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Home - Recipes - Side Dishes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

What to Serve with Smashed Potatoes? 7 BEST Side Dishes

The top sides for Smashed Potatoes include Barbeque Meatloaf, T-Bone Steak, Shake 'N Bake Chicken, Smoked Beef Roast, and Pan-Seared Salmon.

Barbeque Meatloaf

A classic barbeque meatloaf is among the top dishes to serve for dinner.

For a lighter option, try Pan-Seared Salmon. It has a golden-crisp skin and juicy flesh that makes it a popular dish in many high-end eateries.

Smashed potatoes are pretty much the heroes at any dinner table. Bold move, adding them to the menu, right?"

Here's the scoop. We've rounded up 7 side dishes that'll make your smashed potatoes sing.

No kidding, they might as well take a bow by the end of the meal.

Ever sat there, fork in hand, thinking your potatoes looked lonely? Us too.

Thus, we embarked on a mission. A mission to bring you sides that aren't just fillers.

They're solid options.

Table of Contents

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  • What to Serve with Smashed Potatoes? 7 BEST Side Dishes
    • 1 - Barbeque Meatloaf
    • 2 - T-Bone Steak
    • 3 - Shake 'N Bake Chicken
    • 4 - Smoked Beef Roast
    • 5 - Pan-Seared Salmon
    • 6 - Texas Chili
    • 7 - Caesar Salad
  • Frequently Asked Questions

What to Serve with Smashed Potatoes? 7 BEST Side Dishes

1 - Barbeque Meatloaf

barbeque meatloaf Save for Later!

A classic barbeque meatloaf is among the top dishes to serve for dinner.

It is a no.1 family favorite and a crowd-pleaser.

When served with smashed potatoes, you wouldn't need anything else to wow your family and friends - or try Italian meatloaf side suggestions for dinners.

Smashed potatoes have subtle creamy flavors waiting to be complemented by something savory and saucy like meatloaf.

So, you can never be doubtful about serving these two dishes together.

This easy-to-make dish needs the grill burning at 350°F.

It typically contains ground meat, sautéed onions, peppers, and garlic brought together by barbecue sauce.

Although unlikely, don't worry if you have leftovers.

Leftover BBQ meatloaf is the best ingredient for homemade sandwiches.

2 - T-Bone Steak

tbone steak Save for Later!

Pair your smashed potatoes with perfectly seasoned and grilled or pan-seared T-bone steak - or see steak bites side ideas for pairing for similar accompaniments.

T-bones come from the cow's short loin section, which is the best grilling portion.

You can make a juicy and luxurious side dish for your potatoes with this item.

The steak needs a little TLC- you should season it generously, oil it lightly, and cook it fast.

425°F is the sweet spot for this dish inside the oven.

Nothing might impress your dinner guests more than serving a handsome piece of T-bone steak that melts in their mouths.

3 - Shake 'N Bake Chicken

shake n bake chicken Save for Later!

Replicate your favorite Shake 'N Bake chicken to give your guests a delicious treat.

The heavy combination of spices, crumbs, and seeds will give the chicken a flavor-packed texture that no one can say no to.

While this side dish goes well with a variety of main courses, combining it with smashed potatoes takes the meal to another level - and Shake And Bake chicken side ideas offer complementary options.

Spice it up with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper, and use your preferred seasonings.

You'll be amazed at how much more you can improve this dish.

Shake 'N Bake chicken is a delicious side you'll have no problem making.

It is easy and takes about 30 minutes.

4 - Smoked Beef Roast

smoked beef roast Save for Later!

You can never say no to smoked beef roast.

And when combined with smashed potatoes, it's a meal you cannot miss.

So, why not serve them to your guests? The aroma from the smoked beef is absolutely tempting, not to mention the flavors.

Everyone who loves meat loves beef roast.

It is a flexible dish that can blend well with anything, including smashed potatoes.

Although it is usually the star of the menu, you can serve smoked beef roast as a side with your potatoes - similar smoked turkey breast side options work well alongside potatoes.

Your guests will be more than happy to eat them all.

5 - Pan-Seared Salmon

panseared salmon Save for Later!

Effortless to make and incredibly lovely to eat, pan-seared salmon is among the top side dishes that deserve a spot on this list.

It has a golden-crisp skin and juicy flesh that makes it a popular dish in many high-end eateries.

Serving salmon with potatoes isn't uncommon - consider salmon en croute side pairings for ideas that elevate the combo.

You can use the umami flavors of the fish and the various seasonings to bring your smashed potatoes to light.

Whether you plan to host a celebratory dinner or a regular meal with your friends and colleagues, pan-seared salmon and smashed potatoes will never do you wrong.

6 - Texas Chili

texas chili Save for Later!

Texas Chili with smashed potatoes will save the day - or look to white chili side dishes for groups for other crowd-friendly pairings.

It is an ideal dish for slow cooking, cookouts, and tailgating.

But if you want to serve it for dinner, nothing should stop you.

This dish is loaded with tender meat, special seasoning, and of course, the best toppings you can come up with.

It is comfort food that's easy to prepare and very filling.

7 - Caesar Salad

caesar salad Save for Later!

How would any list be complete without a salad? And we won't go for any other but the famous Caesar salad.

A Caesar salad is fresh and light and complements high-carb foods like smashed potatoes perfectly.

It is an elegant hors d'oeuvre that can be served tableside.

It is a green salad consisting of croutons and romaine lettuce dressed in olive oil, lemon or lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, egg, black pepper, and Parmesan.

baked potatoes side suggestions pairs naturally with many menu items. scalloped potatoes side pairings provides additional potato-centric ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best side dish for Smashed Potatoes?

Barbeque Meatloaf A classic barbeque meatloaf is among the top dishes to serve for dinner. T-Bone Steak Pair your smashed potatoes with perfectly seasoned and grilled or pan-seared T-bone steak.

Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.

What sides work well when feeding a crowd?

For large groups, go with sides that can be made in big batches and hold well at room temperature. Barbeque Meatloaf A classic barbeque meatloaf scales up easily.

Grain-based dishes and roasted vegetables stay good on a buffet without becoming soggy.

How do you avoid overshadowing the main dish?

Keep the seasoning on the side simple. Bold sauces or heavy spices can pull attention away from the main.

Let the supporting dish enhance rather than compete.

Do sides need to match the cuisine style?

Not strictly. Mixing cuisine styles is common in home cooking.

Focus on flavor balance rather than regional matching - the plate will feel cohesive if the tastes work together.

Explore more: This post is part of our Side Dish Pairing Guide.
Andrew Gray

More Side Dishes

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  • What to Serve with Garlic Chicken? 10 BEST Side Dishes
  • What to Serve with Pistachio Ice Cream? 10 BEST Side Dishes
  • What to Serve for Beef Shawarma? 10 BEST Side Dishes

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Andrew Gray - GustoMeadow founder

Hi, I'm Andrew

Food Writer & Recipe Developer

Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

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