What’s the Best Potato for the Job?
Updated: Nov. 10, 2023
Potato salad not turning out like Mom's? Au gratin a mushy mess? You might be using the wrong spud. Discover which types of potatoes work best in which dishes for mealtime success.
Whether mashed or baked, roasted or fried, you can’t beat potatoes for comfort. But your carb-o-licious dish might get a thumbs-down review if you don’t select the right spud. Potatoes fall into one of three categories: starchy, waxy and all-purpose. For the best results, match your tator to your recipe. Here’s what you need to know about the choices:
Russet (aka Idaho)
These oblong potatoes are perfect for mashing and baking due to their thick skin and fluffy flesh. Their high-starch content makes them the perfect choice when making French fries, too.
Red (aka New)
These waxy potatoes are the darlings of the salad set because they look great, keep their shape, and offer a creamy texture. They’re low in starch and high in moisture so they’re perfect when boiled or roasted.
White Potatoes
Similar looking to Russets, use these guys when the recipe calls for boiling potatoes. Because they hold their shape so well, they’re also great in casseroles, soups and stews.
Round Potatoes (aka Irish)
Use these like you’d use white potatoes—in stews, soups and casseroles. They have thinner skins than most varieties, but they hold up nicely during long cook times.
Yukon Golds
When you don’t know what potato to use, turn to Yukon Golds. These all-purpose spuds have just the right combo of starch and moisture to hold up to nearly any cooking technique, including grilling, yet they come out golden on the outside and tender on the inside.
Sweet Potatoes
This one is a no-brainer. Simply use sweet potatoes when a recipe calls for them. That’s it! What’s the difference between a sweet potato and a yam? Don’t worry about it. Just stick to sweet potatoes for sweet potato recipes, and you’ll be just fine.
Before You Buy
No matter which type of potato you need, choose ones with healthy skin—no cuts, bruises or blemishes. If you see a bit of green under the potato skin, put that spud back in the bin. You want potatoes that are firm and feel heavy for their size. Once you get them home, store them in a cool, dark, dry spot. Keep them out of the refrigerator. Right before using, scrub your spud with a vegetable brush, and use a small knife to remove any potato sprouts or “eyes.”
Now that your know what potato’s best for the job, you can get cooking…or baking, boiling, grilling or roasting.
Start With These Recipes for Serious Potato Lovers
Loaded Mashed PotatoesThis contest-winning casserole combines the flavors of loaded baked potatoes with the creamy richness of mashed potatoes to delicious effect. As a bonus, the dish can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge until ready to bake and eat.
Also, try Ina Garten's baked potatoes and her potato salad.
Rosemary Potatoes with Caramelized OnionsSweet, meltingly tender caramelized onions make these classic roast potatoes unforgettable. Rosemary leans into the sweetness, but you can use any woody, hardy herb like oregano, thyme or marjoram.
There’s more to Ireland than delicious, set into these classic Irish Recipes and dig in on St. Patrick's Day or any day.
Pepper Jack Hash Brown CasserolePrepare yourself for a decadent treat! These cheesy hash brown potatoes bake up to an ooey-gooey bite, while a potato chip crumb topping adds crispy crunch. Feel free to swap out the cheeses in the recipe for whichever ones you have on hand.
Buffalo Wing PotatoesThis recipe is the perfect easy party food. Cubed potatoes slow cook in a simple buffalo sauce, resulting in a zesty dish that's great alongside burgers, chicken or potluck fare.
Slow-Cooker Baked PotatoesCrave the comfort of a baked potato but don't want to turn on the oven? Make them in the slow cooker instead. This method is perfect in warm weather or on a busy day.
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato StuffingOne of our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, stuffing is cozy but fairly plain, requiring gravy to add moisture and flavor. This version is tasty enough to eat on its own though. Pair with a roasted chicken, or serve at a holiday table for a totally new taste.
Loaded Baked Potato RoundsCan loaded baked potatoes be elegant? These open-face potato rounds definitely make the cut. Serve at a party to please guests of all ages.
Chiles Rellenos Breakfast BakeChiles rellenos are traditionally a labor of love. This breakfast bake simplifies the process, while still delivering the same spicy, cheesy, delicious chile flavor.
Mediterranean Slow-Cooker Mashed PotatoesPacked with flavor from the herbs and feta cheese, these mashed potatoes taste super fancy; you wouldn't even know they're made in a slow cooker! Pair these potatoes with a turkey-based meat loaf and your favorite veggies.
Bacon-Gruyere Smashed PotatoesThese skillet potatoes have a perfectly balanced flavor. Low-cooked onions turn sweet and jammy, boiled potatoes offer creamy comfort and cheese and bacon add savory richness. Serve it as a side, or top it with a fried egg for a one-bowl dinner.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Gorgonzola SpreadThese grilled potato slices taste equally great with plain or sweet potatoes. The simple dressing of lemon juice, olive oil and mayo gets an earthy boost from crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.
Easy Scalloped PotatoesA comfort food like grandma used to make, scalloped potatoes are totally cozy, but can get a bit...heavy. This recipe lightens up the cream and fat content without sacrificing flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Potato SkinsBuffalo chicken meets crispy potato skins! These restaurant copycat appetizers are a total crowd pleaser. Serve them as an appetizer or bring them to a potluck if you're on snack duty.
Best Ever Potato SoupThe title says it all—this soup is among our top-rated potato recipes. It's everything you want in a classic potato soup: cozy, thick, creamy and savory. While the added Velveeta is creamy and easy, you can also swap for your favorite meltable cheese.
Simple Au Gratin PotatoesAu gratin potatoes may sound fancy; they're a classic French recipe, after all. But think peasant food rather than fine dining—good food, prepared simply, with a hint of indulgence. Use a high starch potato, like a Russet, to ensure the creamy sauce is thick but not curdled.
Mexican Roasted Potato SaladThis dish is a cross between roasted potatoes and potato salad, with a southwestern twist. Tasty, crispy-edged red potatoes are tossed in a tangy sour cream dressing and spiked with green chiles, black beans and spices.
Lemon Roasted Fingerlings and Brussels SproutsBrussels sprouts used to be the ugly duckling of vegetables, but when roasted, they have a super savory flavor and a crunch that's absolutely delicious. Next time you crave roasted potatoes, give this updated dish a try.
Potato Pumpkin MashMashed potatoes but make them festive! This pumpkin potato mash is a festive holiday side dish that packs in extra flavor (and vitamins). Swirl the mash together in a clear serving dish for optimal presentation.
Pretty Duchess PotatoesNeed a side dish with wow-factor? Try these whirled potatoes. They look incredibly special, but are easy to pipe out with a pastry bag (or even a ziptop plastic bag).
Sweet Corn and Potato GratinNeed to convince kids to eat their veggies? Try this gratin, which combines corn and potatoes with a crispy, irresistible crumb topping.
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes and AsparagusIs it asparagus season yet? As soon as it is, make this dish. Roasting asparagus gives it a meaty, slightly charred flavor that's absolutely delicious and a nice change from the classic steamed or boiled asparagus.
Cheddar & Spinach Twice-Baked PotatoesNo need for a side salad when you spike your potatoes with a healthy dose of spinach. It's a tasty, lighter take on comfort food. Potato recipes like this are the perfect side for a casual party or family dinner.
Baked Sweet Potato FriesHomemade sweet potato fries are a real treat. Cook them in an air fryer to get all of the crispy flavor and none of the splattering oil.
Campfire HashThis hearty one-pot meal tastes good whether it's cooked over a campfire or on the stovetop. The base recipe calls for sausages, potatoes, corn and chiles, but you can mix and match sausage flavors, vegetables and seasonings however you like.
Colcannon PotatoesA classic Irish dish, colcannon potatoes are made with floury white potatoes, green cabbage, onions and rich butter. For a modern take, substitute the cabbage with your favorite hearty, leafy green.
Baked Potato PizzaNot every pizza has to be topped with red sauce and mozzarella. This recipe transforms a pizza crust into a kind of flatbread topped with the flavors of a loaded baked potato.
Party PotatoesA tangy take on classic mashed potatoes, these party potatoes are packed with garlic and onion flavors. Top with your favorite meltable cheese. This recipe can be made the night before cooking, but hold off on topping with breadcrumbs until you're ready to bake, otherwise they'll get soggy.
Potato ChowderCreamy cheese and bacon dial up the flavor of this simple potato soup. Serve with crackers and an easy salad for an old school lunch that still satisfies.
Loaded Twice-Baked Potato CasseroleBring this to your next potluck, and you'll take home a clean dish. This clever potato dish combines the crisp of potato skins with the flavor of loaded potatoes.
Creamy Mushroom-Potato BakeSauteed onions and mushrooms elevate a simple pan of mashed potatoes. In fact, this bake is so flavorful, you might not even need gravy. For best results, use a really good brand of butter, like Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter.
Spicy Sweet Potato Chips & Cilantro DipTurn up the heat with a bowl of spicy, crispy sweet potato chips. Make the creamy, cooling dipping sauce while the thinly sliced potatoes bake in the oven, then serve as a snack or as a side to a sandwich wrap.
Deluxe Mashed PotatoesWhen it comes to mashed potatoes, most recipes feel pretty deluxe, what with all the cream, butter and salt. This recipe stands out for a simple reason: its use of tangy dairy (sour cream and cream cheese), which make for incredibly savory mashers with a kick.
 If you’re a fan of creamy mashed potatoes, give Pioneer Woman’s mashed potatoes recipe a try. It is the creamiest ever!
Favorite Cheesy PotatoesThis casserole cooks up in a trusty 13x9-in. pan. Make it ahead and refrigerate it or freeze it until ready to bake. These decadent potatoes make for a festive side dish at a football potluck or holiday party.
Herbed Potato PacksWhen it's grilling season, we love tossing foil-wrapped veggie packs on the grill. Vegetables cook quicker in the foil than straight on the grill, and since they're essentially swaddled in seasoning, they're super flavorful too.
Ranch Potato CasseroleIt's always handy to have a few make-ahead casserole recipes in your back pocket. Anyone who loves ranch dressing will enjoy this tasty, crunchy bake.
Spanakopita Mashed PotatoesKeep the peels on when you make these mashed potatoes. They add a ton of nutritional value, as well as a pleasant texture to the mash. The Greek flavors are an unexpectedly yummy twist on a classic recipe.
Hash Brown Broccoli BakeWhen cooking for fussy eaters, it can help to mix green vegetables with cozier foods. Here, broccoli is blanketed in crunchy hash browns and your favorite kind of cheese.
Creamy Sweet PotatoesThe secret ingredient in this sweet potato casserole might surprise you: oranges! Not only does the citrus fruit match the color of sweet potatoes, but its sweet yet tart flavor also adds a complementary acidity that balances the dish.
Air-Fryer French FriesIt's much easier (and tidier) to air-fry french fries than to deep fry (and it's a little bit healthier too). Take care to cut the potatoes into similar sizes so they cook and crisp evenly.
Originally Published: October 25, 2017
