What Goes Well With Baked Potatoes? An In-Depth Exploration

Introduction

Baked potatoes are a classic comfort food; they’re hearty, filling, and comforting. But after you’ve prepped your potatoes for baking, what comes next? What other ingredients should you add to your baked potato to make it truly delicious? This article explores what goes well with baked potatoes, from toppings to accompanying vegetables, sauces, cheeses, meats, and salads.

Toppings: What to Top Your Baked Potato With

When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless. As registered dietician and nutritionist Hilary Kinavey says, “I think people often forget about all of the delicious things you can top a potato with.” Let’s explore some delicious topping ideas:

Butter

Butter is a simple and classic topping for a baked potato. It adds richness and flavor, making your potato even more flavorful and savory. For an extra-special touch, use high-quality, grass-fed butter.

Sour Cream

Another classic topping for a baked potato is sour cream. It adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture that complements the potato perfectly. You can also try substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream.

Bacon Bits

Adding bacon bits to your baked potato is a great way to add flavor and crunch. The salty, smoky flavor of bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the potato.

Chives

Chives are a great way to give your baked potato a pop of freshness and flavor. They’re mild and slightly onion-like in flavor, and they look beautiful sprinkled over the top of a freshly-baked potato.

Other Ideas

Of course, there are many other topping ideas for baked potatoes. Try adding shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or anything else you like. Get creative and put your own spin on this classic dish.

Accompanying Vegetables: The Perfect Sides for a Baked Potato

A baked potato makes a great side dish, but it can also be the centerpiece of a meal. If you’re serving a baked potato as the main course, it’s a good idea to pair it with some accompanying vegetables. Here are some tasty options.

Steamed Broccoli

Broccoli is a great accompaniment to a baked potato. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and it pairs nicely with the creamy texture of the potato. Steam the broccoli until it’s bright green and tender.

Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus is another excellent vegetable to serve with a baked potato. Roast the asparagus in the oven until it’s lightly browned and tender. It’s a great way to add flavor and color to your plate.

Corn

Corn is a sweet and juicy vegetable that pairs perfectly with a baked potato. You can either steam or roast the corn, depending on your preference. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit.

Green Beans

Green beans are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and they make a delicious side dish for a baked potato. Steaming or blanching the green beans is the best way to prepare them.

Sauces: Five Delicious Sauces to Serve with a Baked Potato

Sauces are a great way to give your baked potato a flavor boost. From cheesy sauces to chili, there are so many delicious options. Here are five tasty sauces to try.

Cheese Sauce

A cheesy sauce is a great way to dress up a plain baked potato. Try making a simple cheese sauce by melting butter, stirring in flour and milk, and then adding shredded cheese. You can also add diced jalapenos or chiles for a spicy kick.

Chili

Chili is a classic topping for a baked potato. Make it yourself using ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, or buy it ready-made. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a delicious way to give your potato a creamy, tangy flavor. Make your own ranch dressing or buy it premade. Either way, it’s sure to be a winner.

Pesto

Pesto is a great way to give your baked potato a flavor boost. Use store-bought pesto or make your own with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s sure to be delicious.

Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce is a great way to add a smoky, sweet flavor to your baked potato. Buy it ready-made or make your own sauce with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. It’s sure to be a hit.

Cheese: The Best Cheeses to Add to Your Baked Potato

Cheese is a great way to add flavor and creaminess to a baked potato. There are so many types of cheese to choose from, so experiment and find the one that’s right for you. Here are some of the best cheeses to try:

Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is a classic topping for a baked potato. It has a sharp, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the potato. Shred it or cut it into cubes and sprinkle it over the top of your potato.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella cheese is mild and creamy, making it a great topping for a baked potato. Try grating it over the top of your potato for a delicious cheesy flavor.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is a great way to add a tangy flavor to your baked potato. Try crumbled goat cheese over the top for a flavorful addition.

Parmesan

Parmesan cheese is a great way to add a salty, nutty flavor to your potato. Grate the cheese over the top of your potato for a delicious finish.

Meat: How to Make a Protein-Packed Baked Potato

If you want to turn your baked potato into a meal, adding some protein is a great way to do it. Here are some delicious meat toppings to try:

Ground Beef

Ground beef is a great way to add some protein to your potato. Brown the beef in a skillet and season it with salt, pepper, and whatever other spices you like. Then spoon it over the top of your potato.

Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken is a great way to add protein and flavor to your potato. Grill the chicken until it’s cooked through and then slice it into strips. Sprinkle it over the top of your potato for a delicious meal.

Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a delicious topping for a baked potato. Slow-cook the pork until it’s tender and then shred it with two forks. Place it over the top of your potato for a delicious and protein-packed meal.

Bacon

Bacon is a classic topping for a baked potato. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy and then crumble it over the top of your potato. It’s sure to be a hit.

Salads: Light and Fresh Potato Salads to Enjoy with Baked Potatoes

Potato salads are a great way to enjoy a baked potato. They’re light, fresh, and easy to make. Here are some delicious potato salad recipes to try:

Classic Potato Salad

This classic potato salad is a great accompaniment to a baked potato. Boil the potatoes until they’re tender, then toss them with mayonnaise, mustard, and chopped celery. It’s sure to be a hit.

Greek Potato Salad

This Greek-inspired potato salad is a great way to add some Mediterranean flair to your meal. Boil the potatoes until they’re tender, then toss them with feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, and oregano. It’s sure to be delicious.

Caprese Potato Salad

This Caprese-inspired potato salad is a great way to add some Italian flavor to your meal. Boil the potatoes until they’re tender, then toss them with mozzarella, basil, and balsamic vinegar. It’s sure to be a hit.

Roasted Potato Salad

This roasted potato salad is a great way to enjoy a baked potato. Roast the potatoes until they’re golden and crisp, then toss them with lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs. It’s sure to be delicious.

Conclusion

Baked potatoes are a classic comfort food, but they can also be the centerpiece of a delicious meal. This article explored what goes well with baked potatoes, from toppings to accompanying vegetables, sauces, cheeses, meats, and salads. Now you know how to make your baked potato even more delicious. So get creative and put your own spin on this classic dish.

From butter and sour cream to steamed broccoli and roasted asparagus, there are so many delicious ingredients that go well with baked potatoes. Whether you’re looking for a light and fresh potato salad or a protein-packed meal, there’s something for everyone.