25 Potato Recipes That Turn an Ordinary Meal Into Something Special

Potatoes are a classic, but with the right recipe, they can transform an ordinary meal into something special. Whether you’re in the mood for crispy fries, creamy mashed potatoes, or something a little different, these 25 recipes are sure to add flavor to any dinner. You won’t believe how simple it can be to take your potatoes to the next level.

Image shows cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Corned Beef Hash

Image shows Corned Beef Hash with a fried egg on top in a blue plate.
Corned Beef Hash. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dig into something filling with this crispy and savory corned beef hash that works any time of day. The golden potatoes and tender beef make each bite hearty and satisfying without needing anything else on the side. This is one of those potato recipes that turns a handful of ingredients into something that tastes like you spent all day cooking.

Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash

Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes

Image shows Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes on a fork with the full piece on a white plate behind it.
Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Give those leftover mashed potatoes a second chance with these golden, pan-fried pancakes loaded with cheese and bacon. They’re crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and packed with flavor that makes them feel like more than leftovers. This is one of those easy potato recipes that turns whatever’s in the fridge into something you actually want to eat again.

Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes

Smoked Brie Potato Gratin

Image shows a closeup of a casserole of Smoked Brie Potato Gratin.
Smoked Brie Potato Gratin. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Treat yourself to a rich and cheesy dish with this smoked brie potato gratin that layers flavor in every bite. The smoky brie melts into the thinly sliced potatoes, turning a plain side into something bold and buttery. This is the kind of potato recipe you pull out when you want something that looks fancy but doesn’t take a ton of effort.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Brie Potato Gratin

Mashed Potatoes

Overhead shot of a bowl of mashed potatoes in a blue bowl with parsley sprinkled over it.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Keep things simple and classic with these creamy mashed potatoes that come together fast in the Instant Pot. They’re smooth, buttery, and exactly what you want next to just about anything on your plate. This is one of those potato recipes that makes dinner feel like home with almost no work at all.

Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic

This photo shows a cast iron skillet with oven roasted potatoes with spinach and garlic on a blue wooden background.
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Brighten up your plate with these roasted potatoes tossed with garlic and spinach for extra flavor and color. Roasting brings out their crispy edges while the greens mix in just enough freshness to balance everything out. This is a potato recipe that turns your average side dish into something a little more interesting without needing anything fancy.

Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic

Sweet Potato Fries

Image shows yummy sweet potato fries.
Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Snack smarter with these crispy sweet potato fries that bake up golden and full of flavor. They’re sweet, salty, and crunchy all at once, making them hard to stop eating. This is one of those potato recipes that feels like fast food but tastes a whole lot better.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Potato Corn Chowder

Spoon holding potato and corn chowder with bacon with the full bowl of soup behind it.
Potato Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Warm up with a bowl of creamy potato corn chowder loaded with bacon, sweet corn, and tender chunks of potato. It’s rich without being too heavy and makes enough to feed the whole table. This is one of those cozy potato recipes that works for lunch, dinner, or just when you want something comforting without a lot of fuss.

Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder

Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs

Image shows a baking sheet with a raised tray holding Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs.
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Shake things up with these sweet potato turkey meatballs that bring a fresh spin to dinner. They’re packed with protein, lightly seasoned, and naturally sweet thanks to the mashed sweet potato inside. This is one of those potato recipes that makes you feel good without giving up any flavor.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Image shows easy to make cheesy scalloped potatoes.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Get cozy with these rich, cheesy scalloped potatoes that bake up golden and bubbly every time. Thin layers of potato soak up all that creamy sauce and melt-in-your-mouth cheese for a side that could steal the show. This is the kind of potato recipe that feels special enough for a gathering but easy enough to make whenever you want something hearty.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Potato Gnocchi

Image shows a bowl of Potato Gnocchi with grated cheese atop it.
Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Try something new with these soft, pillowy potato gnocchi that are easier to make than you’d think. They’re light, satisfying, and work with just about any sauce from red to creamy to simple butter and herbs. This is one of those potato recipes that feels like a project but rewards you with something worth every minute.

Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi

One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

An iron skillet filled with hot chicken drumsticks and potatoes and carrots.
One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Keep dinner easy with this one-pan meal of juicy chicken drumsticks and perfectly roasted potatoes. Everything cooks together so the flavors mix and the clean-up stays simple. This is a smart potato recipe for nights when you want a full dinner but don’t feel like dealing with a mess.

Get the Recipe: One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A baking sheet with garnished parmesan crusted potatoes on it.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bite into something crispy and cheesy with these parmesan-crusted potatoes that are packed with flavor. The outside gets golden and crunchy while the inside stays soft and fluffy, making every bite a good one. This is one of those potato recipes that makes a basic side dish feel like the best part of the meal.

Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes in a white ramekin topped with sour cream and green onions.
Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turn up the flavor with these cheesy fiesta potatoes that bring a bold taste to the table. They’re topped with nacho cheese sauce and a little kick of spice that keeps things interesting. This is one of those potato recipes that takes fast food vibes and makes them better right at home.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Sweet Potato Fajitas with Zesty Lime Sauce

A close up of sweet potato fajitas on a platter with fresh lime.
Sweet Potato Fajitas with Zesty Lime Sauce. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Mix up your dinner routine with these sweet potato fajitas topped with a bright, zesty lime sauce. Roasted sweet potatoes pair perfectly with peppers and onions for a colorful and filling meal. This is a potato recipe that makes taco night fun and a little bit different without much extra work.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fajitas with Zesty Lime Sauce

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Make dinner easier with this one-pan meal of juicy chicken and roasted sweet potatoes that cook at the same time. It’s balanced, and filling, and keeps the sink from piling up with dishes. This is one of those potato recipes that works on busy nights when you just need something good without all the cleanup.

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

Roasted sweet potatoes with feta and walnuts.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Sweet and savory come together in these roasted sweet potatoes tossed with honey, garlic, and crunchy walnuts. They bake up soft inside with crispy edges and just the right amount of flavor in every bite. This is a potato recipe that works as a side but could easily steal the show.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

Chicken Potato Stew

A bowl of soup with chicken and green onions.
Chicken Potato Stew. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Fill your bowl with this hearty chicken potato stew that’s loaded with tender chunks of meat and vegetables. It simmers into something warm and satisfying without needing anything fancy added. This is one of those potato recipes that tastes even better the next day and makes enough to feed a crowd.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Potato Stew

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Golden roasted air fryer baby potatoes on a serving plate with a wooden and metal spoon.
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crisp up some baby potatoes in the air fryer for a side that’s golden on the outside and soft in the center. They take almost no prep and cook up fast without heating up the whole kitchen. This is one of those potato recipes that you’ll end up making more than once a week.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Three baked potatoes on a blue and white plate.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Turn up the comfort with these stuffed baked potatoes filled with mashed potatoes, cheese, and a little spice. The shells get crispy while the inside stays creamy, making every bite warm and filling. This is one of those potato recipes that works as a side but is hearty enough to stand on its own.

Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Get everything you need on one sheet pan with this garlic herb pork and potatoes recipe that’s big on flavor. The seasoning soaks into every bite, and the potatoes roast up soft with crispy edges. This is one of those potato recipes that makes dinner feel pulled together without any extra stress.

Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Closeup of crispy smashed potatoes with dill and chili slices.
Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Smash your potatoes flat and throw them in the air fryer for a crispy, crunchy side that’s still soft in the middle. They’re seasoned just right and perfect for dipping or serving next to just about anything. This is one of those potato recipes that feels like something from a restaurant but takes almost no effort to make.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Outback Potato Soup

A bowl of outback potato soup topped sits on a wooden surface.
Outback Potato Soup. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Bring restaurant comfort home with this creamy Outback-style potato soup loaded with bacon, cheese, and soft chunks of potato. It’s thick, filling, and hits the spot on nights when you need something warm and satisfying. This is one of those potato recipes that tastes like it simmered for hours, but it’s ready way sooner.

Get the Recipe: Outback Potato Soup

Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

A fork piercing a piece of a seasoned roasted potato.
Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Fire up bold flavor with this honey chipotle steak and potatoes dish that’s both sweet and smoky. Everything cooks on one pan, so cleanup is easy and dinner still feels big and satisfying. This is one of those potato recipes that brings something exciting to the table without taking all night to make.

Get the Recipe: Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Stack your potatoes for something fun and fancy with these mini au gratin stacks that are rich and cheesy. Each little stack gets golden and crispy on the outside while staying creamy on the inside. This is one of those potato recipes that looks impressive but is easy enough for any weeknight.

Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole

Crock pot with sweet potato casserole with pecans and marshmallows.
Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let your slow cooker handle the work with this sweet potato casserole that’s soft, sweet, and topped with marshmallows and crunchy pecans. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and creamy with a little texture on top to keep things interesting. This is one of those potato recipes that work for holidays or anytime you want something cozy and familiar.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole

Enjoy this article? Please share it and save it for later!

Leave a Reply

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

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