being heavy. It is a solid option for cooler evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup

Spring Onion Potato Salad

This salad mixes tender potatoes with fresh spring onions for a lighter feel. The onions add bite without overpowering the dish. A simple dressing ties everything together. It works well alongside grilled or roasted mains.
Get the Recipe: Spring Onion Potato Salad

Classic American Potato Salad

This version sticks close to familiar flavors and textures. Potatoes are combined with a creamy dressing and simple seasonings. The balance of soft and crunchy elements keeps it satisfying. It is a staple for gatherings and cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

A bowl of potato salad with chopped green onions on top, mixed with a creamy dressing, sits on a wooden surface near a bowl of extra chopped green onions. — Crispy Smashed Potato Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Smashed potatoes are roasted until golden and crackly. Once cooled, they are tossed with dressing and mix ins. The contrast between crisp edges and creamy centers stands out. It offers a fun twist on traditional potato salad.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Chicken and potatoes bake together in a buttermilk based marinade. The potatoes soak up the flavors as they cook. Everything finishes tender with lightly browned edges. It is a one pan meal that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Ninja Woodfire Grill Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

These smashed potatoes are cooked using a grill air fryer combo. The outside crisps up while the inside stays fluffy. A light seasoning keeps the focus on texture. They make a great side for grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grill Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Slow Cooker Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Potatoes cook low and slow until soft and ready to smash. Garlic infuses throughout during the cooking process. A final step gives them a lightly crisped finish. The slow cooker keeps things hands off.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Garlic Smashed Potatoes

A wooden board with smashed roasted potatoes topped with herbs, displayed on parchment paper with garlic cloves and parsley nearby. — Garlic Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

These potatoes are boiled, smashed, and roasted with garlic. The edges become crunchy while the centers remain tender. Garlic flavor runs through every bite. They are simple but full of character.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Easy Baked Potato Soup (Chilis Copycat Recipe)

This soup mimics the familiar flavors many people recognize. Potatoes break down slightly to thicken the base. Toppings can be added to customize each bowl. It is comforting and filling without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Potato Soup (Chilis Copycat Recipe)

Outback Potato Soup

This soup is rich and creamy with chunks of potato throughout. The texture lands somewhere between smooth and hearty. It works well as a starter or main bowl. Familiar flavors make it widely appealing.
Get the Recipe: Outback Potato Soup

Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes garnished with chopped parsley, with a fork resting on the side of the dish. — Red Skin Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Red skin potatoes are mashed with the skins left on. The skins add texture and visual appeal. The mash stays fluffy while still feeling substantial. It pairs nicely with roasted or grilled proteins.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder

Potatoes simmer with ham in a thick, comforting broth. The slow cooker allows flavors to meld gradually. Each serving is loaded with hearty pieces. It feels especially fitting for cooler days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

These potatoes are stuffed, baked, and finished with melted cheese. The filling is creamy and rich inside the crisp shells. Each potato works as its own serving. They are great for entertaining or family meals.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

EASY Potato Sausage Recipe (Perfect Skillet Potatoes)

Potatoes and sausage cook together in a single skillet. The potatoes pick up flavor from the sausage as they brown. Crisp edges form as everything cooks evenly. It is a straightforward meal with bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: EASY Potato Sausage Recipe (Perfect Skillet Potatoes)

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

This soup relies on slow cooking to build depth. Potatoes soften and thicken the broth naturally. The result is smooth and comforting. It is easy to prepare ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes

Baby potatoes roast until tender with crisp skins. Garlic and parmesan coat each potato evenly. The cheese melts and browns slightly during cooking. They work well as a side dish for many meals.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes

Loaded Brisket Potatoes

A baked sweet potato topped with shredded meat, melted cheese, chopped tomatoes, red onions, and chives. — Loaded Brisket Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Baked potatoes are topped with tender brisket. The potatoes act as a base for rich, savory flavors. Each bite combines soft potato with hearty meat. It is filling and satisfying as a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Brisket Potatoes