Crispy roasted potatoes rank high on my list of favorite sides. Heck, I could just eat a bowl of them for dinner and call it a day. This post is going to explore what to serve with roasted potatoes.
Pairing Basics for Roasted Potatoes
When pairing dishes with roasted potatoes, always consider the flavor profiles involved. Roasted potatoes have a delicious, mild taste that easily complements a variety of flavors. You can pair them with both bold and subtle flavors to create a well-rounded meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Savory dishes: Opt for robust, savory dishes like roast beef, grilled chicken, or sautéed vegetables.
- Herb-infused sauces: Enhance the flavor of your roasted potatoes with sauces like chimichurri or garlic and herb butter.
- Spice-driven dishes: Spice up your meal with some heat from dishes like curry, chili, or spicy seafood.
Consider Texture
- Smooth and creamy: Pairing roasted potatoes with a creamy sauce or a velvety soup can provide a delightful contrast in textures.
- Crunchy vegetables: Adding a fresh, crunchy element to your meal via a green salad or slaw can enhance the overall eating experience.
- Tender proteins: Serve roasted potatoes with tender cuts of meat, such as a juicy steak or succulent pork tenderloin, to create a harmonious and satisfying meal.
Succulent Meat Dishes
Herb Roasted Chicken
A tasty Herb Roasted Chicken is one of the best options to serve alongside roasted potatoes. The combination of tender chicken with aromatic herbs will definitely please your taste buds. To create this delicious dish, you’ll need:
- A whole chicken
- Olive oil
- A mix of your favorite herbs (rosemary, thyme, and sage work well)
- Salt and pepper
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rub the chicken with olive oil and season it generously with your selected herbs, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan and cook for approximately 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). While your chicken is in the oven, you can prepare your roasted potatoes alongside it, and they should be ready around the same time!
Grilled Steak
Another sumptuous meat dish that pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes is Grilled Steak. Choose your preferred cut of steak (sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon) and season with:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Preheat your grill on high. Once hot, cook the steak to your desired doneness (usually around 3 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness of the steak). Don’t forget to let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute. This gives you time to finish up those crispy roasted potatoes. Enjoy your mouthwatering, juicy steak and potatoes with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Refreshing Salads
Caprese Salad
A classic Italian favorite, Caprese Salad is a perfect addition to your roasted potatoes. Made with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this salad brings a burst of color and flavor to your plate.
To assemble the salad:
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4 inch thick rounds
- Arrange them in a layer, alternating between tomato, mozzarella, and basil
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and a touch of olive oil
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
Apple Walnut Salad
Here’s a simple recipe for apple walnut salad:
- Toss mixed greens with your favorite vinaigrette, or make a simple one with olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
- Add thinly sliced apples – red or green varieties both work well.
- Top with a handful of toasted walnuts and a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese.
- Optionally, you can also include dried cranberries for an extra pop of color and sweetness.
Comforting Gravy-Based Dishes
When you serve roasted potatoes, you’ll want to consider pairing them with some delicious gravy-based dishes. Here are two great options that will complement your potatoes and leave everyone satisfied.
Beef Stew
A good beef stew is a classic choice. You can prepare a hearty stew, simmering tender chunks of beef with vegetables like onions, carrots, and peas in a thick, savory gravy. Your roasted potatoes will go perfectly with this dish because:
- The flavors of the rich beef and gravy will complement the crispiness of the potatoes.
- The soft stew vegetables will also contrast nicely with the crunchy potatoes.
- Dipping your potatoes in the gravy adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
Remember to season your beef stew generously with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme and rosemary for the best flavor.
Chicken Gravy
Another wonderful option to serve with roasted potatoes is a luscious chicken gravy. You can create this dish by preparing succulent chicken pieces and cooking them in a creamy, flavorful gravy. Some benefits of pairing your potatoes with chicken gravy include:
- The smooth and creamy gravy is a delightful contrast to the crispy potatoes.
- Roasted potatoes work as a great base, soaking up the gravy’s rich flavor.
- Combining chicken and potatoes is a timeless classic, pleasing to almost any palate.
Seafood Delights
Garlic Shrimp
A perfect pairing for your roasted potatoes would be Garlic Shrimp. Start by sautéing some minced garlic and butter in a pan. Once it’s fragrant, add the shrimp and cook them until they’re pink and opaque. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra flavor boost. You’ll find that the garlicky, buttery taste of the shrimp complements the crispy texture and flavors of the roasted potatoes.
Some key ingredients for your garlic shrimp:
- Fresh shrimp
- Minced garlic
- Butter
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon juice
Grilled Salmon
Another delightful seafood option to serve with roasted potatoes is a flavorful Grilled Salmon. Marinate the salmon fillets in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs, such as dill, basil, or parsley. Grill the salmon to your desired level of doneness, making sure to achieve those beautiful grill marks for a smoky taste and added eye appeal.
The marinade for your grilled salmon:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Minced garlic
- Fresh herbs (dill, basil, or parsley)
These seafood dishes will provide a luscious counterpart to your roasted potatoes; both options add a light, healthy, and flavorful element to your meal. Enjoy creating a scrumptious and well-balanced dinner for yourself and your loved ones.
Vegetarian Pairings
A colorful and delicious vegetable stir-fry is an excellent option to serve with your roasted potatoes. You can customize this dish with your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snow peas. Follow these simple steps to create a tasty stir-fry:
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pan or wok.
- Add chopped garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Toss in your selected vegetables and cook until they are tender, but still crisp.
- Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar to taste.
Divide the stir-fry among plates and serve alongside the roasted potatoes for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Grilled Tofu
Grilled tofu is a fantastic protein-packed option to complement your roasted potatoes. Here’s a quick guide to grill your tofu to perfection:
- Slice the tofu into 1/2-inch thick slabs, then press them gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Marinade the tofu in your preferred sauce, such as teriyaki or barbecue sauce, for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and brush it with some oil.
- Grill the marinated tofu slabs for 3-4 minutes on each side, basting with extra marinade as needed.
Serve the grilled tofu alongside your roasted potatoes, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures. With these tasty vegetarian pairings, your meal is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
FAQ
Which is the best type of potato for roasting?
When it comes to roasting potatoes, you might find yourself asking which type of potato works best. The ideal potato for roasting has a high starch content. High-starch potatoes tend to become crispy on the outside while maintaining a fluffy, tender interior. Among the varieties of potatoes, Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are considered some of the best for roasting.