What’s Better Than French Fries? These 16 Potato Recipes, Hands Down

If you’ve ever thought French fries were the ultimate comfort food, wait until you see what else potatoes can do. From crispy roasted wedges to creamy mashed masterpieces, these recipes take spuds to a whole new level. Honestly, I was surprised how many ways you can make potatoes the star of the plate. I kept wondering what’s better than French fries, and these potato recipes definitely gave me an answer.

Better Than Fries: Crispy Gruyere Potatoes Au Gratin

Potatoes au gratin in a baking dish with a serving spoon. — Better Than Fries: Crispy Gruyere Potatoes Au Gratin. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Move over fries—these thinly sliced au gratin potatoes layered with rich Gruyere deliver creamy centers and golden, crisp edges that steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Better Than Fries: Crispy Gruyere Potatoes Au Gratin

Twice-Baked Mashed Potato Casserole That Outshines Fries

A spoon full of twice baked mashed potatoes. — Twice-Baked Mashed Potato Casserole That Outshines Fries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

My All-American Summer Menu 🇺🇸

FREE EMAIL BONUS: Delicious summer recipes just in time for the season

All the cheesy, creamy flavor of twice-baked potatoes in casserole form—this crowd-pleasing side is hearty enough to replace any fries on the table.
Get the Recipe: Twice-Baked Mashed Potato Casserole That Outshines Fries

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes That Beat Fries Any Day

A close-up of homemade scalloped potatoes with a golden, bubbly cheese and cream topping, sprinkled with black pepper. A serving spoon rests in the dish, and a small bowl of grated cheese is visible in the background. — Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes That Beat Fries Any Day. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Layers of tender Yukon gold potatoes baked in cream and Gruyere cheese make these scalloped potatoes the ultimate comfort food upgrade from fries.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes That Beat Fries Any Day

Loaded Potato Skins That Put Fries to Shame

Bacon and cheese stuffed potato skins on a platter with chives sprinkled around. — Loaded Potato Skins That Put Fries to Shame. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Crispy potato skins piled high with bacon, cheese, and sour cream make fries look basic compared to these bite-sized flavor bombs.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins That Put Fries to Shame

Fancy Fondant Potatoes That Top Any Fry Basket

Golden and crisp on the outside, buttery soft on the inside—these fondant potatoes are elegant, yet easier than fries to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Fancy Fondant Potatoes That Top Any Fry Basket

Crispy Breakfast Potatoes with Pimento Cheese Spread

A spatula full of crispy skillet potatoes. — Crispy Breakfast Potatoes with Pimento Cheese Spread. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Skip the hash browns and fries—these golden skillet potatoes smothered in pimento cheese bring bold Southern flavor to your breakfast table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Breakfast Potatoes with Pimento Cheese Spread

Quick & Loaded Microwave Mashed Potatoes

A serving spoon in a bowl of microwaved mashed potatoes. — Quick & Loaded Microwave Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

In just minutes, whip up creamy mashed potatoes topped with all your favorite fixings—faster and more satisfying than any fry craving.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Loaded Microwave Mashed Potatoes

Warm Roasted Potato Salad with Bacon (No Mayo)

Parsley being sprinkled over warm potato salad — Warm Roasted Potato Salad with Bacon (No Mayo). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This hearty roasted potato salad with smoky bacon is warm, flavorful, and miles ahead of a cold fry basket at your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Warm Roasted Potato Salad with Bacon (No Mayo)

Crispy Crushed & Roasted New Potatoes

A smashed new potato being removed form a pan. — Crispy Crushed & Roasted New Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These smashed and roasted new potatoes bring the best of both worlds—creamy insides with addictively crispy edges that rival fries.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Crushed & Roasted New Potatoes

Luxurious Truffle Mashed Potatoes

Rich, creamy, and infused with earthy truffle flavor, these mashed potatoes elevate comfort food far beyond a plate of fries.
Get the Recipe: Luxurious Truffle Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole with Crunchy Cornflakes

A spoon full of hashbrown casserole. — Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole with Crunchy Cornflakes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Creamy potatoes baked with cheese and topped with a golden cornflake crunch—this casserole is comfort food that fries can’t compete with.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole with Crunchy Cornflakes

20-Minute Grilled Potato Wedges

Someone dipping a potato into a bowl of sauce. — 20-Minute Grilled Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Smoky from the grill, crisp outside, fluffy inside—these quick potato wedges prove fries aren’t the only crave-worthy side.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Grilled Potato Wedges

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad That Beats Fries at Any BBQ

Southern style Ranch potato salad in a glass bowl next to green onions. — Bacon Ranch Potato Salad That Beats Fries at Any BBQ. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Creamy ranch dressing, smoky bacon, and tender potatoes come together in this hearty salad that will make you forget fries exist.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Potato Salad That Beats Fries at Any BBQ

Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

A plate of four baked potatoes, each split open and filled with fluffy, seasoned white potato filling. They are garnished with chopped herbs and a sprinkling of ground seasoning. The plate is placed on a yellow cloth. — Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

With salty, crispy skin and fluffy insides, these air fryer baked potatoes deliver everything you love about fries—only better.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Loaded Ham & Cheese Potato Casserole That Puts Fries to Shame

Forget fast food sides—this cheesy, creamy ham and potato casserole is bubbling with flavor, crispy edges, and hearty layers that make fries feel like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Ham & Cheese Potato Casserole That Puts Fries to Shame

Mashed Yukon Golds So Creamy They Outdo Fries

Butter on top of a bowl of mashed potatoes. — Mashed Yukon Golds So Creamy They Outdo Fries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Velvety smooth with rich mascarpone cheese, these mashed potatoes are comfort food at its peak—proof that creamy beats crispy every time.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Yukon Golds So Creamy They Outdo Fries

Explore Recipes

MSN Slideshows