Mashed potato is a simple way to prepare and cook potatoes. The process involves boiling and mashing the potatoes together. This makes for a creamy texture that is perfect for serving other dishes.
You can serve them as a classic side dish when you have meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables on your plate. You can also serve them as an accompaniment to soup, salad, pasta, rice, or beans.
This perfect side dish is ideal for any occasion, whether after a hectic day at work or a festive dinner like Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving.
Why are they called mashed potatoes? The History
There are so many exciting versions of the history of the dish.
The first ones were made in England in the 1600s, but people probably started cooking them before then. Some sources say that the English came up with mashed potatoes and gravy in the 1600s.
According to other accounts, the real formula was devised in 1771 when a Frenchman named Antoine Parmentier hosted a contest on preparing potatoes.
However, potatoes come from South America and might have been cooked there thousands of years ago.
How do you describe them?
A good description of the potato dish is “mushy” and “creamy”. They are soft and smooth because they are mashed.
Are smashed and mashed potatoes the same?
They are different.
Mashed potatoes would get mashed with milk, butter, and usually sour cream into a creamy consistency.
Smashed potatoes, on the other hand, get tossed with some olive oil and herbs, then smashed into thin patties and roasted until crispy.
Are they healthy?
Yes! They are low-fat, high in fiber, and contain plenty of nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. They only have 150 calories per potato/serving.
So, nutrition and calorie-wise, potatoes are great to add to your diet.
What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes?
Mashed Potatoes and Steak. Credit: canva
Main dishes that go with mashed potatoes
These main dishes are perfect for serving with steamed greens.
Steak & Fries
A steak is usually served medium-rare, but feel free to cook it longer f you prefer it well done. If you want a little kick to your meal, try adding pepper sauce to the steak before serving.
Beef Stew
For a lighter version, try using vegetable stock instead of beef broth. Add some fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, black pepper, or parsley to give your stew a delicious flavor.
Chili Mac
Chili Mac. Credit: canva
A popular Mexican dish made of ground beef and chili peppers. Topped with cheese, sour cream, and cilantro, this dish goes perfectly with mashed potatoes.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala is one of my favorite Indian meals. I like to serve it over basmati rice with a side of sautéed spinach.
Shepherd’s Pie
Traditional English dish made from minced lamb, onions, carrots, and peas. Try topping your shepherd’s pie with gravy.
Meatloaf
Meatloaf with mashed potatoes. Credit: canva
A classic American dish made from ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, and seasonings.
Roast Beef
Roast beef consists of thinly sliced beef topped with horseradish, mustard, and butter.
Ham & Cheese Baked Oatmeal
Ham and Swiss croissants are a classic French pastry filled with ham and Swiss cheese. They go perfectly with it.
Sausage Jambalaya
Jambalaya with sausages and chicken. Credit: canva
Jambalaya is a Creole dish consisting of rice, sausage, chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage, bell peppers, tomatoes, green onions, and spices.
Vegetable Lasagna
A classic Italian dish made from layers of noodles, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
Seafood Paella
A Spanish rice dish made with seafood, chicken, pork, and vegetables.
Ham & Swiss Croissants
A classic French pastry filled with ham and Swiss cheeses.
Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders and mashed potatoes. Credit: canva
They are low in fat and calories. When choosing chicken tenders, look for ones without added sauces or extra ingredients.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow-cooker pulled pork is a simple way to feed a crowd on a budget. You can use either pork shoulder or butt roast for this recipe.
Eggplant Parmesan Casserole
It is a savory vegetarian dish that combines eggplant, mushrooms, zucchini, and tomato in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Turkey Breast
A lean protein that is full of nutrients. It is also effortless to prepare. First, poach a turkey breast until cooked, then let it rest before slicing.
Steak Fajitas
A savory dish is made from grilled meat marinated in olive oil, lime juice, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Grilled Salmon
Grilled salmon with cheese and mashed potatoes. Credit: canva
Healthy fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Serve it with roasted veggies and steamed broccoli for a complete meal. This recipe makes 4 servings.
Spaghetti Squash
A nutritious alternative to pasta. Add spaghetti squash to boiling water, microwave for 5 minutes, and have a healthy dinner ready!
Black Bean Burrito Bowl
Black bean burritos are a great option if you want something different from the taco bowl. The recipe calls for black beans, corn, salsa, lettuce, and shredded cheese to seasoned tortilla chips.
Shrimp Fried Rice
A delicious Asian dish made with stir-fried rice, shrimp, and vegetables like carrots and peas.
Beef Enchiladas
A Mexican dish consisting of a flour tortilla rolled around ground beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce.
Side dishes that go well with mashed potatoes
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. Credit: canva
People usually serve them as a side dish. However, you can call it a meal if you add some veggies, pulled pork, ground beef, or any other leftover meat.
The gravy adds flavor and moisture. You can also make mushroom gravy.
Chicken & Dumplings
To make these dumplings, start by boiling water and then drop them in flour. Cook until thickened and let cool. Then mix in some milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Finally, fold in some shredded chicken.
Roasted Vegetables
Mashed potato broccoli and creamy cheese sauce. Credit: canva
One of the easiest ways to get a healthy side dish is by roasting vegetables. Toss carrots, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, or other vegetables into the oven and bake until tender.
When they’re ready, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Then, mash them up and serve with a dollop of sour cream or crème Fraiche.
Macaroni & Cheese
They have a similar consistency. Try making your macaroni and cheese by mixing elbow noodles, cheddar cheese, milk, and spices. Bake until bubbly and serve hot!
Cornbread
Cornbread is a Southern favorite. It pairs beautifully. Make cornbread by combining cornmeal, eggs, milk, sugar, and melted butter. Mix all ingredients and pour into a greased pan. Bake until golden brown.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a popular side dish throughout America. These beans are made by simmering dried beans in a pot with a liquid. Once cooked, drain the excess liquid and add tomato paste, molasses, vinegar, and spices. Bake in the oven until heated through.
Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Creamy cauliflower soup is a healthy alternative to regular soup. It is low in calories and high in fiber. In addition, it is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.
Lentil Soup
Lentils are an inexpensive legume that is high in fiber and protein. Add lentils to soups, stews, casseroles, salads, sandwiches, and more.
Caesar Salad
A classic salad for every occasion. This recipe includes romaine lettuce, anchovies, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Creamed Spinach
This simple recipe includes spinach leaves, heavy whipping cream, and milk. You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh.
Avocado
Avocados have a creamy texture and a mild flavor. Serve avocado as a delicious appetizer.
Asparagus
The crunchiness of the asparagus contrasts nicely with the softness.
Broccoli
They work so well together. The broccoli provides a nice crunch, while the pairs give them a silky texture.
Brussels Sprouts
The crispy sprouts contrast perfectly with the creamy taste.
Eggplant
A tasty combination. However, the eggplant adds a savory note to this dish.
Green Beans
The green beans add a bright color, while the dish lends a smooth consistency.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi has a crisp texture, while the pair creates a smooth, creamy taste that complements its natural sweetness.
Leeks
The leeks add a delicate flavor to the dish.
Lettuce
The lettuce adds a refreshing element to the dish, while the mash gives it a smooth, creamy texture that complements its natural flavors.
Mushrooms
The mushroom adds a meaty flavor to the dish while contrasting its texture.
Onion
The onions add a sharp, spicy flavor to the dish while giving it a soft, tender texture.
Pea Shoots
The pea shoots add a fresh, light flavor to the dish while lending a crunchy texture.
Potato Salad
It’s a popular dish at potlucks because it can be served hot or cold. Potato salad also goes well with other foods such as eggs, sandwiches, and burgers.
How to Make Mashed Potatoes?
Most favorite recipes
Here are some of our favorite recipes:
Baked
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
With Garlic Parmesan.
Cheesy
Sweet Potato
Savory.
Spicy
Mushroom
Bacon
Chicken Fried
Easy Creamy Basic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This potato recipe is the primary and classic one. You can add almost anything, and they will taste amazing.
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (close to room temp is best)
6-8 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup sour cream (reduced fat)
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for creamier potato)
1/4 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese, optional
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley to garnish, optional to garnish
Instructions
To prepare the potatoes, peel them and cut them into fourths crosswise. Remove any blemishes, lumps, or knots.
Add the potatoes to a large pot (6 quarts) and cover with salted cold water by an inch. Boil potatoes, lower the heat to medium-low, and simmer until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Then drain potatoes in a colander.
While the potatoes are cooking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small pan over high heat. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Set aside and keep warm.
Add the remaining butter mixture to the cooked potatoes, then add cooked garlic, hot milk, sour cream, and heavy cream.
Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth, adding extra milk as needed. You can also use a mixer, but never the food processor.
Add in the parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
FAQs
What to serve with mashed potatoes vegetarian?
They include roasted vegetables, greens with garlic oil, or pesto sauce.
What to serve with mashed potatoes vegan?
For a vegan version of your favorite dish, substitute soy milk and dairy-free butter with regular ingredients. Many people also like using olive oil instead of butter when they are done mashing.
What meat goes with mashed potatoes?
Meat dishes that go well include beef, chicken, and pork.
What to eat with mashed potatoes and gravy?
For those who enjoy potatoes with gravy, fried fish is a good choice.
Related Topics
What Goes Well with Mashed Potato?
Almost anything goes well with the dish! You can add various vegetables, meats, or cheeses to create a perfect dish for your taste buds.
Our favorite combinations are gravy, bacon, cheese, sausage, and pepper. No matter what you choose, we promise you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy!
What Should I Eat For Dinner to Lose Weight?
There’s no perfect answer to this question, as everyone’s dietary needs and preferences vary. However, eating healthy, balanced meals that are low in calories and high in nutrients is an excellent place to start.
Some healthy dinner ideas that can help you lose weight include grilled chicken or fish, steamed vegetables, brown rice or quinoa, and a salad with lean protein and dressing.
Avoid eating heavy or processed foods late at night, as they’re more likely to be stored as fat rather than burned off.
And remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your metabolism running efficiently.
What Goes Well with Baked Potatoes for Dinner?
There are endless possibilities regarding what to serve alongside baked potatoes for dinner.
But some of our favorites include roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, grilled chicken or fish, and a simple salad.
A dollop of your favorite sauce or dressing can boost the flavor and nutrition of your meal.
So give baked potatoes a try this week – you won’t be disappointed!
What’s Healthier, Rice or Potato?
It depends on how the rice or potato is prepared. For example, boiled potato is healthier than white rice, but French fries are not healthier than white rice.
That said, potatoes generally have more nutrients than white rice. They’re a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, while white rice is mostly just carbohydrates and a source of energy.
Is Sweet Potato Healthier than Potato?
Yes, sweet potatoes are healthier than white potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a good dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.
They also contain antioxidants that can help protect against certain diseases.
White potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, but they are not as rich in antioxidants as sweet potatoes.
