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How to Cook Potatoes, 6 Ways

I can’t think about a potato without recalling Samwise Gamgee. Not only is he one of the greatest heroes of cinematic history (and literary fiction before then), he’s also a lover of potatoes. And if you’re wondering how to cook potatoes, Samwise also has the answer: “Boil ’em, mash ’em, stick ’em in a stew. Lovely big golden chips with a nice piece of fried fish.” That pretty much sums up the versatility of the potato!

But just because you can cook potatoes any way under the sun doesn’t mean that you always should. Some cooking methods yield superior spuds to others, and some potato recipes are better for certain types. These are the best ways to cook potatoes according to a professional chef.

How to Clean Potatoes Before Cooking

Before making any of the potato recipes below, you’ll want to start with clean potatoes. Potatoes grow in the dirt, so the skins can be quite (ahem) dirty. Luckily, this is an easy problem to fix! Rinse the potato under cold running water. If there are any stubborn dirt bits that don’t come off in the wash, lightly rub the skins using your fingers or a clean scrub brush. Then dry them with a kitchen towel, and you’re ready to cut and cook. And if you have green potatoes, toss ’em. That hue won’t come off no matter how hard you scrub.

Oven-Roasted Potatoes

close up of oven roasted potatoes on a baking sheet garnished with herbs

This might be our favorite way to cook potatoes. You can roast any type of potato, but Yukon Golds turn out best. Think creamy on the inside, crispy on the outside, caramelized perfection. Waxy potatoes like red potatoes, new potatoes and fingerling potatoes roast well, too. Avoid oven-roasting Idaho or russet potatoes, as these starchy potatoes don’t keep their form as they cook and will turn into a mushy pile.

It’s important to cut the potatoes into the same-size pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Also give them plenty of room on the baking sheet. Crowded baking sheets create steam, yielding a lackluster soft texture instead of a crispy and wonderful one.

How to Roast Potatoes in the Oven

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, halved or cut into 2-inch wedges
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  2. Spread the potatoes out over a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Lightly toss to coat.
  3. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer with the cut-side down.
  4. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and tender.

Serve roasted potatoes with meaty mains like prime rib roast, roast chicken and maple-glazed salmon.

Baked Potatoes

Still life of salt baked potatoes in roasting tin

Baked potatoes differ from roasted potatoes because they’re cooked whole. Idaho and russet potatoes are ideal for baking because they’re starchy instead of waxy. Starchy potatoes break down to become soft and fluffy, making them ready to absorb all that delicious butter, sour cream and cheese you’re bound to put on them.

Be sure to poke a couple of holes in the potato before it goes into the oven, or go British style and slice cross-shape in the top. Potatoes are full of water, which turns to steam as it cooks. If the steam can’t escape, the potato might explode. Chances are pretty low (it’s never happened to me personally), but it’s not worth the risk. I’ve seen photos, and it looks like a mess to clean up.

How to Make Baked Potatoes

Ingredients

  • Idaho or russet potatoes

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°.
  2. Prick the potatoes in a few places with a fork and place them directly on the rack. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. For a shortcut, microwave the potato using the method below for 5 to 6 minutes. Then, bake for 20 to 30 minutes.

Baked potatoes are a classic side for meat loaf or steak, but they also make a great vegetarian main to go alongside Caesar salad or roasted vegetables.

Boiled Potatoes

Potatoes boiling in a pot on the stove

Plain, boiled potatoes are a little…well, boring. No matter which potato you choose, they will all lack the depth of flavor of any other cooking method on that list. While you can boil any type of potato, waxy and Yukon Gold potatoes hold their structure better than starchy potatoes.

That said, boiled potatoes are perfect for absorbing other flavors. The water removes excess starch from the potato, creating an absorbent vehicle for potato salad marinades or mashed potato mix-ins. Par-boiling potatoes before roasting, sauteeing or grilling them is another great option. These less-starchy potatoes will crisp up more easily, creating extra-crunchy fried or roasted potatoes.

How to Boil Potatoes

Ingredients

  • Any type of potato
  • Water
  • Salt

Directions

  1. If the potatoes are larger than 2 inches in diameter, quarter or halve them. If par-boiling, cut the potato as specified in the recipe for fried or roasted potatoes.
  2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with 2 inches of water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
  3. For par-cooked potatoes, turn off the burner and cover the pot. Let the potatoes sit in the hot water for 10 minutes before draining well.
  4. For fully boiled potatoes, reduce the heat to simmer and cook until the potatoes are cooked through, anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the size.

Try using boiled potatoes to make mashed potatoes or potato salad, or par-boiling potatoes before making breakfast hash.

Air-Fryer Potatoes

using an air fryer to cook potatoes and make French fries

An air fryer is an amazing gadget. It’s basically a countertop convection oven, which makes it easier than ever to create crispy roasted potatoes. You’ll want to follow the same general guidelines here as you would with roasted potatoes: Yukon Golds are best; waxy red potatoes, new potatoes and fingerling potatoes also work well. Avoid starchy Idaho or russet potatoes.

The most important rule to keep in mind here is batch size. The potatoes need enough air flow around them to crisp up, so don’t try to cook potatoes for a crowd in an air fryer. You’ll also want to shake the basket from time to time to ensure all the potatoes have access to the hot, circulating air.

How to Cook Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch strips
  • Olive oil
  • Salt, pepper and spices, like rosemary and granulated garlic

Directions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°.
  2. Drizzle the potatoes with oil and season with salt, pepper and any other spices you desire. Toss to coat.
  3. Place the potatoes in the air-fryer basket. Cook until potatoes are golden brown and tender, 15 to 17 minutes, stirring or tossing the basket every 5 minutes.

This is but one way to make potatoes in the air fryer. Because it’s an oven, you can use the air fryer to make wedges, chips, latkes or baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless!

Instant Pot Potatoes

cooking potatoes in the instant pot with broth

Looking for a hands-off way to cook potatoes? Look to the Instant Pot. Keep in mind that the Instant Pot requires one cup of liquid to function properly, so this method is not going to result in crispy potatoes. Instead, the Instant Pot is the perfect way to make boiled potatoes, potato salad, mashed potatoes or baked potatoes. You’ll want to follow the rule of thumb for the potato recipe you’re following: starchy potatoes for baked potatoes and mashed potatoes, waxy potatoes or Yukon Golds for potato salad and boiled potato dishes.

How to Cook Potatoes in the Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved if larger than 2 inches
  • 1 cup water or broth
  • Butter
  • Herbs, like parsley or chives

Directions

  1. Place the potatoes and water or broth in the Instant Pot.
  2. Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Quick release the pressure.
  3. Drain and discard the cooking liquid. Toss the potatoes with butter and herbs

Don’t forget: The Instant Pot is also a fantastic way to make potato soup.

Microwaved Potatoes

microwaved potato wedges with butter and dill for garnish

If you’re running short on time, the microwave is a great way to cook potatoes quickly. We like using the microwave as a shortcut method for making baked potatoes in the oven: Microwave on high for 5 to 6 minutes before baking, cutting the oven cooking time in half.

It’s also great for par-cooking potatoes before finishing them using a different method, like scalloped potatoes, skillet potatoes or breakfast hash. Chop or slice your potatoes, place them in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon of water and partially cover the bowl. Microwave for 3 minutes to soften the potatoes.

Any type of potato can be cooked in the microwave depending on the dish you’re making. If you’re cooking whole potatoes, be sure to poke a few holes in them with a fork. This allows the steam to escape as the potato cooks, preventing a potato explosion (it’s rare, but it does happen).

How to Cook Potatoes in the Microwave

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds red potatoes, cut into 2-inch wedges
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • Spices and herbs, like garlic powder and parsley

Directions

  1. Place the potatoes in a 2-quart microwave-safe dish.
  2. Pour the melted butter and seasonings over the potatoes and toss to coat.
  3. Microwave on high, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Stir after the first 5 minutes.

These no-fail potato recipes are perfect for any meal!

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Rich & Creamy Mashed Potatoes

It's a cinch to jazz up instant mashed potatoes with sour cream and cream cheese, then cook and serve them from a slow cooker. For a special touch, sprinkle this creamy mashed potatoes recipe with chopped fresh chives, canned french-fried onions or fresh grated Parmesan cheese. —Donna Bardocz, Howell, Michigan
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Loaded Breakfast Potatoes

My kids love loaded potatoes in restaurants, so I modified them to make at home. Using the microwave for the potatoes will save you about 10 minutes. I also use thin-skinned red potatoes instead of russets to save on peeling time. —Tena Kropp, Aurora, Illinois
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Grilled Potato Fans with Onions

Looking for the ultimate grilled potato? These seasoned potato “fans” are filled with tender onions, roasted garlic cloves and savory Parmesan cheese. —Sharon Crabtree, Graham, Washington
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Triple Mash with Horseradish Bread Crumbs

Why settle for traditional mashed potatoes when you can enjoy three times the flavor? Combine spuds with rutabaga and parsnips, along with the zip of horseradish, for a taste treat. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
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Garlic-Chive Baked Fries

Yes, you do want fries with that—especially these crispy, golden fries, full of garlic flavor and just a little bit of heat. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Twice-Baked Red Potatoes

Twice-Baked Red Potatoes

Before my baby was born, I was in nesting mode and made lots of freezable recipes like these creamy red potatoes. The yogurt is a healthy swap for sour cream. —Valerie Cox, Secretary, Maryland Looking for some healthy potato recipes? Check these out.
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Grilled Three-Potato Salad

Everyone in our extended family loves to cook, so I put together all of our favorite recipes in a cookbook to be handed down from generation to generation. This recipe comes from that cookbook. It's a delicious twist on traditional potato salad. —Suzette Jury, Keene, California
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Nanny's Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

My grandsons rave over these creamy potatoes loaded with Parmesan. That’s all the endorsement I need. Sometimes I use golden or red potatoes, with skins on. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
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Braised Dill Potatoes

Dill, chicken broth and a few other simple ingredients create a side dish your family will love. The braised potatoes are delicious with sour cream. —Amie Schmidt, San Diego, California
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Rosemary Sweet Potato Fries

A local restaurant got me hooked on sweet potato fries. I started making them at home with different seasonings to match the taste. I'm thrilled with the results! —Jackie Gregston, Hallsville, Texas
Mashed Potatoes with Cheddar

Mashed Potatoes with Cheddar

Who doesn’t love fluffy, homemade mashed potatoes? Make them even better with sharp cheddar cheese. To get them really creamy, my mother's secret was to add whipping cream instead of half-and-half. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
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Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

With five different dairy products, you know this make-ahead mashed potato casserole is going to be super rich and, of course, delicious. It gets even better topped with onions and bacon! —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
Lemon Red Potatoes

Lemon Red Potatoes

Butter, lemon juice, parsley and chives enhance this simple side dish. I usually prepare these potatoes when I'm having company. Since they cook in the slow cooker, there's plenty of room on the stove for other dishes. —Tara Branham, Austin, Texas
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Scalloped Taters

This creamy and comforting slow-cooked side tastes great with almost any main dish and is a snap to assemble with convenient frozen hash browns. It's a good way to make potatoes when your oven is busy with other dishes. —Lucinda Wolker, Somerset, Pennsylvania
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Golden Mashed Potatoes

When there's no gravy with the meat, this dish is fabulous to serve in place of regular mashed potatoes. I make it often to take to picnics and church socials. My husband even made it for his family's reunion one year when I couldn't go! —Cindy Stith, Wickliffe, Kentucky
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Cheese Smashed Potatoes

Who doesn't like mashed potatoes? Try this slimmed-down dish with any entree. —Janet Homes, Surprise, Arizona
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Dijon & Rosemary

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Dijon & Rosemary

After moving to Alabama, I learned my friends and co-workers love sweet potatoes. I roast the potatoes with Dijon, fresh rosemary and a touch of honey. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
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Skillet Red Potatoes

When I'm in a hurry to prepare potatoes, I resort to this recipe for skillet potatoes that I created myself. The mix of seasonings is just right and makes a delicious, attractive side dish. It's been a family favorite for a long time and fits with most any meal. —Lois Collier, Vineland, New Jersey
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Creamy Hash Brown Casserole

This versatile side dish is so good with grilled steak, and is delicious with other meats as well. A creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping make this potato casserole popular for family dinners and potlucks. —Teresa Stutzman, Adair, Oklahoma
Creamy Grilled Potato Salad Exps Dsbz17 67646 D01 13 1b 2

Creamy Grilled Potato Salad

To avoid turning my oven on in the summer, I grill just about everything—including this creamy grilled potato salad. My friends have dubbed this ‘The Best Potato Salad You’ll Ever Put in Your Mouth!—and I love that! —Gayle Robinson, Carrolton, Georgia
Party Potatoes

Party Potatoes

These creamy, tasty potatoes can be made the day before and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to pop them in the oven (I often do that). The garlic powder and chives add zip, and the shredded cheese adds color. —Sharon Mensing, Greenfield, Iowa
Ranch Potato Casserole

Ranch Potato Casserole

We operate a busy fruit farm. I cook every day for my family, so I appreciate this dish for another reason—I can put it together a day ahead and bake it just before we're ready to eat. —Lydia Schnitzler, Kingsburg, California
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Super Simple Scalloped Potatoes

I’ve made many types of scalloped potatoes but I always come back to this rich, creamy and fail-proof recipe. This is a dish where the bottom gets scraped clean. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Honey-Mustard Potato Salad

Honey-Mustard Potato Salad

Whenever there is a picnic or cookout, I am asked to bring my potato salad. It’s tangy and a little different. —Alicia Quadrozzi, Escondido, California
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Creamy Hash Brown Potatoes

Convenient frozen hash browns are the secret behind the cheesy slow-cooker potatoes I cook up for potlucks and big group gatherings. —Julianne Henson, Streamwood, Illinois
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Parmesan Baked Potatoes

It always amazed me that this simple recipe could make potatoes taste so good. Mom liked to make them for Easter because they were more special than ordinary baked potatoes. —Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, Iowa
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Cilantro Potatoes

Fresh cilantro gives exotic Syrian-style flavor to these easy skillet potatoes. They’re a great complement to Mom’s tangy kabobs. —Weda Mosellie, Phillipsburg, New Jersey
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Southern Potato Salad

This Southern potato salad is perfect for a church supper or potluck. The pickles add extra sweetness. —Gene Pitts, Wilsonville, Alabama
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Quick & Easy au Gratin Potatoes

On holidays, a friend serves these creamy, cheesy potatoes when we gather together to celebrate with lifelong friends and grown children. —Carol Blue, Barnesville, Pennsylvania
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Mashed Potatoes with Garlic-Olive Oil

Garlic mashed potatoes are high on our love list. To intensify the flavor, I combine garlic and olive oil in the food processor and drizzle it on top of the potatoes. — Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
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Homemade Potato Salad

This homemade potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that's the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn't one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
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Seasoned Oven Fries

The next time you’re craving fries, opt for these speedy, health-conscious wedges that bake in the oven. They’re just as tasty as deep-fried versions and made with less mess. —Pat Fredericks, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Sweet Potatoes au Gratin

Sweet Potatoes au Gratin

This rich, sweet potato casserole couldn't be any easier to make—or more delicious to eat! —Patti Kirchhoff, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
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Deluxe Mashed Potatoes

When it comes to mashed potatoes recipes, this is one of my favorites because they can be made ahead, refrigerated and then popped into the oven just prior to dinnertime. When my grandchildren come for dinner, I have to double this recipe. They love it! —Vivian Bailey, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Red Roasted Potatoes

Red Roasted Potatoes

Roasting red potatoes is one of my favorite way to prepare them. Some fragrant rosemary, fresh or dried, gives these potatoes a distinctive but subtle taste. This dish is simple to prepare, yet elegant in color and flavor. It's a wonderful addition to any menu. —Margie Wampler, Butler, Pennsylvania
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Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

My daughter gave me this twice-baked potatoes recipe because she knows I love potatoes. The hearty casserole is loaded with a palate-pleasing combination of bacon, cheeses, green onions and sour cream. —Betty Miars, Anna, Ohio
Roasted Greek Potatoes with Feta Cheese

Roasted Greek Potatoes with Feta Cheese

Lemony Greek potatoes are a traditional side dish for grilled chicken or steak. When they come out of the oven, we top with feta for a little melty goodness. —Arge Salvatori, Little Ferry, New Jersey
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Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Sour cream and cream cheese give richness to these smooth make-ahead potatoes. They are wonderful for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner since there's no last-minute mashing required. —Trudy Vincent, Valles Mines, Missouri
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Special Baked Potatoes

For a nifty way to spice up plain old potatoes, try Tressa Surdick's recipe. To make them, she slices the spuds, then seasons them before baking. "Just before they're done, I sprinkle cheese on top of each potato. Our guest always rave about the," Tressa pens from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. (To make the cutting easier, Tressa share this tip: "Place the handle of a wooden spoon along the bottom of the potato—this will prevent your knife from going all the way through.")

The post How to Cook Potatoes, 6 Ways appeared first on Taste of Home.



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