Fish is a staple of many diets due to its high protein content and mild flavor. But what side dishes should you serve with it? Potatoes are an ideal accompaniment for fish, as they can be cooked in a variety of ways that will complement the delicate flavors of your favorite seafood recipes.
Here we present fifteen delicious potato dishes to serve alongside your fish dinner – from classic mashed potatoes to more inventive options like cheesy au gratin and Irish colcannon.
Whether you’re looking for something simple or more innovative, these sides will add color, texture, and flavor to any meal!
What Potato Dishes To Serve With Fish?
When it comes to pairing potatoes with fish, there are several delicious options to choose from. Some classic potato dishes that go well with fish include mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, and potato salad.
1. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a highly popular accompaniment to fish dishes and one of the most beloved potato options. They can be served simply as is or dressed up with fresh herbs, different cheeses, and/or spices like garlic or paprika.
When preparing mashed potatoes, it’s important to use starchy potatoes such as Russet since they have the best texture when mashed. Be sure you peel and cube them first before adding just enough milk and butter so that they’re creamy but not runny.
Finally, season to taste with salt, pepper, and any other spices of your choosing before mashing the cubes using a hand masher, ricer, or an electric mixer for added fluffiness. As you mash the potatoes you’ll find that you don’t need to add too much seasoning to satisfy that creamy, classic flavor everyone is sure to enjoy.
2. Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are always a hit, as they offer a crunchy outside and fluffy inside. To make these delicious side dishes, start by cutting potatoes into wedges or cubes and tossing them in a bowl with oil, salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice.
Then spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them at a high temperature (400-425°F) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
If you like your potatoes extra crispy, you can also add some Parmesan cheese before baking or sprinkle it on top once they’re done.
3. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a classic side dish for many meals, and they go especially well with fish. To prepare them, start by scrubbing the potatoes and patting them dry.
Then pierce the skin a few times with a fork before rubbing them lightly with oil and salt. Bake the potatoes at 400°F for about an hour, or until they’re soft when you press down with your fingers.
You can also bake several potatoes at once, which is a great way to save time and make extra for leftovers. Once they’re done baking, let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
4. Grilled Potatoes
Grilled potatoes are a tasty and easy way to cook potatoes for any meal. To make them, start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat.
Cut potatoes into wedges or cubes and toss them in a bowl with oil, salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Then spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated grill.
Grill the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are cooked through and lightly charred. Once done, just sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs on top for added flavor.
5. Hash Browns
Hash Browns put a delicious crunchy spin on having potatoes as a side dish with fish. They are easy to make, simply by grating potatoes, forming them into patties, and then frying until golden and crispy.
When making hash browns to pair with fish it’s best to use waxy potatoes, like Yukon Golds or Red Pontiacs, that hold their shape better when cooked. To give your hash browns even more flavor you can add in mushrooms, onions, Artichoke hearts or any other vegetable of your choice before frying in oil or melted butter for a few minutes per side.
Hash Browns are the perfect accompaniment for salmon or halibut and make an ideal alternative to chips or mashed potatoes.
6. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a popular side dish which pairs very well with a number of different fish dishes.
Potato salad is usually made with potatoes boiled or roasted in the oven, then combined with different mix-ins such as chopped onions, celery, pickles, and hardboiled eggs.
For extra flavor the potatoes can also be sauteed in a skillet before combining with the other elements. The dressing is usually a mayonnaise-based sauce that gets added to all the ingredients and tossed together until it’s evenly muted but not mushed up.
While each region has its own specific recipes for potato salad, this classic combination of simple flavors makes an excellent accompaniment to any type of poultry or sea creature. Eating these potato dishes together isn’t just savory, however – it’s also economical!
Potatoes are no-fuss to prepare and usually quite inexpensive to purchase in bulk at any grocery store. So if you want an easy side dish to go with your fish dinner, potato salad is definitely something worth considering.
7. French Fries
French Fries are an excellent side dish choice to serve with fish. Crispy and savory, fries are the perfect accompaniment for a perfectly cooked, flaky filet at mealtime. In fact, they just might be the quintessential companion when you’re cooking up a classic fish dinner. What makes French Fries such a great match?
The crunchy texture of the potatoes contrasts wonderfully with the delicate texture of most fish dishes and allows chefs to create a flavorful contrast of textures on each plate – something restaurants have expertly served to their patrons for years.
Preparing French fries is easy; once you’ve selected your potatoes, simply cut them into thin strips or matchstick shapes before deep-frying them in oil until golden brown.
To add extra flavor kick to your finished product, adventurous cooks can also try tossing their fries in garlic powder, dried herbs or spices like cumin and chili before serving them alongside freshly cooked fish.
No matter how you serve them up, it’s hard to go wrong with French fries!
8. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet Potato Fries are a superb accompaniment to just about any fish dish. Not only are they easy to make, but they also add a healthy crunch of sweetness and texture that perfectly complements the delicate nature of most fish.
To make Sweet Potato Fries, start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, cut large sweet potatoes into thin strips or sticks – whichever shape you like best. Once this step is complete, add oil, salt and pepper with other spices if desired; toss well and spread out onto a greased baking tray.
After that all you have to do is bake them for 25-30 minutes until crispy and golden brown – carefully flipping them halfway through for even cooking. Serve your Sweet Potato fries on the side as a delicious way to round out mealtime with a much-loved potato dish.
9. Tater Tots
If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to serve up potatoes alongside your fish dinner, it doesn’t get much better than Tater Tots.
These miniature potato patties are the perfect way to add a new twist to an otherwise traditional side dish. All you have to do is preheat your oven and prepare the Tater Tots according to package instructions.
Once they’re cooked, you can serve them up with your favorite fish dish. Not only will they add a tasty, crunchy texture to your plate – but they’re also fun to eat and everyone loves them!
10. Potato Soup
Potato Soup is a great way to add some welcome warmth and hearty flavor to any fish dinner. It’s also an easy dish to customize with whatever ingredients you’d like to create a unique flavor profile.
To make Potato Soup, start by sautéing onions, celery and garlic in a large pot. Once they’ve softened, add cubed potatoes, broth and seasonings; bring to a simmer and let cook until the potatoes are tender.
Finally, blend everything together with an immersion blender or in a standard blender in batches before serving it up with your favorite fish dish. Potato Soup is a great accompaniment to any fish meal and it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
11. Potato Wedges
Potato wedges are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served with fish for a complete, satisfying meal. Cooking wedges is quite simple; simply slice potatoes into thick slices, lightly coat with oil, season to taste and roast in the oven until golden brown.
Wedges pair well with various spices, such as paprika or garlic powder for milder flavors, or smoked paprika for something more flavorful. Serve the wedges alongside your favorite fish dishes – whether it’s steamed salmon fillet or simple fried cod – and you have a winning combination of crispy potatoes along with perfectly cooked seafood.
To serve potato wedges with fish as part of an unforgettable meal experience, try serving them up as part of an all-star platter that includes different accompaniments like fresh vegetables or tartar sauce – depending on your preference.
12. Potato Chips
Potato Chips are a classic comfort food that makes the perfect sidekick to any fish dinner. Not only are they crispy, salty and satisfying – but they’re also incredibly easy to make.
Simply slice potatoes into thin slices and fry them in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, drain the chips on paper towels to absorb any excess oil and sprinkle with salt or other seasonings if desired.
Serve the chips alongside your favorite fish dishes for a flavorful, crunchy addition to your meal. Plus, you can even make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for a convenient side dish any night of the week.
13. Hasselback Potatoes
If you want to spruce up the standard fish and potatoes dish, Hasselback potatoes are a great way to go. As the title suggests, it is a take on the traditional Swedish Hasselback potato of the 1700s.
To make them look as good as they taste, begin by slicing a medium-sized potato about six times lengthwise, taking care not to cut all the way through. Place each potato between two wooden spoons to help guide your knife.
Once sliced, lightly oil each potato and sprinkle with salt both inside and out. Pop them in the oven at 450°F for 45 minutes or until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Of course, you can use herbs or spices of your choice if desired before baking; dill goes particularly well with fish. It’s an eye-catching accompaniment that will truly bring your classic fish and potatoes dish to life
14. Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are a luxurious side dish for any fish dinner. It’s a delicious combination of layered potatoes baked in creamy cheddar cheese sauce, adding the perfect creamy and savory accompaniment.
To make this meal classic, it’s best to start by pre-baking the thinly sliced potatoes until tender. Once they’ve cooled, layer them in a greased baking dish alternating with a mixture of melted butter and shredded cheese like cheddar or parmesan.
Pour a mixture of heavy cream or bechamel sauce into the dish and bake it until golden and bubbly for a truly authentic finish. For added flavor, garnish the au gratin potatoes with fresh parsley before serving them alongside your favorite fish dish for a memorable meal.
15. Irish Colcannon
This traditional Irish side dish is a hearty combination of potatoes, cabbage, and kale that is sure to please. To begin, boil the potatoes in a pot until they are tender.
While the potatoes are cooking, sauté the cabbage and kale in a separate pan with butter and garlic. When the potatoes are finished cooking, drain and mash them with butter and milk.
Then add the cabbage and kale to the mashed potatoes and fold everything together until it’s fully combined. Serve Irish Colcannon alongside your favorite fish dish for a hearty, comforting accompaniment. For extra flavor, you can also add in other herbs and spices like scallions or parsley.
Conclusion
Fish and potatoes are a classic combination that can be used to create an unforgettable meal. With the fifteen delicious side dishes we’ve shared, you can now easily find the perfect accompaniment for your fish dinner.
Whether it is mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes or potato salad, these sides will add flavor and texture to any dish! All of these recipes are easy to follow and require minimal effort but yield maximum results.
So what are you waiting for? Get creative in the kitchen today by trying out some of our recommended potato dishes with your favorite type of fish!
