• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Platings and pairings logo.
Start Here
All Recipes
Perfect Pairings
Wine Travel
About
Home

What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes: 20+ Main Dishes

Jump to Recipe

|

Posted by:

Erin Lynch

|

Updated:

February 28, 2025

|

5 from 1 vote

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Disclosure policy.

  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Collage of what to serve with mashed potatoes with text overlay.

Wondering what to serve with mashed potatoes? I’ve got you covered with this guide of the 20+ main dishes that pair best with mashed potatoes.

Collage of what to serve with mashed potatoes with text overlay.

Save This Recipe!

Enter your email address to get a link to this post conveniently in your inbox!

Save Recipe

ez-toc

Mashed Potatoes are of the most simple side dishes that you can make. They make a perfect side dish to compliment hearty, saucy dishes like these red wine braised short ribs, turkey Swedish meatballs, or pork chops & gravy, because they soak up all that delicious sauce.

In this roundup, I list 20+ of the most popular main dishes to serve with mashed potatoes.

What to Eat with Mashed Potatoes

Piece of mushroom chicken in white bowl with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Creamy Mushroom Chicken is a simple, yet elegant meal to enjoy for quick dinners or fancy events. Pan-fried chicken and mushrooms are smothered in a rich and creamy garlic sauce and ready to eat in just 30 minutes.
Mushroom Chicken
Roasted chicken on grey serving plate with sprig of rosemary and carving fork.
Easy Roasted Chicken Recipe
This is the perfect easy roasted chicken recipe. The skin is perfectly crisp and crackly, there’s no basting, and it results in a lovely pan gravy at the finish. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner!
Easy Roasted Chicken
short ribs and mashed potatoes in white bowl
Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
These red wine braised short ribs are the perfect, savory dinner party recipe! Easy to make ahead and then just pop in the oven to cook, this mouthwatering short ribs recipes lets you enjoy the night while also serving a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Three pork chops arranged on grey plate with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Instant Pot Pork Chops and Gravy
Instant Pot Pork Chops cook up deliciously tender and juicy in your electric pressure cooker, and they’re finished off with an irresistible gravy.
Instant Pot Pork Chops
Turkey swedish meatballs in bowl with mash potatoes.
Turkey Swedish Meatballs
Easy Ground Turkey Swedish Meatballs are a lightened-up version of traditional Swedish Meatballs. Served in a delicious, creamy sauce. Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice or egg noodles. 
Turkey Swedish Meatballs
Side view of sous vide roast beef sliced and drizzled with creamy mushroom sauce.
Sous Vide Roast Beef
Sous Vide Roast Beef is tender, juicy and perfectly cooked every time. It’s a perfect dish for the holidays, especially when it’s served with a Creamy Mushroom Sauce and my easy Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes. 
Sous Vide Roast Beef
Overhead shot of short rib in brown bowl with mashed potatoes and red wine sauce next to bottle of wine.
Sous Vide Short Ribs
These sous vide short ribs are the perfect, savory dinner party recipe! Easy to make ahead and then just finish in a hot skillet. This mouthwatering recipe lets you enjoy the night while also serving a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Sous Vide Short Ribs
Meatloaf in air fryer basket topped with tomato sauce & parsley.
Air Fryer Meatloaf
This Air Fryer Meatloaf recipe is just as delicious as the classic baked version, but so much quicker. This recipe makes two tender meatloaves with crisp, caramelized surfaces and juicy, tender centers. Making homemade meatloaf has never been easier!
Air Fryer Meatloaf
Plated chicken breasts with herbs and seasoning.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
This foolproof recipe makes flavorful and tender air fryer chicken breasts every time, seasoned with herbs and spices.
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Sliced steak diane on plate with sauce.
Steak Diane
Steak Diane is a classic recipe that tops your favorite steak with a sauce made with cream, cognac, shallots, beef stock, dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s perfect for special occasions but also quick & easy enough for weeknight dinners.
Steak Diane
Overhead close up of bowl with polenta and osso buco.
Slow Cooker Osso Buco
This Slow Cooker Osso Buco is super flavorful and tender. Serve it over mashed potatoes for the most delicious and amazing dinner. 
Slow Cooker Osso Buco
French Onion Chicken cooked in skillet and sprinkled with parsley
French Onion Chicken
This creamy French Onion Chicken is a simple yet crave-worthy dinner that’s made in one skillet! Tender chicken breasts are covered in a rich gravy with caramelized onions, then piled with Gruyere and baked to form a perfectly melty, cheesy layer on top.
French Onion Chicken
Two smoked beef short ribs in brown bowl on top of mashed potatoes.
Smoked Beef Short Ribs
Learn how to make Smoked Beef Short Ribs! Smoking them low and slow with a tangy spritz and red wine braising liquid results in delicate and perfectly seasoned meat every time.
Smoked Beef Short Ribs
Chicken marsala in large skillet with spoon in sauce.
Easy Chicken Marsala
30 Minute Easy Chicken Marsala is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but it’s also elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. The Marsala wine, bacon, butter sauce will have you licking your plate!
Chicken Marsala
Pork piccata slices on white plate drizzled with lemon caper sauce.
Pork Piccata Recipe
This 30 Minute Easy Pork Piccata makes a quick and easy weeknight dinner, but it’s also elegant enough for a dinner party at home. The lemon, garlic, butter sauce will have you licking your plate every time!
Pork Piccata
Overhead shot of beef stew in bowl on wood background.
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Instant Pot Beef Stew is the perfect cozy meal for chilly days. With this easy recipe, tender chunks of beef, potatoes and carrots cook together in a flavorful sauce with red wine. This hearty and savory dish will be on your menu over and over all season!
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Chicken piccata in skillet.
Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe
This 30-Minute Easy Chicken Piccata makes a quick and easy weeknight dinner, but it’s also elegant enough for a dinner party at home. The lemon, garlic, butter sauce will have you licking your plate!
Chicken Piccata
Close up of grilled lamb chops with rosemary.
Marinated Lamb Chops Recipe
Marinated Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Garlic is an easy summer grilling recipe you can cook in minutes. Each chop is saturated with rich and earthy flavors thanks to an herbaceous marinade made with simple ingredients.
Marinated Lamb Chops
Overhead close up of chicken in white wine sauce in skillet.
Chicken in White Wine Sauce
Chicken in White Wine Sauce is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Crispy pan-fried chicken cutlets are nestled in a rich, creamy, and extra garlicky white wine sauce. It’s a 30-minute meal done in one skillet!
Chicken in White Wine Sauce
Sliced BOSTON MARKET meatloaf in serving tray with green beans and mashed potatoes.
Boston Market Meatloaf (Copycat Recipe)
This Boston Market Meatloaf (Copycat Recipe) tastes just like they make at Boston Market – It’s kicked up with a barbeque ketchup sauce that tastes so amazing!
Boston Market Meatloaf
Side view of air fryer chicken thighs on plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
This air fryer recipe makes juicy and flavorful chicken thighs an absolute breeze.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

What type of potatoes to use for mashed potatoes?

I prefer to use Yukon Gold potatoes for my mashed potatoes. I find them buttery and delicious. However, Russet potatoes are another great variety that produces fluffy mashed potatoes. You can also use baby red potatoes.

Can you make mashed potatoes ahead of time?

  • Mashed potatoes will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store them tightly wrapped in a serving dish. To reheat, bake them covered with tin foil in a 325-degree oven for 50 minutes.
  • To reheat in the microwave, cover the potatoes with plastic wrap, and poke about 5 holes in the plastic wrap. Microwave at 75% power for about 12 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Favorite mashed potato recipes

  • Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
  • Miso Mashed Potatoes
  • Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes
  • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes

More side dish recipes

  • Sides for Burgers
  • Sides for Pork Chops
  • Sides for BBQ
  • Sides for Salmon
  • Sides for Steak
  • Sides for Ribs
  • Sides for Chicken

Did you Make Any of These Easy Meals with Mashed Potatoes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of what goes with mashed potatoes. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? For more great Platings & Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Save This Recipe!

Enter your email address to get a link to this post conveniently in your inbox!

Save Recipe – Before Recipe Card

Collage of what to serve with mashed potatoes with text overlay.

Full Recipe

Wha to Serve with Mashed Potatoes: 20+ BEST Main Dishes

Wondering what to serve with mashed potatoes? I've got you covered with this guide of the 20+ main dishes that pair best with mashed potatoes. Try them with this Mushroom Chicken. Pan-fried chicken and mushrooms are smothered in a rich and creamy garlic sauce and ready to eat in just 30 minutes.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Serves 4 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 30 minutes mins
Total Time: 35 minutes mins

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless , sliced in half horizontally)
  • Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 8 ounces mushrooms (cremini or white mushrooms, sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 shallot (minced)
  • 4 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • ⅔ cup heavy cream
  • 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (+ 1 Tablespoon lemon juice)
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (to garnish)

Instructions

  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the flour and garlic powder in a shallow bowl and coat the chicken pieces in the flour.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden, about 5-6 minutes per side, working in batches if needed, so as to not overcrowd the skillet.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • Add the butter to the now empty skillet. Once melted, add the mushrooms, season with Italian seasoning, and allow them to brown for about 6-8 minutes. Once golden, remove and set aside with the chicken.
  • Add the shallots and a pinch of salt and pepper to the empty skillet. Cook 1-2 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds longer.
  • Add the broth and wine and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the cream, soy sauce, lemon zest and juice and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Return the chicken and mushrooms to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 433kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 132mg | Sodium: 480mg | Potassium: 822mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 885IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • Email
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

2 responses

  1. Sheree
    February 21, 2024

    I was wondering where is the link for the Swedish meatball recipe.

    Reply
    1. Erin
      February 26, 2024

      Hi Sheree – Thanks for that heads up! The link has been fixed. 🙂

      Reply

Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

Know More

Follow Me on Social!

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • X
  • YouTube

Recent Recipes

  • Chicken Piccata Meatballs
  • Easy Crab Spaghetti (15-Minute Recipe)
  • American Lamb Sausage Rolls
  • Avocado Hot Sauce
  • Caramelized Cabbage Pasta with Pecans
  • Marry Me Beans
  • Cauliflower Potato Salad
  • Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Sauce

Dish Type

30 Minute Meals
Appetizer Recipes
Cocktail Recipes
Dessert Recipes
Healthy Recipes

Cooking Method

Air Fryer Recipes
Grilling Recipes
Instant Pot Recipes
Slow Cooker Recipes
Sous Vide Recipes

Ingredient

Beef Recipes
Chicken Recipes
Lamb Recipes
Pork Recipes
Seafood Recipes

Cocktails

Classic
Gin
Margarita
Moscow Mule
Vodka

Sides

Bread
Potatoes
Rice
Salad
Vegetables

Travel

Australia
California
Europe
Hawaii
Italy
About Me
Contact
Privacy Policy

© All Rights Reserved.

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.