When you’re serving a large crowd, mashed potatoes are among the easiest crowd-pleasers to offer. This hearty side is delicious all on its own, there are a few toppings that can really wow your guests. If you’re planning catering for your next event, here are some fixings to consider pairing with your potatoes. 

Which Toppings Go Well With Mashed Potatoes? 

1. Cheese

Potatoes have a mild flavor on their own, but cheese gives them a bolder, saltier profile. Shredded or crumbled cheese melts right into the potatoes for a creamy texture, creating the perfect comfort food. Since potatoes tend to be bland, you can offer a flavorful cheese, such as cheddar jack or blue cheese.

2. Bacon

Crumbled bacon adds a crunchy texture to smooth mashed potatoes. It also brings a salty, savory flavor to the dish and will delight the carnivores at your event. Confirm with your catering team that they offer real bacon — the imitation bits are easy to spot and not nearly as tasty.

3. Gravy

Give your guests a taste of homestyle, holiday cooking with brown or white gravy. There are few foods more comforting than this, so if your goal is to make your attendees feel warm and welcome, this dish is sure to please. Brown gravy adds a meaty taste as it’s usually made from broth or meat fat, whereas white gravy is made with milk. Traditionalists will prefer brown, and this option will suit entrees like beef, turkey, and ham, but white is a suitable vegetarian alternative.

4. Butter or Sour Cream

Some people may prefer to keep their potatoes on the milder side, in which case butter or sour cream are enough toppings in themselves. Of course, it’s also possible to stack these condiments with other toppings. For instance, the tangy, creaminess of sour cream compliments bacon nicely. 

5. Scallions 

Your catering spread is sure to appeal to flavor seekers if you include scallions in your topping lineup. Scallions have a sharp and mild spicy flavor, which works well with milder bases like mashed potatoes. Sour cream and butter can help to tame their flavor, rounding out a side that’s set to please.

If you’re seeking catering for an upcoming event in Fairfield, OH, turn to Hammann’s Catering, Butcher Shop & Deli. Offering full-service catering as well as quick and simple party trays, this team has been serving the greater Cincinnati area with top-notch event food for more than 25 years. Browse through their menus, including the much-loved mashed potato bar, on their website. Or, place your order by calling (513) 858-3237.