What to serve with baked potatoes! The best side dishes and main courses to serve with jacket potatoes for an amazing comfort food dinner.

Not only are humble Russet potatoes extremely budget friendly, but their starch and fiber makes them very filling.

The perfect baked potato has crispy skin (thanks to olive oil and kosher salt) and creamy, fluffy interior.

They’re practically the perfect food!

If you’re like a lot of people, you prefer the typical steakhouse loaded baked potato recipe with cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions.

No matter what your favorite toppings are…

…we all know that when a craving hits for a fluffy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside baked potato, there’s nothing else that will satisfy quite the same way.

So if you know you want one, but aren’t sure how to serve them, I put together a list of what to eat with baked potatoes.

Whether you think of baked potatoes as a side dish or a main course, there are a ton of delicious dishes that pair perfectly.

Let’s check out the list, so you have tons of inspiration for:

The best side dishes to pair with them
How to serve baked potato as a meal for an easy weeknight dinner
The most delicious potato toppings for a baked potato bar

What meat goes with baked potatoes

When it comes to what main dish goes with potatoes, you can’t go wrong with a hearty protein.

Here are 25 baked potato dinner ideas to make it easier to plan some easy meals!

1. Ribeye Steak

Flavorful, cooked to juicy perfection ribeye steaks are always a crowd favorite.

You can either make them on the grill or in the oven, and all you need is a brush of oil, some simple seasoning, and a pat of butter.

They have so much flavor on their own!

2. Pork chops

You too can achieve perfect pork chops when you sear them on the stove and finish them in the oven.

This method locks in the moisture so they stay juicy, not dried out.

Serve them alongside a jacket potato and green vegetable, and you have a delicious, full meal from very basic, affordable ingredients.

3. Grilled BBQ Chicken

Loaded with smoky barbecue flavor, these grilled bbq chicken tenderloins have so much flavor that no one will complain about eating chicken again.

With a simple marinade and seasoning mix along with a brush of store bought BBQ sauce, this might just be the most flavorful chicken you’ve ever had.

4. BBQ Meatloaf

If you’ve never enjoyed the wonder that is BBQ meatloaf, you’re missing out!

Regular meatloaf is good, but add in some barbecue flavor, and it seriously raises the bar.

Made from ground beef stuffed with sauteed bell peppers, onions, and garlic, and basted with bbq sauce, it packs a flavorful twist on what your mom used to make.

5. Chili

If you’ve never put chili on top of a baked potato, you’re definitely in for a treat.

The creamy chunks of potato somehow pair perfectly with the zesty chili flavor.

A simple weeknight chili with ground beef, tomato sauce, and kidney or black beans is all you need.

While the potatoes bake, you can whip up the chili, or use up some leftover chili you have in the fridge.

You can even use sweet potatoes if you prefer, for a beautiful balance of sweet and savory.

6. BBQ Ribs

Baked low and slow, these fall off the bone BBQ ribs are way easier than you might think.

You simply roast them, covered, on a baking sheet in your oven for a couple hours, and they end up SUPER tender.

Plus, your whole house will smell amazing while they cook.

Broil them with bbq sauce at the end for that perfectly caramelized color and flavor.

7. Honey glazed salmon

Sweet and garlicky, you need just 20 minutes to make this honey garlic glazed salmon.

You can enjoy the healthy benefits of protein and omega-2 rich salmon, while still have a delicious dinner that no one will forget.

8. Pulled pork

You can top your jacket potatoes with pulled pork, or serve them alongside pork sandwiches, and prepare to receive lots of compliments on your tasty meal.

You can make pulled pork super easily in your slow cooker, and it gets fall-apart tender while your crockpot does all the work.

9. Shake and bake chicken

Homemade shake and bake chicken uses panko breadcrumbs and a flavorful seasoning mix that’s even better than the store bought version.

The crispy coating, tender meat, and special seasoning transform basic chicken into one of those family dinners everyone will request on repeat.

10. Sloppy joes

Sloppy joes are the quintessential, nostalgic comfort food.

Ground beef in a sweet and savory sauce on a warm bun are not only ridiculously easy to make, but almost everyone loves them.

They make an excellent main dish for all kinds of potato dishes, and especially twice baked potatoes.

11. Mississippi pot roast

With just 4 ingredients, Mississippi pot roast is both full of flavor AND the most tender roast you will ever eat.

You may think that pot roast goes best with mashed potatoes, but serve it right on top of a baked potato and blow everyone’s minds.

All you’ll need is the roast and a few pantry staples to make this delicious dinner happen.

12. Duck breast

With crispy skin, this roast duck recipe feels so decadent.

Citrus flavors make it extra special, and its higher fat content make it richer than ordinary chicken or pork.

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday or special occasion meal, roast duck fits the bill.

13. Cheeseburgers

If you’re looking for a non-fried potato to serve with your cheeseburgers, try a baked potato instead of french fries.

You’ll save some calories, and it’s always nice to change things up!

14. Herb crusted beef tenderloin

For an elevated ‘meat and potatoes’ dinner, consider herb crusted beef tenderloin.

Beautiful fresh herbs and white wine add extra elegance to the beef, making it special enough for a holiday or memorable occasion.

If you want to step up your baked potato recipes as well, try out a twice baked potato.

15. Chicken salad sandwiches

Refreshing, creamy chicken salad always feels like such a nice treat.

Whether you whip up a batch homemade or buy it premade from the grocery store, it makes an excellent sandwich on bread or a croissant.

Instead of regular ol’ potato chips on the side, add a baked potato and turn it into dinner.

16. Chicken curry

Chicken curry is typically served over rice, but it also tastes excellent atop a baked potato.

The abundance of spices provide incredible flavor, and the creaminess pairs perfectly with the basic flavor of a potato.

17. Slow cooker pork tenderloin

For an easy, comforting dinner idea, add this crock pot pork tenderloin to your menu.

A humble pork loin gets covered in a simple seasoning mix, then cooked with onions low and slow until it’s tender and juicy.

Plus, the best part is the convenience of a make ahead meal.

18. Baked ham

A baked ham with brown sugar glaze isn’t just for Christmas and Easter anymore.

It’s simple enough for a Sunday dinner or special night, or just anytime you find a ham in your freezer.

Pick up an extra one up next time they’re on sale, and you can make all kinds of delicious leftover ham recipes too.

19. Lamb

If you think you can’t make a delicious roasted leg of lamb at home, I’d bet you’re wrong.

With just 4 ingredients and a roasting pan, you can achieve a Martha Steward worthy meal.

Not only will everyone think you’re a world class chef, but they’ll feel really special that you went to all the “trouble.”

20. Slow cooker chicken

There are a ton of slow cooker chicken recipes on the web, but this crock pot tuscan chicken might be the most flavorful.

The sundried tomatoes and Italian flavors offer a complexity not often found in a slow cooker dinner.

Best of all, you can get this great recipe tossed together in under 5 minutes of prep.

21. Chicken fried steak

Thin steak cutlets, breaded and fried, create the Southern wonder that is chicken fried steak.

Nobody knows why it works, but boy is it delicious.

Serve it alongside mashed or baked potato, a green vegetable, and maybe some cornbread to make a truly memorable meal.

22. Chicken wings

Whether you like your chicken wings with buffalo hot sauce or barbecue sauce, they’re always a crowd favorite.

They can even be baked in the oven or air fryer if you’re trying to avoid fried food.

23. Beef wellington

Decadent and tender beef wellington is a truly elegant meal that seems complicated, but is oh-so worth it.

A beef tenderloin gets wrapped in mustard, mushrooms, prosciutto, and buttery puff pastry.

It looks and tastes like you spent $70 a dish at the fanciest restaurant, but you can make it right at home for an amazing treat.

24. Baked fish

If baked fish evokes memories of bland, tasteless dinners from your past, you definitely need to try this fish in lemon cream sauce.

It has a wonderfully light and bright flavor, but one of the best things about it is that you can make it all in one baking dish in just 15 minutes!

Just dump everything in the dish, put it in the oven, and you have dinner in no time.

25. Butter chicken

The Indian delight butter chicken is so aromatic, creamy, and flavorful, and this recipe might just be better than takeout.

It’s ridiculously easy to make, and the ingredients are easy to find at any supermarket.

Swap out the traditional rice, and serve it on top of a baked potato for a truly unforgettable meal.

What to serve with baked potatoes vegetarian

26. Tofu curry

Tofu curry is a vegan curry that uses tofu instead of meat.

It’s a great way to serve meals with baked potatoes for vegetarians.

The rich and creamy sauce tastes great on rice or potatoes.

27. Grilled portobello mushrooms

Brushed with a delicious marinade of balsamic vinegar, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, these grilled portobello mushrooms are savory and almost meaty in their texture and flavor.

They’re one of those baked potato sides that will make you forget you’re eating a meatless meal.

28. Broccoli cheddar soup

Copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup is sure to please even the toughest soup critic.

Comfort food at its finest, this easy soup recipe is easy enough for a quick lunch or dinner.

Who needs takeout when you can make this right at home.

29. Moroccan stewed chickpeas

Protein packed moroccan chickpea stew is packed with savory goodness thanks to the tasty seasoning blend, garlic, tomatoes, and onions.

It’s so hearty that you definitely won’t miss the meat.

30. Vegetarian chili

Made primarily with pantry staples, this vibrant vegetarian chili has a bold flavor you won’t soon forget.

It’s perfect for cold fall or winter nights, and tastes even better as leftovers the next day.

Healthy sides for baked potatoes

31. Roasted vegetables

Perhaps one of my favorite vegetables recipes, this method for roasted vegetables will not disappoint.

It’s incredibly simple to make, and totally customizable to whatever veggies you have hanging around.

The perfect side dish for ‘clean out the fridge’ night!

32. Coleslaw

Colorful, crisp cabbage, tossed in a creamy and addictive sauce might just make this coleslaw recipe your new go-to side dish for all kinds of meals.

If you think you can only get coleslaw at the deli or a restaurant, this simple recipe might just blow your mind.

33. Baked beans

Loaded with BBQ flavor, semi-homemade baked beans make the plain canned version seem sub par.

If you have the time, it’s totally worth it to add all this extra flavor!

34. Caesar salad

The depth of flavor in this caesar salad will remind you of your favorite restaurant salad.

Brilliant in its simplicity, it’s just crisp romaine, crunch croutons, and amazing dressing.

Serve it alongside a steak and baked potato, and you’ll have a fabulous steakhouse dinner at home.

35. Corn on the cob

Some grilled BBQ chicken, a baked potato, and a side of corn on the cob is one of the simplest, crowd-pleasing dinners to make in the summer.

The combination of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, made from basic, affordable ingredients is somehow just a bit magical.

36. Cheesy broccoli bake

Broccoli covered in a cheesy sauce and baked to perfection might be one of my favorite ways to eat veggies.

This cheesy broccoli bake is actually quite easy to make, with just 4 ingredients, and is probably the best chance you have to get your kids (or husband) to consume green vegetables.

37. Green beans

Garlic green beans with parmesan cheese are so full of flavor that you’ll forget you’re eating something healthy.

With just a handful of ingredients, this simple side dish will likely become one of your new go-to for a ton of dinners.

38. Broccoli salad

A tasty combination of bacon, cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing make broccoli salad an unlikely combination of deliciousness.

Best of all, it can be thrown together in just 15 minutes, and even made ahead of time to simplify dinnertime even more.

39. Sauteed mushrooms

Golden mushrooms, bathed in a luxurious garlic butter sauce, are truly irresistible.

Despite its fancy appearance, this sautéed mushroom recipe has just a few basic ingredients.

You’ll feel so chef-y, and no one will realize that you went to almost no trouble at all.

40. Green salad

This impressive mixed green salad with goat cheese, cranberries, walnuts, and a lemon-maple vinaigrette is the perfect contrast of flavors and textures.

It’ll likely become the salad you make for every holiday, potluck, and dinner party from now on.

41. Creamed spinach

As classic a steakhouse side dish as baked potatoes, creamed spinach is silky, flavorful, and really quite fun to make.

Who knew that frozen spinach could become so decadent?

42. Mexican bean salad

Mexican three bean salad is a must have recipe in your side dish arsenal.

Truly a stress free, make ahead, and crowd pleasing vegetarian side, it can also double as a dip for tortilla chips.

Canned beans and a few fresh veggies get tossed in a citrusy vinaigrette for the ultimate medley of fresh flavors.

43. Macaroni and cheese

Three cheeses and a creamy homemade cheese sauce transform simple elbow noodles into a restaurant quality dish.

You can definitely serve the boxed mix version, but if you have the extra time, it’s oh-so worth it to make homemade mac and cheese instead.

Toppings for baked potatoes

Let’s face it, a baked potato is bland without some fabulous toppings!

Now that you have lots of inspo for what side dishes to serve with baked potato bar, it’s time to check out what toppings to include.

The best toppings for baked potatoes are:

Sour cream
Cheddar cheese
Green onions
Bacon
Greek yogurt
Salsa
Ranch dressing
Caramelized onions
Black beans
Hot sauce
Chili
Pulled pork
Pesto
Broccoli in cheese sauce
Fried egg
Sauteed mushrooms
Gravy
Guacamole
Roasted vegetables
Olive tapenade
BBQ sauce

Note: All of these toppings also taste great on smaller potatoes such as Yukon gold or red potatoes.

Is a baked potato enough for dinner?

Baked potatoes have a fair amount of vitamins, such as iron, zinc, vitamin B6, potassium, folate, magnesium, and vitamin C. The potato skins have a good amount of fiber, and they’re chock full of filling carbs.

With a fairly low calorie content of about 160 calories, it doesn’t contain enough calories, protein, or fat to make it a well rounded dinner.

However you turn a baked potato into a full dinner by combining it with your favorite protein, or add enough toppings to make it a well rounded meal.

Ready to try some of these baked potato dinners ideas?

I hope this list of ideas has given you lots of inspiration for what to make with baked potatoes.

Mix and match any combination of these side dish and main course recipes and turn a basic whole potato into many memorable meals!

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