12 Potato Main Dish Recipes for a Hearty, Delicious Dinner

Potatoes are the main attraction here—perfect for a comforting meal anytime you want.

Shepherds pie
Credit: Kate Mathis

Despite their textural versatility and incredible flavor, potatoes are often relegated to a supporting role when it comes to dinner. But why should they be? Naturally creamy, hearty, and with the wonderful ability to be either soft or crisp, potatoes deserve to be the main attraction. These main dish potato recipes provide year-round versatility to enjoy your potatoes as dinner, not just a side. 

01 of 12

Alsatian Potato Pie

Alsatian potato pie
Credit: Gentl and Hyers

This Yukon gold potato dish is a stunner, with golden puff pastry encasing a filling of veggies and Comté cheese. One neat trick: you pour the finishing cream mixture into the pie vents with a funnel. 

02 of 12

Potato-Crusted Herb Quiche

potato-crusted herb quiche
Credit: Ryan Liebe

If you’re gluten-free, potatoes may already be your best friend, but if you haven’t tried making a lusciously soft yet crispy crust from them yet, opt for this quiche. A crust made of thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes harbors creamy eggs and a medley of herbs of your choice, like chives, chervil, tarragon, and parsley.

03 of 12

Potato Kugel Gratin

kugel-225-mld109887.jpg
Credit: Johnny Miller

Matzo meal is the secret weapon in this craveable classic Passover side dish, ensuring a golden crust. Russet potatoes and eggs do the heavy lifting, while thyme and shallots add flavor.

04 of 12

Potato Gnocchi

Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce
Credit:

Sonia Bozzo

If you think making gnocchi is tricky or that it requires special potatoes or flour, this simple recipe turns that stereotype on its head, employing Idaho potatoes and all-purpose flour to make toothsome, tender, and easy gnocchi. For a complete meal, try our potato gnocchi with tomato sauce (pictured here).

05 of 12

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

Shepherds pie
Credit: Kate Mathis

Few things are better than creamy mashed potatoes—except an entire pie topped with them. For this hearty, soul-satisfying dinner, soften mushrooms, carrots, peas, and French green lentils, then dollop rich, buttery potatoes on top and bake.

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Asparagus-and-Potato Gratin

asparagus potato gratin
Credit: Con Poulos

Asparagus, goat cheese, and Pecorino Romano complement potatoes with aplomb, but this recipe goes a step further by adding prosciutto slices and chive blossoms to an already appetizing potato gratin.

07 of 12

Broccoli-Cheddar Hash-Brown Casserole

Broccoli cheddar hashbrown casserole
Credit: Yunhee Kim

This take on Swiss rösti is a little different, featuring shredded sharp cheddar, Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, scallions, and broccoli. If that sounds wild, wait until you taste how these flavors meld together, first in a skillet, then in the oven. Sprinkle on some bacon to finish.

08 of 12

Salmon-and-Mashed-Potato Croquettes

salmon-and-mashed-potato croquettes
Credit: Lennart Weibull

When you fry this mixture of fluffy russet potatoes and salmon coated in panko breadcrumbs, there won’t be any leftovers. You can use canned or smoked salmon. Serve with a green salad and make sure to dip in our zesty tomato or curried sour cream dipping sauces. 

09 of 12

Twice-Baked Potato-and-Raclette Casserole

twice-baked potato and raclette casserole

If you love fondue, you’ll delight in this potato casserole enriched with butter, sour cream, cream cheese, and raclette. Crispy potato skins roasted with garlic and sage add texture and flavor to an already enjoyable dish. 

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Cheddar, Beef and Potato Casserole

cheddar beef and potato casserole
Credit: Chris Simpson

You already know ground beef plays nicely with cheese, but the easy protein can complement potatoes just as well. Sautéed onions and mushrooms add even more umami to this casserole, and frozen mixed vegetables and hash browns nix the chopping work.

11 of 12

Ham-and-Potato Bake

ham and potato bake

Familiar ingredients—eggs, ham, and potatoes—and hidden veggies—frozen broccoli—make this recipe a kid and brunch-friendly dish everyone will love.

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Yukon Gold and Sweet Potatoes Anna

pie
Credit: Ngoc Minh Ngo

Contrary to conventional wisdom, potatoes and sweet potatoes can be cooked together, if the cooking methods and timing are right. Our four-ingredient recipe starts in the skillet and finishes in the oven, employing the melding powers of butter and the handiwork of a handheld slicer or sharp knife to make the potatoes thin enough to roast up perfectly.

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