Baked potatoes are a versatile and delicious side dish that can be served with an array of toppings and accompaniments. They are a staple comfort food in many households, beloved for their fluffy interior and crispy skin. But while baked potatoes are great on their own, pairing them with complementary foods can take them to the next level and make for a more complete, satisfying meal. When planning a meal featuring baked potatoes, it’s important to consider what will taste good with the mild, starchy flavor and soft texture of a baked potato. In this article, we’ll explore what makes for the perfect accompaniments for baked potatoes and provide plenty of baked potato side dish ideas and recipe suggestions.
What are some classic toppings for baked potatoes?
Here are some of the most popular classic topping choices for baked potatoes:
- Butter – A pat of butter is a simple way to add creaminess and rich flavor to a baked potato.
- Sour cream – Cool and tangy sour cream provides an excellent contrast to the starchiness of a baked potato.
- Chives or scallions – Fresh herbs like chives or scallions add flavor and color to a baked potato.
- Cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese is a go-to topping for baked potatoes thanks to its bold flavor.
- Bacon bits – Crispy, salty bacon bits are hard to resist on a baked potato.
- Broccoli – Fresh, steamed broccoli florets add nutrition and texture.
These classic toppings for baked potatoes are popular for good reason. They each pair well with the flavor and texture of a baked potato and enhance it in simple, satisfying ways.
What proteins work well with baked potatoes?
While carbohydrate-rich baked potatoes are satisfying on their own, pairing them with a good protein source helps to make a hearty, balanced meal. Here are some protein-rich foods that pair excellently with baked potatoes:
- Chicken – Baked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or grilled chicken make an easy protein to add to a loaded baked potato.
- Steak – Slices of steak, especially well-marbled cuts like ribeye, provide a satisfying protein and texture contrast to a baked potato.
- Pork – Pulled pork, bacon, ham, and sausage all pair beautifully with creamy, buttery baked potatoes.
- Seafood – Grilled, baked, or fried fish works well atop a baked potato, as do shrimp, lobster, crab, and clams.
- Eggs – Fried, scrambled, poached, or hard boiled eggs make a simple protein-packed baked potato topper.
- Beans – Fiber and protein-rich beans like black beans, pinto beans, or chili make hearty baked potato toppings.
- Cheese – Cheddar, feta, Swiss, and other melting cheeses provide protein in addition to flavor.
Aim for a 3-4 oz serving of protein per potato to help make it a balanced meal. The flavor and preparation of the protein can complement the potato in many ways.
What vegetables go well with baked potatoes?
In addition to classic toppings like broccoli and chives, baked potatoes pair nicely with a wide variety of fresh, colorful vegetables. Some excellent veggie accents for baked potatoes include:
- Corn – Grilled, roasted, or sautéed corn kernels add sweetness.
- Tomatoes – Sliced tomatoes or diced pico de gallo provide a fresh, acidic crunch.
- Bell peppers – Strips or slices of red, yellow, or green bell peppers make a crisp, sweet topper.
- Onions – Sliced red, white, or green onions add bite.
- Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms lend an earthy, meaty flavor.
- Spinach – Fresh spinach leaves or sautéed spinach add color and nutrition.
- Zucchini/squash – Grilled or roasted zucchini or yellow squash tastes delicious on a baked potato.
- Sweet potatoes – For more nutrition, swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes.
Aim for 1-2 cups of vegetables per baked potato. Opt for a mix of raw, roasted, sautéed, and grilled veggies to add diverse flavors and textures.
What sauces and condiments work on baked potatoes?
Beyond toppings, don’t forget to enhance the flavor of baked potatoes with sauces and condiments like:
- Salsa – Spicy tomato salsa or a fruit salsa kick up a baked potato beautifully.
- Guacamole – Creamy, fresh guacamole adds richness and chili flavor.
- Hummus – Chickpea hummus makes a lighter protein- and nutrient-packed topping option.
- Sour cream – In addition to being a topping, sour cream makes a cool, tangy sauce for a baked potato.
- Ranch dressing – Cool, creamy ranch dressing complements a hot baked potato wonderfully.
- Gravy – Beef or mushroom gravy makes an excellent savory sauce for baked potatoes.
- Marinara sauce – For an Italian twist, top baked potatoes with warm marinara sauce.
- Pesto – Herby basil or spinach pesto provides bold flavor and nutrition.
Drizzle, dollop, or ladle 1-4 tablespoons of your favorite sauces or condiments over a baked potato to add extra flavor and moisture.
What herbs, spices, and seasonings enhance baked potatoes?
To take baked potatoes from bland to brilliant, make sure to season them well with herbs, spices, and other flavor-boosting ingredients like:
- Chives – Fresh snipped chives offer color and a light onion flavor.
- Parsley – Fresh flat-leaf parsley has a bright, herby taste.
- Garlic – Minced roasted garlic or garlic powder add aroma and bite.
- Rosemary – Fragrant roasted rosemary pairs beautifully with potatoes.
- Paprika – Sweet paprika provides a touch of sweetness and mild heat.
- Chili powder – For spicy baked potatoes, dust with ancho or chipotle chili powder.
- Cumin – Toasted cumin adds a smoky, earthy quality and enhances other spices.
- Pepper – Fresh cracked black peppercorns lend mild heat.
Use a light hand when seasoning baked potatoes – a little goes a long way. Start with 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon of dried herbs or spices, or 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs per potato.
What are the best baked potato side dishes?
Now that we’ve covered a variety of mix-and-match toppings and seasonings for baked potatoes, let’s look at some popular composed side dishes featuring baked potatoes:
Baked Potato Bar
Set up a baked potato bar with bowls of optional toppings so everyone can customize their perfect stuffed baked potato. Offer 3-4 protein options, 3 vegetable choices, 2-3 sauces, cheeses, bacon bits, etc.
Chili Baked Potato
Top baked potatoes with hearty beef, turkey, or vegetarian chili, then garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and sour cream.
Baked Potatoes with Steak and Mushrooms
Serve baked potatoes topped with grilled skirt or flank steak slices and sautéed mushrooms.
Mexican Street Corn Baked Potatoes
Load baked potatoes with a zesty mix of grilled corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and crema or sour cream.
Greek Baked Potatoes
Stuff baked potatoes with sauteed spinach, chickpeas, feta cheese, red onions, diced tomatoes, and Greek yogurt.
Pulled Pork Baked Potatoes
Pile smoky pulled pork atop baked potatoes and serve with coleslaw and barbecue sauce.
Crab Cake Baked Potatoes
Place a crispy crab cake on each baked potato and top with rémoulade or tartar sauce.
Full meal ideas with baked potatoes:
For a heartier meal, build entire dishes around baked potatoes:
Baked Potato Soup
Puree baked potatoes with broth, cream, cheese, and sautéed vegetables like corn, celery, and onions for a comforting soup. Garnish with bacon, scallions, and cheddar cheese.
Twice Baked Potatoes
Scoop out baked potato flesh and mix with cheese, cream, and seasonings. Stuff back into skins and bake again until golden.
Potato Skins
Top scooped-out baked potato skins with cheese, bacon, green onions, and serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Salmon Baked Potatoes
Rub salmon fillets with olive oil, lemon, and herbs and bake on a sheet pan with potatoes. Flake salmon over stuffed potatoes.
Shepherd’s Pie
Fill a casserole dish with seasoned ground beef and vegetables like peas and carrots. Top with mashed potatoes and bake until bubbling.
Chicken Fajita Baked Potatoes
Stuff potatoes with seasoned chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, beans, salsa, and cheese.
Conclusion
With so many diverse topping options, from rich butter and cheese to protein-packed chili to fresh vegetables and herbs, baked potatoes can be an incredibly versatile base for all kinds of delicious meals. Taking the time to prepare baked potatoes thoughtfully and season them well results in a comforting, highly satisfying side dish. Pairing baked potatoes with an array of complementary proteins, produce, sauces, and seasonings turns them into a hearty, well-balanced meal. So move beyond plain baked potatoes – with the right accompaniments, you can enjoy scrumptious baked potato dishes perfect for any occasion.