14 Recipes with Potatoes You Didn’t Know You Were Missing Out On

Potatoes are one of those ingredients that can do just about anything, but I'm always finding new ways to use them, which makes me wonder why I didn't try them sooner. Whether you need a quick side, a hearty main, or something completely unexpected, these recipes bring out the best in this kitchen staple. If you think you've seen it all when it comes to potatoes, you might just be in for a surprise.

Shepherd's pie in a red ceramic dish with a spoon, showcasing layers of mashed potatoes and minced meat with vegetables on a white tablecloth. — Individual Shepherd's Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Fried potato wedges with ketchup and parsley. — Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these potato wedges are proof that great flavor doesn't have to take long. They're quick to make in the air fryer and need just a handful of ingredients to turn out perfectly. Whether for a snack or a side, these are an easy upgrade from frozen fries.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Slow Cooker Pork Roast

A plate with roasted pork, sliced carrots, and potatoes on a woven mat, with a fork and knife beside the dish. A slow cooker is partially visible in the background. — Slow Cooker Pork Roast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Potatoes soak up all the rich flavors of a slow-cooked pork roast, making this a complete meal with minimal work. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, so you don't have to worry about tending to it. This is a great way to cook a hearty meal with tender meat and well-seasoned potatoes all in one pot.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

A pot of Italian vegetable stew with a spoon, garnished with chopped green herbs, on a white tablecloth with a small bowl of parsley on the side. — Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This rustic Italian stew brings together potatoes, vegetables, and herbs in a simple but hearty dish. It's a great way to use up extra produce while making a filling meal that doesn't take much effort. If you're used to heavier stews, this lighter version is a nice change that still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

Individual Shepherd's Pie

These personal-sized shepherd's pies are a practical way to enjoy a comforting classic without making a full dish. The combination of seasoned meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes makes for a well-balanced meal in every bite. If you like meal prep or want something easy to portion out, this recipe is a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Individual Shepherd's Pie

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potato topped with butter and garnished with herbs on a white plate, with a red checkered napkin on the side. — Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cooking sweet potatoes in the air fryer brings out their natural sweetness while giving them a crisp, caramelized edge. They make a great base for toppings or can be served as a simple side with minimal seasoning. If you've only ever baked sweet potatoes in the oven, this is an easier and faster way to get the same great results.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn. — Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet potatoes hold up well as a base for bold, taco-inspired flavors in this easy meal. The filling is packed with protein and spices, making it a satisfying option that doesn't take much effort. If you haven't tried stuffing sweet potatoes this way, it's an easy way to make them feel like a main dish instead of just a side.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Close-up of a cheesy scalloped potatoes dish in a white baking dish, garnished with parsley. — Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This classic dish takes potatoes to the next level with layers of creamy, cheesy goodness that come together with minimal effort. It's the kind of recipe that works for both weeknights and special occasions without requiring extra time in the kitchen. If you haven't made homemade scalloped potatoes before, this is a great place to start.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with parsley, set on a pink cloth napkin, with whole potatoes and a grater in the background. — Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Red potatoes make for a rich and creamy mash, and the garlic adds just the right amount of flavor without being overwhelming. It's a great alternative to regular mashed potatoes and pairs well with just about any main dish. If you're looking for a way to make mashed potatoes a little more interesting, this recipe does the trick.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background. — Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These crispy, cheesy potatoes come together in the air fryer with less oil than traditional methods. They make a great side for just about any meal, or you can serve them as an easy appetizer. If you're looking for a way to make potatoes extra crispy without frying, this method is a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Aloo Gobi Masala

Potatoes and cauliflower soak up the bold spices in this flavorful dish that's easy to prepare. It's a great way to bring something different to the table while keeping things simple. If you haven't tried using potatoes in a dish like this before, you'll appreciate how well they hold up to the seasonings.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Red Skin Potato Salad

Bowl of potato salad garnished with fresh herbs and bacon on a white background. — Red Skin Potato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This potato salad skips the heavy ingredients and lets the natural flavor of red potatoes shine. It's a fresh, simple side dish that works well for cookouts, potlucks, or just a casual meal at home. If you're used to traditional potato salad, this one brings something a little different to the table.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Air Fryer Home Fries

Air-fried potato cubes with diced green bell peppers on plate. — Air Fryer Home Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These home potato fries cook up fast and come out with the perfect balance of crisp edges and soft centers. They're great for breakfast but work just as well as a quick side dish when you need something easy. If you've only ever made home fries on the stove, you'll appreciate how the air fryer cuts down on time and effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Easy Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy potato soup garnished with rosemary and thyme, served on a wooden table. — Easy Potato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This soup is smooth, creamy, and packed with the comforting flavor of potatoes in every spoonful. It's an easy one-pot meal that works well for colder days or whenever you want something warm and filling. If you're looking for a go-to potato soup that's simple to make, this one gets the job done.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish. — Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These baked potatoes are packed with cheese, bacon, and all the right flavors to make them feel like a full meal. The twice-baked method gives them a creamy inside with a crisp, golden top. If you're looking for a way to make baked potatoes feel special, this recipe is worth trying.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes