Potatoes have a way of making meals feel comforting and complete. Their familiar taste and versatility are at the heart of countless dishes nationwide. No matter how prepared, they always seem to bring people together. Here comes a flavorful collection that shows just how much they can do.
Delmonico Potatoes
This rich potato casserole first appeared at New York’s Delmonico’s in the 1800s. It combines sliced or diced potatoes with heavy cream, cheese, and butter and is baked until golden and bubbling. Often served with steak or roast beef, it’s fancy without fussiness—and worth the oven time.
Funeral Potatoes
Don’t let the name fool you. This comforting casserole shows up at parties just as often as potlucks. It’s made with frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream soup, cheddar, and a crunchy topping of cornflakes or crackers. Loved in Utah and beyond, it’s wholesome, cheesy, and always gone too soon.
Salt Potatoes
A Central New York favorite, these baby potatoes are boiled in heavily salted water until creamy on the inside and crusty on the outside. They’re typically served with melted butter for dipping. Simple yet perfect with grilled meats or sausages, they’re a summertime staple at state fairs and backyard cookouts.
Potato Filling
Popular in Pennsylvania Dutch kitchens, this dish marries mashed potatoes with bread stuffing, onions, and celery. Baked into a casserole, it delivers the soft comfort of mashed potatoes with a hint of savory herbs. Usually found on holiday tables, it’s a hearty mix that feels familiar and unique.
American-Style Potato Salad
This backyard BBQ essential is cold, creamy, tangy, and immensely satisfying. Boiled potatoes are tossed with mayo, mustard, diced celery, and sometimes chopped eggs or pickles. It shows everywhere, from 4th of July picnics to church potlucks, and remains a top-tier side for burgers and hot dogs.
Southern Fried Potatoes
Sliced or diced potatoes get pan-fried in a cast iron skillet with onions until browned and crispy. Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, they’re often served at breakfast but hold their own besides fried chicken. They’re crunchy at the edges and soft in the middle.
Scalloped Potatoes
Layers of thin-sliced potatoes are baked in a rich sauce until tender and browned. Sometimes, cheese joins the mix, sometimes not—but it’s pure comfort. This casserole has gained a permanent spot on holiday tables, especially when roast ham is involved. It’s a simple dish that feels indulgent.
Skillet Breakfast Potatoes
Cubed potatoes are seasoned, seared in oil, and left to crisp without fussing too much. Onions and peppers are optional but always welcome. Found in diners across America, they’re the unsung hero of many breakfast plates. Their rich bite pairs perfectly with ketchup or even a fried egg on top.
Potato Croquettes
Golden on the outside and creamy on the inside, potato croquettes are the perfect snack or side dish. Fluffy potatoes, combined with cheese or herbs, are rolled into logs or balls and then breaded and fried. Originally European, they were long adopted into American appetizer menus.
Potato Donuts
Yes, potatoes in a donut! Mashed potatoes are mixed into a yeasted dough to make soft, slightly chewy donuts with a tender crumb. Popular in parts of New England and the Midwest, they’ve been around since the 1930s. The gentle sweetness and soft chew make them a cozy companion to your morning brew.
Twice-Baked Potatoes
The concept is simple but genius. Bake a potato, scoop out the insides, mash them with cheese and sour cream, refill the skins, and bake again. The result is a fluffy, flavorful mash inside a crispy shell. Serve as a hearty side or solo as a comfort-loaded meal.
Tater Tot Hotdish
Straight out of the Midwest, this casserole starts with a layer of ground beef and veggies in a creamy soup, then gets topped with a crunchy layer of golden tater tots. It’s baked until crispy on top and bubbling underneath. Loved for its simplicity and warmth, it’s a favorite when the temperatures drop.
Potato Boats
Baked potato halves are hollowed out and stuffed with a savory mash that includes cheese, scallions, and maybe even a little bacon. Then, they’re broiled until the tops are golden. Think of them as a hearty upgrade from potato skins—the same idea, but more filling and dinner-party-approved.
Potato Rolls
These rolls use mashed potatoes in the dough to create a light texture with just a hint of sweetness. They’ve been a staple at holiday tables and family gatherings for generations. The potatoes help the rolls stay moist longer than traditional bread, making them perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or soaking up gravy.
Idaho Baked Potato Soup
Russet potatoes, sour cream, cheddar, bacon, and scallions combine to create a rich, comforting soup full of familiar flavors. The taste mirrors a loaded baked potato, only served warm by the spoonful. You’ll find it in chain restaurants and homemade in cozy kitchens all winter long.
Chili Cheese Fries
Crispy French fries are smothered in chili and melty cheese—usually cheddar or nacho sauce. This American guilty pleasure is found everywhere, from diners to dive bars. It is messy but impossible to resist. Extra napkins are a must, and maybe a fork if you’re feeling civilized.
Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
This fan favorite starts with frozen hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and sharp cheddar. It’s baked until bubbling and browned on top. Thanks to Cracker Barrel’s menu, it became a Southern staple and now shows up at brunches, potlucks, and family dinners across the country.
Potatoes O’Brien
Colorful and classic, this skillet dish mixes diced potatoes with red and green bell peppers. Sauteed until crispy and browned, it’s a breakfast with a little extra flair. Whether tossed into a burrito or next to sunny-side-up eggs, it’s a tasty way to start the day.
German Potato Salad
Served warm and dressed with vinegar, bacon drippings, and onions, this tangy potato salad is popular at cookouts in the Midwest and beyond. There is no mayo here, just bold, savory flavor and a little bite from the vinegar. It’s a great contrast to creamy versions and pairs well with grilled sausages.
Mashed Potatoes With Gravy
Few sides are more American than a mound of velvety mashed potatoes topped with brown gravy. Whether you like them whipped or chunky, they’re always a hit at Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, and meatloaf nights. They’ve earned their place as a must-have on the plate.
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