We Tried Our Most Popular Potato Side Dish Recipes: The Ultimate Potato Showdown!

Potatoes, the humble spud, the versatile vegetable, the king of comfort food! We all have our favorite ways to enjoy them, from crispy fries to creamy mashed potatoes. But here at [Your Blog Name], we wanted to put our most popular potato side dish recipes to the test. We gathered our team, preheated our ovens, and peeled what felt like a mountain of potatoes to bring you the ultimate potato showdown. Get ready for a deep dive into our tried-and-true recipes, complete with detailed instructions, tips, and tricks, and of course, our honest opinions!

The Contenders: Our Top Potato Recipes

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the cooking process, let’s introduce the stars of our potato party. We selected a variety of recipes, focusing on different cooking methods and flavor profiles to ensure a fair and comprehensive comparison.

* **Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes:** A classic for a reason! These crispy, flavorful potatoes are roasted to perfection with garlic, herbs, and a generous drizzle of olive oil.
* **Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic:** Smooth, buttery, and infused with the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic, these mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food.
* **Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin:** Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce until bubbly and golden brown. This decadent dish is perfect for special occasions.
* **Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Rosemary:** These potatoes are boiled until tender, then smashed and roasted until crispy, creating a delightful textural contrast. The addition of rosemary adds a fragrant, earthy note.
* **Potato Salad with Dill and Mustard:** A refreshing and tangy potato salad, perfect for picnics and barbecues. The combination of dill and mustard provides a vibrant flavor.

The Great Potato Cook-Off: Our Experiment

We decided to cook each recipe according to its instructions, meticulously measuring ingredients and following the steps to the letter. We documented our process with photos and notes, paying close attention to the following factors:

* **Ease of Preparation:** How easy is the recipe to follow, and how much time and effort does it require?
* **Ingredient Availability:** Are the ingredients readily available in most grocery stores, or are they specialty items?
* **Taste and Texture:** How delicious is the final product? Does it have the desired texture (crispy, creamy, fluffy, etc.)?
* **Overall Impression:** Would we make this recipe again? Would we recommend it to others?

Recipe #1: Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
* 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated.
3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
5. Remove from oven and serve immediately.

**Our Verdict:**

* **Ease of Preparation:** Very easy! This recipe requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients.
* **Ingredient Availability:** All ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores.
* **Taste and Texture:** The potatoes were perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The garlic and herbs added a wonderful flavor that wasn’t overpowering.
* **Overall Impression:** A definite winner! This recipe is a reliable classic that’s perfect for any occasion. We would absolutely make it again and highly recommend it.

**Tips and Tricks:**

* For extra crispy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes before roasting. This helps to remove excess starch.
* Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this will steam the potatoes instead of roasting them.
* Use a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
* Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, parsley, or sage.

Recipe #2: Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
* 1 head of garlic
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup sour cream
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the top off the head of garlic, exposing the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in aluminum foil.
3. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and fragrant. Let cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins.
4. While the garlic is roasting, place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
6. Add the butter, milk, sour cream, and roasted garlic to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately.

**Our Verdict:**

* **Ease of Preparation:** Medium. Roasting the garlic adds an extra step, but it’s well worth the effort.
* **Ingredient Availability:** All ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores.
* **Taste and Texture:** The mashed potatoes were incredibly creamy and flavorful, with a subtle sweetness from the roasted garlic. The sour cream added a nice tanginess.
* **Overall Impression:** These mashed potatoes are a step above the ordinary. The roasted garlic elevates the flavor and makes them truly special. We would definitely make them again for a special occasion.

**Tips and Tricks:**

* Use a potato ricer for the smoothest mashed potatoes.
* Warm the milk and butter before adding them to the potatoes to prevent them from becoming gluey.
* Don’t over-mash the potatoes, as this can also make them gluey.
* Experiment with different cheeses, such as Parmesan or Gruyere.

Recipe #3: Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
* 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
5. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Layer half of the potatoes in the baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
7. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
10. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

**Our Verdict:**

* **Ease of Preparation:** Medium. The cheese sauce requires a bit of attention, and slicing the potatoes thinly takes some time.
* **Ingredient Availability:** Most ingredients are readily available, although Gruyere cheese may be slightly harder to find.
* **Taste and Texture:** The potatoes were tender and creamy, and the cheese sauce was rich and flavorful. The Gruyere cheese added a nutty, slightly sweet note.
* **Overall Impression:** This is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for special occasions. While it requires a bit more effort than some of the other recipes, it’s definitely worth it. We would make it again for a holiday gathering or potluck.

**Tips and Tricks:**

* Use a mandoline slicer to get perfectly even potato slices.
* Don’t use pre-shredded cheese, as it doesn’t melt as well.
* If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil.
* Experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.

Recipe #4: Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Rosemary

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds small Yukon Gold potatoes
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

**Instructions:**

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
3. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
4. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato until it is about 1 inch thick.
6. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary, salt, and pepper.
7. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve immediately.

**Our Verdict:**

* **Ease of Preparation:** Easy! This recipe is quick and simple, with minimal prep time.
* **Ingredient Availability:** All ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores.
* **Taste and Texture:** The potatoes were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with a delicious rosemary flavor. The smashed texture created a nice contrast between the crispy edges and the soft interior.
* **Overall Impression:** This is a fun and easy way to make potatoes. The smashed texture is unique and appealing, and the rosemary adds a fragrant, earthy note. We would definitely make it again as a simple and satisfying side dish.

**Tips and Tricks:**

* Use small potatoes for the best results.
* Don’t smash the potatoes too thin, or they will become too crispy.
* Use a heavy-bottomed glass to smash the potatoes if you don’t have a potato masher.
* Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or parsley.

Recipe #5: Potato Salad with Dill and Mustard

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sour cream
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
* 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
* 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and let them cool completely.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and dill.
4. Add the cooled potatoes, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs to the bowl. Gently toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

**Our Verdict:**

* **Ease of Preparation:** Easy! This recipe is quick and simple, with minimal cooking required.
* **Ingredient Availability:** All ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores.
* **Taste and Texture:** The potato salad was creamy and tangy, with a refreshing dill flavor. The red onion added a nice crunch, and the hard-boiled eggs provided a pleasant texture.
* **Overall Impression:** This is a classic potato salad recipe that’s perfect for picnics and barbecues. The dill and mustard provide a vibrant flavor that sets it apart from other potato salad recipes. We would definitely make it again for a summer gathering.

**Tips and Tricks:**

* Don’t overcook the potatoes, or they will become mushy.
* Use high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor.
* Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for extra tanginess.
* Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as chives, paprika, or celery seed.

The Ultimate Potato Side Dish Champion!

After careful consideration and much potato-filled deliberation, we’ve crowned our ultimate potato side dish champion:

**Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes!**

This recipe consistently delivered on all fronts. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, uses readily available ingredients, and produces perfectly crispy, flavorful potatoes every time. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, making it a reliable and satisfying choice for any occasion.

While the Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes took the top spot, all of the recipes we tested were delicious in their own right. The Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic were a close second, offering a luxurious and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. The Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin were a decadent and satisfying treat, perfect for special occasions. The Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Rosemary were a fun and easy way to make potatoes, with a unique texture and earthy flavor. And the Potato Salad with Dill and Mustard was a refreshing and tangy option, ideal for picnics and barbecues.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Potato!

The humble potato is a true culinary chameleon, capable of transforming into a wide variety of delicious and satisfying dishes. Whether you prefer them roasted, mashed, scalloped, smashed, or served in a salad, there’s a potato recipe out there for everyone. We hope this potato showdown has inspired you to try some new recipes and explore the endless possibilities of this versatile vegetable. So, grab a bag of potatoes, get cooking, and enjoy the deliciousness!

What are your favorite potato side dish recipes? Share them in the comments below!