Mashed and creamy sides are the backbone of a great comfort meal. They add texture, richness, and balance to whatever is on the plate. Whether it’s a classic mashed potato, a cheesy gratin, or a smooth root vegetable puree, these dishes bring depth and substance. Some keep it traditional, others mix things up, but they all deliver the kind of creamy, scoopable goodness that belongs on every table for a hearty comforting meal.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Classic mashed potatoes get a serious flavor upgrade with slow-roasted garlic. Roasting mellows out the garlic’s sharp bite, leaving behind a deep, almost sweet, rich flavor that blends perfectly into the creamy potatoes. A bit of Greek yogurt adds a light tang that keeps them rich without being too heavy. This side dish is simple but bold, proving that mashed potatoes don’t need much to be great.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are naturally rich and velvety, and adding goat cheese gives them a tangy, creamy boost. The slight tartness of the cheese balances out the natural sweetness, while fresh spinach brings just enough contrast without overpowering the dish. This mash has a great balance of flavors—sweet, savory, creamy, and just a little earthy. A perfect way to bring something a little extra to the table without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes
These aren’t just sweet potatoes, they’re purple sweet potatoes—packed with antioxidants and boasting a slightly nuttier, richer flavor than their orange cousins. The color alone makes them a standout, but when mashed with a little butter and a hint of herbs, they become a creamy, slightly sweet, slightly savory side that looks just as good as it tastes. A little herb butter on top takes it to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes
Cheesy Quinoa
Think mac and cheese, but with quinoa instead of pasta. This dish is packed with melty cheese and shredded zucchini, making it creamy, rich, and packed with texture. Quinoa has a natural nuttiness that works well with cheese, and the zucchini blends right in, making it a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. A great option when you want something cheesy but don’t feel like dealing with pasta.
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Broccoli Cauliflower Gratin
Broccoli and cauliflower are good on their own, but when baked under a blanket of bubbling cheese and crispy breadcrumbs, they go from side dish to star of the plate. The veggies get tender without turning mushy, and the cheesy, golden topping brings just the right amount of crunch. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens without feeling like you’re eating a salad.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cauliflower Gratin
Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter
Rutabaga doesn’t get enough credit. It’s a hearty, slightly sweet root vegetable that mashes up beautifully into a creamy, buttery side dish with just a little more depth than potatoes. It has a mild, slightly peppery flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic herb butter, making it a great alternative when you want something classic but just a little different. Budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor, this one deserves a spot on the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter
Parsnip Puree
Parsnips bring something different to the table—slightly sweet, slightly nutty, and ultra-smooth when blended. Roasted garlic and butter give them a deeper flavor, while fresh rosemary adds just a hint of earthiness. If you’ve only ever had mashed potatoes, this is a great way to change things up without straying too far from the creamy, buttery side dishes everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Parsnip Puree
Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash
This mash brings together cauliflower and pumpkin for a lighter, naturally creamy side that still delivers on comfort. Mascarpone cheese makes it extra smooth, while vanilla granola and pecans add a little crunch for contrast. It’s a great way to change up the usual mashed side without losing the creamy texture that makes these dishes so good. Think of it as sweet potato casserole’s more sophisticated cousin.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash
Creamy Mashed Yuca
Yuca, also called cassava, is a starchy root vegetable that turns incredibly smooth and rich when mashed. It’s naturally creamier than potatoes, with a mild, buttery flavor that soaks up seasonings like a sponge. A little butter and salt turn it into the perfect side, but it can also handle bold flavors like garlic and citrus without getting lost. If you’ve never swapped out mashed potatoes for yuca, this is the best place to start.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Yuca
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Risotto sounds fancy, but it’s really just slow-cooked rice that turns ultra-creamy as it absorbs broth. This version skips the dairy but still delivers big flavor thanks to mushrooms, garlic, and a splash of white wine. Peas add a little sweetness, while the mushrooms bring in a deep, umami richness that makes this dish feel indulgent without being heavy. A perfect side when you want something hearty but not overloaded with cheese and cream.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Cauliflower Bacon Gratin
Cauliflower baked in a creamy sauce is already great, but add crispy, salty bacon, and it becomes next-level comfort food. The cauliflower stays soft but holds its shape, soaking up the cheesy, rich sauce without getting lost. The bacon adds crunch and depth, balancing out the creaminess with just the right amount of salt and bite. Nobody’s skipping the side dish when this one’s on the table.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Bacon Gratin
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
