13 Potato Recipes That Made Me Forget Rice Or Pasta Exist
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Easy Homemade Life may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
Potatoes have a way of stealing the spotlight so completely that rice or pasta doesn’t even cross my mind. They’re hearty, versatile, and can turn into everything from crispy sides to comforting mains without much effort. Whenever I’m craving something filling and flavorful, these recipes come through and make mealtime feel anything but boring.
Potato Fritters
Potato fritters are one of those breakfasts that make me forget about toast or cereal completely. Grated potatoes mixed with eggs, onion, and garlic fry up into crispy patties that stay tender and fluffy in the middle. Topped with a spoonful of yogurt and fresh chives, they’re hearty enough to carry me straight through the morning.
Get the Recipe: Potato Fritters
Parmesan Potatoes
Parmesan roasted potatoes have officially replaced pasta sides for me because they hit all the right notes, crispy, cheesy, and buttery in every bite. Baby potatoes roast into golden perfection with a crunchy parmesan crust that’s impossible to resist. Paired with a little sour cream for dipping, they’re so addictive I could eat them as the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Make-ahead mashed potatoes save me every holiday because they’re just as creamy and fluffy as the fresh version without the last-minute chaos. I can prep them up to three days early, then bake them warm and buttery when it’s time to serve. They’re so good that I’d happily trade rice or pasta any day just for an excuse to load my plate with them.
Get the Recipe: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Baked Potato Soup Chilis
Baked potato soup inspired by Chilis is one of those bowls that makes me crave nothing else. Loaded with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and chives, it’s thick, comforting, and filling in the best way. Honestly, it feels like a full meal in itself, and I never miss the pasta when this is on the table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato Soup Chilis
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes have become my go-to because they’re silky, buttery, and loaded with just the right punch of garlic flavor. They’re simple enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to stand out on a holiday table. Every bite makes me forget about rice because nothing beats that perfect creamy texture.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Hashbrown Casserole
Hashbrown casserole is comfort food that makes me want to skip every other side dish. Layers of shredded potatoes, gooey cheese, and a creamy base bake into a dish that’s cozy and crowd-pleasing. Whether it’s breakfast, dinner, or a potluck, I always reach for this over rice or pasta.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Mashed Potato Waffles
Mashed potato waffles are my favorite way to use up leftovers because they come out crispy on the outside and soft inside. They’re so tasty and versatile that no one even realizes they’re made from yesterday’s mashed potatoes. I’d pick these savory waffles over spaghetti any day since they feel like both comfort food and something fun.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Waffles
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback potatoes in the air fryer are my new obsession because they come out golden, buttery, and crisp around every edge. Garlic, salt, pepper, and chives add simple flavor that lets the texture shine. They’re so good as a side that I forget rice or pasta even exist once they hit my plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Slow cooker mashed potatoes free me up completely because they cook themselves while staying creamy, fluffy, and full of garlic flavor. I love how they keep holidays stress-free since there’s no juggling pots or last-minute mashing. With flavor this rich and texture this dreamy, they make pasta or rice feel totally unnecessary.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet potato wedges in the air fryer come out so crispy and golden that I don’t even think about ordering fries. A quick toss with olive oil, garlic powder, dill, and paprika makes them flavorful without any fuss. They’re the snack or side dish that’s filling and delicious enough to make me forget all about rice or pasta.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Potato Skins
Potato skins are my ultimate game-day or weekend comfort food because they’re loaded with everything I love. Crispy shells brushed with butter and garlic get piled high with bacon, cheese, and green onions for that irresistible mix of flavors. Honestly, I’d rather have a plate of these than a bowl of noodles any day.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins
Potato Casserole
A cheesy potato casserole bubbling out of the oven is all the comfort I need after a long day. It’s affordable, family-friendly, and perfect for making ahead, which means less stress at dinnertime. The taste is so rich and hearty that rice and pasta don’t even cross my mind when this hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole
Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes
Cheesy fiesta potatoes give me all the Taco Bell vibes without leaving my kitchen. Spiced, crispy potatoes smothered in warm nacho cheese sauce make the perfect guilty-pleasure snack or side. One bite of this bold and cheesy combo, and I never miss rice or pasta.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes
