Is it OK to eat a pink potato? Here's what we know.
Why Do My Potatoes Turn Pink When I Cut Them?
Updated on Feb. 12, 2024
Potatoes are an essential part of our diets, and that’s probably because there are so many different ways to prepare them. Baked potatoes, french fries, potato chips—you name it, there’s a recipe! But have you ever found that, while chopping up your spuds, they begin to take on a slightly pink hue? Don’t worry, we’re here to tell you why.
Why Do Potatoes Turn Pink?
There’s a simple explanation for your pink potato. It’s a chemical reaction that happens when enzymes in the potato are exposed to air. This kind of reaction should be familiar to most home cooks, because it often happens with fruit, like when apples turn brown after they’re cut.
Are Pink Potatoes Safe to Eat?
Your pink-tinged potato is “perfectly safe to eat,” according to the Idaho Potato Commission. Unlike green potatoes and occasionally sprouted potatoes, which can be bitter and unsafe to eat, there’s nothing wrong with pink potatoes. Once you roast the spuds, the pink hue will be replaced by a crispy golden exterior.
Here’s how to tell if your gray ground beef is safe to eat.
How Do I Stop This from Happening?
There are a handful of ways to prevent potatoes from turning pink. First, use a sharp knife or potato peeler. This helps to reduce damage to the potato and scale back the chemical reaction. Next, use your potatoes right after you cut them. If you know your potatoes will be sit around for a while before they hit the pan, stick them in some cold water. It creates a barrier between the spuds and the air. You may never need to worry about pink potatoes again! Learn when and how to wash potatoes.
Easy Potato Recipes Prepped in 15 Minutes
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Best Ever Potato Soup
You'll be surprised at the taste of this rich and cheesy easy potato soup. It really is the best potato soup recipe, ever. I came up with it after enjoying baked potato soup at one of our favorite restaurants. I added bacon, and we think that makes it even better. —Coleen Morrissey, Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania
Go to Recipe
If potatoes are your favorite, try Ina Garten's baked potatoes and her potato salad. 
Granny’s Apple Scalloped PotatoesThis scalloped potatoes with apples dish is delicious with baked breaded pork chops, which you could cook at the same time in another cast-iron pan. We are retired, so it's just the two of us, but you could easily double the recipe to serve a crowd. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida 
Air-Fryer Potato ChipsFor Christmas one year, I received an air fryer. Potato chips are simple to make in it and are an essential, crispy side for lunch. —Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York
Au Gratin PotatoesOnce you've tried homemade au gratin potatoes, you'll never reach for the boxed stuff again.
Two-Tone Baked PotatoesOne potato...two potato...this recipe is doubly wonderful as far as spud lovers are concerned. I have a reputation at home and at work for trying out new recipes. Everyone is glad I took a chance on this one.
-Sherree Stahn, Central City, Nebraska
Parmesan Potato WedgesHere's a simple way to serve potatoes that has big flavor: cut into wedges, coat generously in garlic, paprika and Parmesan cheese, and bake until tender inside and crisp outside.
Loaded Smashed PotatoesIf mashed potatoes are a must at your family Thanksgiving, then why not go all out with the works? I love garlic, onions and bacon, and this dish has all three! —Kathy Harding, Richmond, Missouri
Rosemary Potatoes with Caramelized OnionsRoasted potatoes are amazing. Add some rosemary and caramelized onions and they are over-the-top delicious! —Mary Jones, Athens, Ohio
Potato Salad with BaconIt's like a loaded baked potato, but in salad form!
Slow-Cooker Baked PotatoesThese slow-cooker baked potatoes are so easy—just add your favorite toppings. Save any extra potatoes to make baked potato soup the next day. —Teresa Emrick, Tipp City, Ohio. Wondering how to cook potatoes the right way? Here are the best ways to cook potatoes in the oven, on the stovetop, in an air fryer and more.
Super Simple Scalloped PotatoesI’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
Grilled Loaded Potato RoundsMy go-to recipe for outdoor potlucks is an awesome potato side. I prep everything beforehand, then assemble and grill at the party. Serve with sour cream, cheese, bacon and chives. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Parmesan Mashed PotatoesFluffy and flavorful Parmesan mashed potatoes are a perfect mix of spuds, butter and sour cream with a bold cheesy finish.
Deluxe Hash Brown CasseroleMy son-in-law gave me the recipe for this hash brown casserole, which my kids say is addictive. It's an amazing make-ahead dish.—Amy Oswalt, Burr, Nebraska
Cheesy Chili FriesMy family is all about chili fries, but restaurant versions pile on the calories. For a healthier approach, bake the fries and serve them with green onions and avocado. —Beverly Nowling, Bristol, Florida
Potato ChowderThere's no topping a savory potato chowder on a chilly day, especially if it's garnished with crispy bacon bits and chopped chives. This slow-cooker recipe is easy to assemble and so comforting to come home to.
Dilled New PotatoesWith six kids at home, I try to grow as much of our own food as possible, and our big potato patch means easy and affordable meals for much of the year. For this fresh and tasty side dish, I season red potatoes with homegrown dill. —Jennifer Ferris, Bronson, Michigan
Slow-Cooker Ham and Potato SoupDeliciously comforting and incredibly convenient, this slow-cooker ham and potato soup combines tender potatoes and savory ham in a creamy broth, making it the perfect hassle-free meal for any busy day.
Grilled Potatoes with Bacon-Ranch SauceThese potatoes are tender and good all by themselves, but pairing them with the sauce creates a perfect combination—a side dish compatible with any entree cooked on the grill. —Craig Carpenter, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
Onion Mashed PotatoesOnion mashed potatoes are full-flavored and easy to make. They're a perfect side dish for a holiday dinner.
Creamy Ranchified PotatoesMy daughter-in-law gave me this recipe, and over the years, I've adjusted it to our tastes. It's so nice to come home from work to a hot, tasty dish that's ready to serve! You can use any cheese you'd like and also substitute leftover chicken or another meat for the ham. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Buffalo Wing PotatoesI was getting tired of mashed and baked potatoes, so I decided to create something new. This potluck-ready recipe is an easy and delicious twist on the usual potato dish. —Summer Feaker, Ankeny, Iowa
Loaded Potato SaladGet a load of this loaded potato salad with sour cream, bacon, shredded cheddar, green onions and more. The ingredients come together to give you all the richness of restaurant potato skins at your next picnic. —Monique Boulanger, Greenwood, Nova Scotia
Roasted Balsamic Red PotatoesWhen I found a potato recipe that called for vinegar, I was intrigued. But without all the ingredients on hand, I had to improvise and gave it a whirl using Italian seasoning and balsamic vinegar. It was fantastic! —Lisa M. Varner, El Paso, TX
Chive Smashed PotatoesNo need to peel the potatoes—in fact, this is the only way we make mashed potatoes anymore. They’re chunky, tasty and attractive. And the flavored cream cheese is a delightful twist! —Beverly Norris, Evanston, Wyoming
Cheesy PotatoesReal home cooks give this cheesy potatoes recipe rave reviews, whether they're made simply in the slow cooker or baked in a casserole dish.
Roasted Honey Sweet PotatoesCinnamon and honey bring out the natural earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes in this simple, elegant side dish. —Laura Mifsud, Northville, Michigan
Next: try your hand at sweet potato casserole, a perfect side for the holidays.
Spanakopita Mashed PotatoesI learned to cook by watching my mom in the kitchen. Most of the recipes I make use only five or six ingredients and have a healthier bent. I created this recipe after I tried a spinach-topped baked potato. Flecks of red and green from the potato skin and spinach make these potatoes look festive and special. By not peeling the potatoes, you not only keep some nutrients, but you also save on prep time. —Ashley Levy, Columbia, Maryland
Dill Potato WedgesThese are my absolute favorites; I've been making them for years! —Jeannie Klugh, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Seasoned FriesThese fries are always popular with my meat-and-potatoes bunch. The cheesy seasoning can easily double as a flavorful baked potato topper, too.—Maribeth Edwards, Follansbee, West Virginia
Skillet Potatoes with Red Pepper and Whole Garlic ClovesYou'll be surprised that a skillet potato recipe this simple has so much flavor. I love how the whole garlic cloves turn sweet after being caramelized. Yum! —Anita Osborne, Thomasburg, Ontario
Grilled Three-Cheese PotatoesWhile this is delicious grilled, I've also cooked it in the oven at 350° for an hour. Add cubed ham to it and you can serve it as a full-meal main dish. —Margaret Hanson-Maddox, Montpelier, Indiana
Creamy Mashed PotatoesEveryone needs an amazing recipe for creamy mashed potatoes—and these smooth cream cheese mashed potatoes are our pick. With just five ingredients (plus salt and pepper), they are easy to make, and the cream cheese adds a rich tanginess.
Hasselback PotatoesEye-catching fan-cut hasselback potatoes get a dose of herbs and cheese, creating an aromatic, bubbling cheesy top when they're pulled out of the oven.
Twice-Baked Potato CasseroleMy daughter gave me this 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
Baked Sweet Potato FriesWhen you want a super-simple, crispy, flavorful side dish, turn to this baked sweet potato fries recipe. It takes only a little seasoning to create an oven-baked fry dish that will become one of your favorite ways to eat sweet potatoes.
Oven Parmesan ChipsMy husband and I avoid fried foods, but potatoes are part of our menu almost every day. These delectable sliced potatoes get nice and crispy and give our meals a likable lift. —Mary Lou Kelly, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Smashed PotatoesI wouldn't dream of making my favorite chicken recipe without making these potatoes, too. —Jennifer Shaw of Dorchester, Massachusetts.
Half Baked PotatoesCut your potato in half, score it, then let the magic happen! These crispy, buttery baked half potatoes cook up nice and crispy, and taste twice as good as the whole ones.
Loaded Waffle FriesMake any dinner fun with my Loaded Waffle Fries, topped with a savory blend of cheese, scallions and bacon. I copied this family-favorite recipe from a local restaurant, and it's great with hot dogs, burgers or by itself. —Jeffrey Viccone, Decatur, Illinois
Au Gratin Peas and PotatoesWhile this delicious potato skillet is a wonderful side dish, we find it satisfying enough to be a main course, too. The skillet preparation takes less time than it does to bake an au gratin casserole or scalloped potatoes—but it's still good old-fashioned comfort food at its best! —Marie Peterson, DeForest, Wisconsin
Pressure-Cooker Lemon Red PotatoesButter, 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 pressure cooker, there's plenty of room on the stove for other dishes. —Tara Branham, Austin, Texas
Saucy Scalloped PotatoesFor old-fashioned flavor, try these scalloped potatoes. They cook up tender, creamy and comforting and chopped ham adds a hearty touch. —Elaine Kane, Keizer, Oregon
Parmesan Baked PotatoesIt 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
Country Potato PancakesThese potato pancakes are really versatile. They can be a side dish for just about any meal or the main course for a light meal. Potato pancakes go particularly well with pork. We have them often at our house. —Lydia Robotewskyj, Franklin, Wisconsin
Roasted Red PotatoesThis roasted red potatoes recipe is both easy to make and elegant, plus it's the ideal accompaniment for just about any main course. The aroma and flavors of garlic and rosemary are warm and comforting, and delicious any time of the year. The entire dish takes just 30 minutes to make, including the prep time. Are you hungry yet?
Garlic-Chive Baked FriesYes, 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
Deluxe German Potato SaladI make this for all occasions because it goes well with any kind of meat. When I take the warm salad to bring-a-dish events, there are rarely leftovers! —Betty Perkins, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Lemon & Garlic New PotatoesThis is a simplified version of a dish my Costa Rican host sister used to make when I was in the Peace Corps. It has become a favorite side dish at my house. —Katie Bartle, Parkville, Missouri
Garlic and Artichoke Roasted PotatoesI like to put this side into the oven to roast with the main dish. The artichokes give it a gourmet appeal. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Garlic and Herb Mashed PotatoesThere are mashed potatoes, and then there are garlic mashed potatoes (even better!). These potatoes are rich and downright decadent, a perfect side dish for your next gathering.
Baked Potato Cheddar SoupA few simple kitchen staples makes for an impressive soup. Use a better-quality yellow cheddar cheese; it adds greater depth of color and flavor to this dish. —Kristin Reynolds, Van Buren, Arkansas
Browned Butter Red PotatoesI've been making my version of Dad's potatoes for years, and it goes great with any meal. Browning the butter gives the potatoes a whole new taste. —Anne Pavelak, Endicott, Washington
Slow-Cooked Ranch PotatoesEven after seven years, my family still asks for this tasty potato and bacon dish. Try it once and I'll bet your family will be hooked, too. —Lynn Ireland, Lebanon, Wisconsin
Cheesy Mashed Potato CupsI double this mashed potato recipe for an extra batch to freeze. It’s a nice alternative to the standard potatoes or rice. —Jill Hancock, Nashua, New Hampshire
Mashed Potatoes with Garlic-Olive OilGarlic 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
Cheese-Topped Potatoes in FoilWhenever we go camping, cheesy potato packets are a must. They just may remind you of scalloped potatoes. In the winter, I bake them in the oven. —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
