73 Potato Recipes for People Who Love Spuds

You say potato, I say...count me in! From classic mashed and cheesy twice-baked to sweet and bacon-wrapped, these potato recipes turn one of the most versatile veggies into something special.

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Potatoes are one of our favorite side dishes, and for good reason. They’re super-affordable, easy to find and so mild in flavor that they pair with almost any kind of food or spice. As a bonus, potatoes have a starchy, chameleon texture. Turn them crispy and crunchy in the form of french fry recipes, silky and creamy in potato casseroles or pleasantly chewy, depending on your recipe and the type of potato you choose.

This collection of our favorite potato recipes shows that the spuds go beyond meat and potato dishes. You’ll find plenty of the classics like potato soup and potato salad, plus creative mashed potato recipes and cozy sweet potato options. We also included some offbeat flavors (buffalo chicken, anyone?) and surprising cooking methods (baked potatoes made in a slow cooker!). So whether you’re a seasoned cook seeking fresh ideas, or a novice ready for easy recipes, scroll on.

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Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Total Time: 1 hours, 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon
Level: Intermediate

This 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 you’re ready to bake and eat.

“Tired of the same old mashed potatoes, I whipped up this new family favorite. We can’t get enough of them at our house. Often, I’ll prepare this dish ahead and refrigerate it. Then I bake it just before serving.” —Recipe contributor Dawn Reuter, Oxford, Wisconsin

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Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, eggs, orange juice, marshmallows, butter
Level: Easy

The secret ingredient in this sweet potato casserole might surprise you: oranges! The citrus fruit matches the color of sweet potatoes, and its sweet-tart flavor adds a complementary acidity that balances the dish.

“I took my mother’s delicious sweet potato casserole and gave it a new twist by adding the tempting taste of orange—a fruit very abundant in our state. The flavors are wonderful together and make this dish a family favorite.” —Recipe contributor Norma Poole, Auburndale, Florida

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Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Total Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, butter, maple syrup, brown sugar
Level: Intermediate

Two types of sugar to top already-sweet sweet potatoes? Yep! Maple syrup adds rich flavor and a natural sticky, molasses-like texture, while brown sugar melts into a caramel-like glaze. If you’re avoiding dairy, use a nondairy butter.

“Fresh sweet potatoes Mom grew disappeared fast at our family table when she served them with this easy, flavorful glaze. She still makes them this way, and now they’ve become favorites with her grandchildren as well!” —Recipe contributor Rosemary Pryor, Pasadena, Maryland

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Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, sour cream, horseradish
Level: Easy

The zesty bite of horseradish is just the thing to wake up a sleepy cloud of mashed potatoes. Don’t skip the sour cream in the potatoes! It adds an unmistakable tanginess and extra creamy texture.

“Unlike ordinary garlic mashed potatoes, this unusual but delicious recipe calls for prepared horseradish. This side dish, which my family requests every Thanksgiving, is also fantastic with roast beef.” —Recipe contributor Cynthia Gobeli, Norton, Ohio

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Potato Rolls

Total Time: 40 minutes + rising
Main Ingredients: Mashed potatoes, flour, yeast
Level: Intermediate

Use up leftover mashed potatoes in these airy dinner rolls. These are delicious with just about anything, and extra rolls freeze well.

“After I discovered this recipe, it became a mainstay for me. I make the dough ahead of time when company is coming, and I try to keep some in the refrigerator to bake for our ranch hands. Leftover mashed potatoes are almost sure to go into these rolls.” —Recipe contributor Jeanette McKinney, Belleview, Missouri

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Deluxe Mashed Potatoes

Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream
Level: Intermediate

Most mashed potato 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).

“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!” —Recipe contributor Vivian Bailey, Cedar Falls, Iowa

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Potato Salad

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, eggs, mayonnaise, evaporated milk, vinegar
Level: Intermediate

This slightly retro potato salad recipe is pure comfort. The dressing calls for an unusual ingredient: evaporated milk (different from condensed milk). This thins the mayonnaise-based dressing, making it easier to toss and absorb into the potatoes. It also adds rich, creamy flavor.

“This old-fashioned 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.” —Recipe contributor Sandra Anderson, New York, New York

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Southern Potato Salad

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, eggs, pickles, mustard
Level: Intermediate

What makes a potato salad southern? According to this popular recipe, it’s the addition of tangy mustard and sweet pickles, both of which pep up the flavor of the beloved starchy side dish.

“This potato salad with a southern twist is perfect for a church supper or potluck. The pickles add an extra sweetness.” —Recipe contributor Gene Pitts, Wilsonville, Alabama

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Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole

Total Time: 1 hours, 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Frozen shredded potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream
Level: Easy

Frozen shredded potato recipes are so easy since most of the prep work gets taken out. This crowd-pleasing casserole is a foolproof brunch favorite.

“Bring the taste of Cracker Barrel right to your kitchen. This cheesy breakfast casserole is made easy with frozen hash browns. I can feed a crowd with this simple overnight dish.” —Recipe contributor Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

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Baked Potato Soup

Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes + cooling
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, butter, flour, milk, sour cream, cheddar
Level: Easy

Inspired by the flavors of a loaded baked potato, this soup is an extra cozy twist on classic creamy potato soup. The best types of potato to use in soups are starchy varieties, such as Idaho or russets, which will break down while cooking, thickening the broth and making for an extra creamy soup (without the need for as much actual cream).

“My husband and I enjoyed a delicious baked potato soup at a restaurant while on vacation and I came home determined to duplicate the flavor. It took me five years to get the taste right!” —Recipe contributor Joann Goetz, Genoa, Ohio

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Sweet Potatoes au Gratin

Total Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, heavy whipping cream, Parmesan, egg
Level: Easy

Most gratins are made with white potatoes, so sweet potatoes make a fun change of pace. Their natural sweetness and tender texture pair well with the savory sauce.

“This rich sweet potato casserole couldn’t be any easier to make—or delicious to eat! ” — Recipe contributor Patti Kirchhoff, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

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Potato Soup

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, chicken broth, flour, milk, Velveeta
Level: Intermediate

The reviews say 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.

“You’ll be surprised at the taste of this rich, cheesy concoction—it’s not a typical potato soup. I came up with the recipe after enjoying baked potato soup at one of our favorite restaurants. I added bacon, and I think that makes it even better.” — Recipe contributor Coleen Morrissey, Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania

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Mashed Potatoes

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Russet potatoes, cream, butter
Level: Intermediate

Mashed potatoes don’t get simpler than this. With three main ingredients, this recipe lets the flavor of potatoes, cream and butter shine. You can use whole milk instead of heavy cream if you prefer.

“Mashed potatoes make a wonderful accompaniment to most any meal, so keep this recipe handy.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Fried Red Potatoes

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Red potatoes, spices, canola oil
Level: Intermediate

Fried potatoes are speedy, crispy and versatile—serve them alongside eggs at breakfast time, as a salad side dish at lunch or with any dinner recipe in your repertoire. The trick to frying is to use a type of oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, which won’t burn or change flavor over high heat.

“When I’m in a hurry to prepare potatoes, I resort to this recipe 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.” —Recipe contributor Lois Collier, Vineland, New Jersey

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Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, butter
Level: Intermediate

The addition of tangy, sour ingredients like sour cream and cream cheese does more than boost the flavor of these spuds. It also makes mashed potatoes feel less heavy, making it a welcome addition to big meals like traditional Thanksgiving spreads.

“These nicely seasoned potatoes are so fresh-tasting and creamy that there’s no need for extra butter or gravy, writes Natalie Warf of Spring Lake, North Carolina. “I freeze them in individual and family servings for added convenience.” —Recipe contributor Natalie Warf, Spring Lake, North Carolina

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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cold mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, pecans, flour
Level: Easy

A crackling layer of nutty streusel caps a dish of creamy, smooth sweet potatoes, making for one of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes of all time. (Though there’s no reason to limit this dish to holidays only.) This recipe is easiest if you’ve cooked the potatoes beforehand, but you can also quickly steam or bake sweet potatoes, then mash with a fork or potato masher.

“Mom loved sweet potatoes and fixed them often in this creamy, comforting casserole. With its nutty topping, this side dish could almost be served as a dessert. It’s a treat!” —Recipe contributor Sandi Pichon Memphis, Tennessee

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Creamy Twice-Baked Potatoes

Total Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Baking potatoes, cream cheese, butter, seasonings
Level: Intermediate

Can’t decide between mashed potatoes and baked? Make twice-baked potatoes and get the best of both worlds. After baking spuds, you’ll scoop out the cooked insides, mash them with tangy cream cheese and then spoon back into the skin. Bake them again to brown the top of the potatoes and crisp up the shell.

“With a yummy cream cheese filling, these rich, delicious potatoes are sure winners. They look fancy but are not tricky to make.” —Recipe contributor Linda Wheeler, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

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Orange Sweet Potatoes

Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, cinnamon, orange juice, walnuts
Level: Intermediate

Adding orange juice and zest to sweet potatoes balances and brightens their natural sweetness, while aromatic cinnamon adds a warming, cozy note. Simple and surprising, this dish is a great make-ahead casserole for parties.

“Seconds are common once folks try these wonderfully satisfying sweet potatoes—they’re smothered with a cinnamon-orange sauce and dotted with walnuts.” —Recipe contributor Bonnie Baumgardner, Sylva, North Carolina

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Mashed Red Potatoes

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Red potatoes, garlic, milk, Parmesan cheese
Level: Easy

Red potatoes cook up quickly, making them a great choice for busy nights. Adding both butter and Parmesan cheese to the mash lends plenty of flavor, so there’s no need to make a special gravy or sauce. We suggest using a ricer or potato masher to mash. Never use a blender or food processor, which will make for gummy potatoes.

“These creamy garlic mashed potatoes are so good, you can serve them plain—no butter or gravy is needed. This is the only way I make my mashed potatoes.” —Recipe contributor Valerie Mitchell, Olathe, Kansas

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Candied Yams

Total Time: 55 minutes + cooling
Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, corn syrup, brown sugar
Level: Intermediate

Spoiler alert: this sweet, creamy, delicious recipe is actually made from sweet potatoes, not yams. (Although many people use the name interchangeably, they are different vegetables.) Regardless of what you call them, this classic recipe calls for an unusual sweetener—corn syrup. The syrup leans into the natural stickiness of sweet potatoes, making them almost like candy.

“My town is known as ‘the yam capital of the United States.’ This is a simple recipe that goes well with baked ham or roasted turkey.” —Recipe contributor Essie Nealey, Tabor City, North Carolina

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Fast Scalloped Potatoes

Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, flour, butter, milk, seasonings
Level: Easy

A classic comfort food, scalloped potatoes are traditionally a labor of love to make, but this recipe simplifies the process, delivering the same creamy dish without the hours in the kitchen. You’ll even make an easy homemade sauce from flour-thickened milk.

“These quick scalloped potatoes are mildly cheesy, creamy and comforting—just like Mom used to make—only less of them!” —Recipe contributor Edith Jennings, Prairie City, Iowa

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Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Total Time: 1 hours, 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese
Level: Intermediate

This mashed potato recipe bakes the spuds in a casserole dish at the same oven temp as many roasted meat and fish dishes. As long as you’re turning on the oven, you might as well fill it up with a yummy sheet pan dinner!

“Everyone who has tasted these creamy, cheesy potatoes asks how to make them. Since this comforting casserole bakes at the same temperature as my chicken bundles, I get it started in the oven and pop in the entree a little later.” —Recipe contributor Brad Moritz, Limerick, Pennsylvania

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Au Gratin Potatoes

Total Time: 1 hours, 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, flour, butter, milk
Level: Easy

Au gratin potatoes 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.

“These cheesy potatoes are always welcome at our dinner table, and they’re so simple to make. A perfect complement to ham, the versatile, homey side dish also goes well with pork, chicken and other entrees.” —Recipe contributor Cris O’Brien, Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Ultimate Scalloped Potatoes

Total Time: 1 hours, 20 minutes + cooling
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, heavy cream, butter, Swiss, Parmesan
Level: Easy

Scalloped potatoes are usually smothered in a flour-based white sauce, but this decadent recipe cuts out the flour entirely, using heavy cream, butter and milk to create an ultra-creamy dish. Bookmark this cozy gluten-free side dish for holidays or cold winter nights.

“This tasty variation on traditional scalloped potatoes is dressed up with garlic, Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese.” —Recipe contributor Glenda Malan, Lake Forest, California

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Sweet Potato Pudding

Total Time: 1 hours, 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, brown sugar, spices, marshmallows
Level: Intermediate

If you like sweet potato casserole but find it a bit one-note, try this twist on the classic. It calls for lots of spices, including vanilla, allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon, giving the dish plenty of cozy flavoring that offsets the sweetness.

“My grandmother served this sweet potato casserole at Thanksgiving. The puffy marshmallow topping gives the dish a festive look, and spices enhance the sweet potato flavor.” —Recipe contributor Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

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Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, buttermilk, broth, garlic
Level: Intermediate

If you love mashed potatoes but not necessarily the rich ingredients list, try this lightened-up version, which uses tangy buttermilk instead of cream cheese or sour cream, and a dash of savory broth in place of the standard butter. The wetter ingredients also make it easy to make creamy mashed potatoes, since they’ll easily become soft and cloud-like.

“My sister-in-law, who is a dietitian, shared this recipe with me. Buttermilk and garlic flavor these smooth mashed potatoes that are better for you than typical versions with lots of butter.” —Recipe contributor Stephanie Bremson, Kansas City, Missouri

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Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Total Time: 1 hour + cooling
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, boiled eggs, bacon, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard
Level: Easy

Translate the beloved game-day appetizer into a festive summer side dish! This quick potato salad calls for waxy potatoes, such as red potatoes, which hold their shape nicely even when tossed in a creamy dressing. Rather than boiling the potatoes, you’ll roast them in wedges for crispiness.

“I revamped my mother’s potato salad recipe to taste more like baked potatoes with all the fixin’s, which I love. It’s now the most requested dish at family gatherings. Even my mother asked for the recipe!” —Recipe contributor Jackie Deckard, Solsberry, Indiana

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Dill Pickle Potato Salad

Total Time: 40 minutes + chilling and cooling
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, mayonnaise, dill pickles, pickle juice
Level: Easy

Want to jazz up a classic creamy potato salad—without the effort of procuring fresh herbs or making an elaborate dressing? Simply add a splash of pickle juice directly to the bowl. The pungent, vinegary, herbal brine is just the thing to brighten up heavy potatoes.

“Dill pickles add pizazz to this old-fashioned chilled potato salad. The creamy, well-dressed side dish makes a flavorful and attractive addition to a Fourth of July picnic or church supper.” —Recipe contributor Nancy Holland, Morgan Hill, California

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Homemade Cheesy Potato Soup

Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, condensed cream of chicken soup, Velveeta
Level: Easy

While it may seem counter-intuitive to add Velveeta to soup, the processed cheese has an incomparably smooth texture. It melts into the broth, making for a silky soup that isn’t stringy or clumpy.

“It doesn’t take long to put bowls of this comforting cheesy potato soup recipe on the table. Convenience items, such as canned soup and processed cheese, simplify the preparation.” —Recipe contributor Tammy Condit, League City, Texas

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Potatoes Romanoff

Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Red potatoes, cottage cheese, sour cream, dill
Level: Intermediate

This hearty casserole is a great way to use up leftover potatoes. Since the creamy sauce is made with cottage cheese, it’s also a lighter option, especially if you use low-fat sour cream.

“These tangy potato cubes, topped with cheddar cheese, can be mixed ahead and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake them. What a timesaver! I like to serve them with steak and green beans.” —Recipe contributor Rita Deere, Evansville, Indiana

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Cottage Potatoes

Total Time: 1 hours, 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Velveeta, bread, cornflakes, butter
Level: Easy

It’s an open secret that the topping of a casserole is often the best part. Here, simple boiled potatoes are covered in a mix of chunky peppers, onions, pimientos, cheese and breadcrumbs, resulting in a crunchy and colorful blanket of deliciousness you’ll want to eat straight out of the dish.

“I often make this crunchy and colorful potato dish for our family reunions. It’s my cousin’s recipe, and we always know we’ll never have any leftovers.” —Recipe contributor Mary Sholtis, Ashtabula, Ohio

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Camper's Breakfast Hash

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Shredded hash brown potatoes, breakfast sausage links, eggs, cheddar
Level: Intermediate

This quick one-pan breakfast tastes good whether it’s cooked over a campfire or on the stovetop. With sausages, eggs and shredded hash browns, It’s a hearty, protein-packed breakfast to fuel a day of hiking, biking or yard work.

“When we go camping with family and friends, I always make this hearty breakfast. It’s a favorite at home too.” —Recipe contributor Linda Krivanek, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

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Sweet Potato Chips

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, cooking spray, seasonings
Level: Intermediate

Super-quick sweet potato chips are sweet, savory and delightfully crunchy. Our base recipe includes a light, herby seasoning made with rosemary, parsley, paprika and garlic salt, but you can use any spices you crave. Go spicy with cayenne, smoky with cumin or Italian with herbs and grated Parmesan.

“The next time you have the hungries, don’t reach for high-fat junk food. Instead, spend a few minutes preparing these oven-baked sweet potato slices.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Sweet Potato Casserole

Total Time: 1 hours, 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, milk, brown sugar, marshmallows
Level: Intermediate

Sometimes, you can’t beat old-fashioned comfort food. This casserole is just how grandma would have made it—mashed sweet potato thinned with egg and milk, seasoned with brown sugar and spices and baked under a blanket of gooey marshmallows.

“Thanksgiving dinner just wouldn’t be complete without sweet potatoes! Prepare the comforting side dish with the popular marshmallow topping…or choose from streusel, fruit or crunchy toppings.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Colcannon

Total Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, potatoes, butter, bacon
Level: Intermediate

A 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.

“Every Irish family has its own version of this classic dish. My recipe comes from my father’s family in Ireland. It’s part of my St. Patrick’s Day menu, along with lamb chops, carrots and soda bread.” —Recipe contributor Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon

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Broccoli Potato Supreme

Total Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Broccoli, mashed potatoes, cream cheese, french-fried onions
Level: Easy

If you have leftover mashed potatoes, you’re halfway to this delicious, wholesome casserole. Packed with fresh broccoli, it’s jazzed up with tangy cream cheese, crispy French-fried onions and savory cheddar.

“My family insists that this two-in-one casserole makes an appearance at all of our special meals. Every bite is doubly delicious!” —Recipe contributor Jane Birch, Edison, New Jersey

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Potato Pancakes

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, egg, flour, canola oil
Level: Intermediate

So many of our favorite breakfast foods are soft, like scrambled eggs or oatmeal. Jazz up the morning plate with the addition of a crispy, savory potato pancake. While this recipe serves two people, it’s easy to scale up by adding an extra potato (or a few).

“Here’s a potato pancake that doesn’t take much time to make and is just right for two people. Weekends become our time to relax and enjoy life, and this is one of our favorite treats.” —Recipe contributor Nancy Salinas, Grand Rapids, Minnesota

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Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Total Time: 30 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Cold mashed potatoes, egg, bread crumbs
Level: Intermediate

Crispy outside and fluffy inside, these mashed potato balls are a surprisingly versatile dish. Serve as a party appetizer, a potluck dish on game day or a side dish for family dinner. You can fill them with almost anything; we went with bacon and cheese here, but chopped roasted vegetables, spinach and feta or chopped ham are all great options too.

“The key to this recipe is to start with mashed potatoes that are firm from chilling. Serve the fried treats with sour cream or ranch salad dressing on the side.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Seasoned Red Potatoes

Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Red potatoes, olive oil, butter, seasonings
Level: Easy

We love roasting red potatoes, since their thin, delicate skins crisp up beautifully while their insides get tender rather than grainy. A dash of garlic powder, salt and dried herbs are classic seasonings, but go ahead and change it up with a favorite spice blend.

“These simple but tasty potatoes are on the menu at my SideTrack Cafe in Metamora, Indiana. I’ve collected recipes for years, and this is a favorite.” —Recipe contributor Nancy Johnson, Connersville, Indiana

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Hash Brown Potato Soup

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Shredded hash brown potatoes, cream of celery soup, Velveeta, sour cream
Level: Easy

This is one of the coziest soups of all time—and the easiest. Using bagged shredded hash browns means there’s no need to scrub and slice potatoes, and they’ll also cook up in no time. Adding cream of celery soup and creamy processed cheese makes for a smooth, rich bowl perfect for the iciest days.

“A friend brought me this soup when I was sick. It tastes like it simmered for hours, but basic ingredients make it a snap to prepare. This one’s sure to chase the chills away!” —Recipe contributor Pat Maruca, Philippi, West Virginia

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Au Gratin Potatoes 'n' Leeks

Total Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sliced potatoes, leeks, butter, flour, Gruyere
Level: Intermediate

When you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s also impressive, consider an au gratin. Ordinary potatoes become extraordinary when you bake them in a savory white sauce, which will coat every bit of every sliced potato.

“I love making casseroles during the holidays. This one made me a fan of Gruyere cheese for au gratin dishes.” —Recipe contributor Rosalie Hughes, Boise, Idaho

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Seasoned Oven Fries

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, canola oil, butter, seasonings
Level: Intermediate

These chunky, buttery fries are reminiscent of a tasty steakhouse side dish. Since they’re baked, they’re a bit healthier (and much easier) than deep-fried potatoes.

“For a speedy, health-conscious side dish or snack, these fun wedges are just as tasty as the deep-fried version, but with less mess.” —Recipe contributor Pat Fredericks, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

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Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, sour cream, cheddar, bacon, chives
Level: Intermediate

When you want to make stuffed baked potatoes for a crowd, turn ’em into a casserole! This big 13×9 recipe is easy to stir together and travels well, if you want to bring it to a party or potluck.

“Here is a great dish for the holidays or to take to a covered dish event. If I need to keep it warm for a long time, I sometimes place the mixture into a slow cooker and then add the sour cream, bacon, cheese and chives.” —Recipe contributor Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

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Oven Fries

Total Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, olive oil, spices
Level: Easy

You might not expect (or even want) your fries to be healthy, but these tasty oven fries will surprise you. Coated in olive oil and tossed in paprika and garlic powder, they’re baked until crispy and brown. You can even skip the salt altogether, especially if you’re looking to cut down on sodium.

“I jazz up my fries with paprika and garlic powder. Something about the combination of spices packs a punch. The leftovers are even good cold!” —Recipe contributor Heather Byers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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French Fries

Total Time: 25 minutes + soaking
Main Ingredients: Russet potatoes, oil, salt
Level: Easy

It may be worth learning how to deep fry at home, if only to make this recipe. Homemade french fries are light, crispy and pure pleasure to eat. Make sure to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil.

“One of the culinary highlights of going to the fair is also one of the simplest—fresh-cut, fresh-cooked french fries. This recipe you can make at home is so much better than any fast-food or frozen variety.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, cream cheese, brown sugar, pecans
Level: Easy

This recipe has a few tricks up its sleeve. Baking sweet potatoes until tender brings out their natural sweetness. Scooping out the flesh and stirring in cream cheese adds balancing tanginess. A second round of baking crisps up both the skin and the nut topping. Yum!

“I like to make these twice-baked sweet potatoes because they can be prepared ahead of time. With the addition of cream cheese, they are very creamy and not overly sweet. It is so easy to increase the quantity to any number.” —Recipe contributor Linda Call, Falun, Kansas

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Herbed Party Potato Wedges

Total Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Russet potatoes, olive oil, seasonings, Parmesan cheese
Level: Easy

These simple baked potato wedges are a perfect side for any roast dish, but they’re also a popular party appetizer. Serve them hot or at room temperature—both are delicious.

“I used to make these potatoes as a side dish and one day tried them out as an appetizer for a party. What a hit! They are great finger food and taste good at room temperature, and the herbs can be varied however you like. The convenience of these easy, inexpensive appetizers is awesome.” —Recipe contributor Amy Eyler, Ellisville, Missouri”

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Smashed Potatoes

Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Red potatoes, olive oil, butter, herbs
Level: Intermediate

When you smash potatoes, you create a wide edge with lots of uneven crags and crannies. When baked, this uneven surface becomes extremely crispy and delicious.

“While scanning a local newspaper, I found a recipe with an intriguing title. As advertised, these potatoes are crispy, herbed and smashed.” —Recipe contributor Althea Dye, Howard, Ohio

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Grilled Potatoes & Peppers

Total Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Red potatoes, green peppers, onions
Level: Easy

This sweet and savory mix of potatoes, peppers and onions tastes delicious alongside brunch or supper. The veggies cook in one large foil packet, which minimizes prep time.

“My husband, Matt, grills this recipe for both breakfast and dinner gatherings. Besides our company, his potatoes are one of the best parts of the event!” —Recipe contributor Susan Nordin, Warren, Pennsylvania

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Bubble and Squeak

Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mashed potatoes, cabbage, milk, flour
Level: Easy

This is a cozy British dish with a charming name that belies its humble ingredients: leftover mashed potatoes and cabbage. After mixing both with milk and flour, you form palm-sized patties and fry them in butter. They rise into crispy, pillowy cakes packed with savory flavor.

“Each year at Christmas, I make sure I have leftovers to make this bubble and squeak on Boxing Day. I like to serve it with cold turkey and salad. This version can be made any time of year, and it’s also good served at brunch with sausages. I find it helpful to use an ice cream scoop to divide the potato mixture into portions before flattening them.” —Recipe contributor Tanya Aggett, Toronto, Ontario

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Funeral Potatoes

Total Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Frozen shredded hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cornflakes
Level: Easy

Sometimes called funeral potatoes, this casserole is comforting and great for sharing on any occasion. Cheesy, creamy potatoes get a lift from a crunchy cornflake topping.

“On holidays, a friend serves these creamy, cheesy potatoes when we gather together to celebrate with lifelong friends and grown children.” —Recipe contributor Carol Blue, Barnesville, Pennsylvania

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Cheesy Potatoes

Total Time: 4 hours, 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Condensed cream of chicken soup, frozen cubed potatoes, cheddar cheese
Level: Easy

This slow cooker dump recipe mixes together a few pantry ingredients, then leaves them to cook low and slow until they form a soft, cozy, saucy casserole. Serve this on a chilly night.

“As a four-generation Idaho family, we love our potatoes and cook with them in every way possible. I have served this dish for weddings, family dinners and more. It has become a favorite of many.” —Recipe contributor Karla Kimball, Emmett, Idaho

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Cheese & Herb Potato Fans

Total Time: 1 hours, 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, butter, cheddar, Parmesan, herbs
Level: Easy

Slicing whole potatoes like accordions before baking serves a couple purposes. First, it makes them cook faster and more evenly. Second, it deepens the flavor of the potato, letting it soak in seasoning and oil as it cooks, and making the exposed edges crisp up a bit. Not bad for a small effort.

“It’s downright fun to make and serve these potatoes—and they taste incredible too. The fresh herbs, butter and cheeses are just what a good potato dish needs.” —Recipe contributor Susan Curry, West Hills, California

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Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes

Total Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Baking potatoes, ground beef, vegetables
Level: Intermediate

Inspired by cozy shepherd’s pie, these stuffed baked potatoes are filled with three kinds of cheese and a savory mixture of ground beef and vegetables. They’re hearty enough to serve as a main dish with a simple salad.

“This recipe captures the best of two classics—baked potatoes and shepherd’s pie. Serve with a green salad, and satisfaction’s guaranteed even for those with the heartiest appetites.” —Recipe contributor Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

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Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Fingerling potatoes, Parmesan cheese, herbs
Level: Intermediate

We love fingerling potatoes because their narrow shape cooks quickly and evenly, and the tiny potatoes make for a nice skin-to-insides ratio. Boiling before baking ensures the potatoes are tender inside before they crisp up.

“My children absolutely love these tender ‘mini’ potatoes. Fingerling potatoes can be found at farmers markets and specialty grocery stores, though Yukon Gold potatoes would work too.” —Recipe contributor Michelle Herren, Las Vegas, Nevada

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Roasted Greek Potatoes with Feta Cheese

Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Yukon Gold potatoes, lemon, feta cheese, olive oil
Level: Easy

While lots of potato recipes feel more welcome in cold weather—hello, cozy butter and cheese—this one is made for a balmy day. The Mediterranean flavor pairs well with simple grilled meats or a vegetarian spread.

“Lemony potatoes are a traditional side dish for grilled chicken or steak. When they come out of the oven, we top them with feta for a little melty goodness.” —Recipe contributor Arge Salvatori, Waldwick, New Jersey

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International Potato Cake

Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes + cooling
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, whipping cream, butter, eggs, salami
Level: Intermediate

Want to try an outside-the-box potato recipe? Try this tender, savory potato cake. Made with soft potatoes, aromatic Greek spices and savory salami, it’s a delicious light lunch or dinner side dish.

“Over the years, I’ve made this potato cake with lamb, ham and hard salami. It’s a perfect side for a lunch or dinner party.” —Recipe contributor Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

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Pretty Duchess Potatoes

Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Russet potatoes, eggs, butter
Level: Intermediate

Need a side dish with wow-factor? Try these whirled potatoes. They look incredibly special, but they’re easy to pipe out with a pastry bag (or even a ziptop plastic bag).

“Comfort-food flavor comes in attractive packages that are just the right size!” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes

Total Time: 2 hours, 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Yukon Gold potatoes, cream cheese, butter, sour cream
Level: Intermediate

Garlic lovers, this recipe is for you. Every dairy ingredient here plays a role: butter for rich heft, sour cream for moisture, cream cheese for tang and whipping cream to lift the potato mix to airy loftiness.

“Cream cheese is the secret ingredient in these comforting spuds. Simply mash, mix and let them warm in the slow cooker.” —Recipe contributor Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas

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Herbed Potato Packs

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Fingerling potatoes, olive oil, seasonings
Level: Easy

This grilled side dish is simple and speedy. Small, waxy fingerling potatoes cook quickly due to the foil packet sealing in oil and spices.

“Fingerlings are small, waxy and tender, and they are often sold in bags of assorted colors (red, purple and gold). These little potatoes feel festive in convenient single-serve foil packs.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Sweet Potato Latkes

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, onion, flour, eggs, oil
Level: Easy

These crispy latkes have a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. If you make them with an all-purpose gluten-free flour, they will make an autumnal gluten-free side dish.

“I have fond memories of making this recipe for family holidays. Shredded russet potatoes can be used instead of sweet for a change of pace. Serve these with sour cream, applesauce or a sprinkling of chopped chives.” —Recipe contributor Paula Freud, Minden, Nevada

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Buffalo Wing Potatoes

Total Time: 6 hours, 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, red onion, Buffalo wing sauce, cheddar
Level: Easy

This 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.

“I 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.”—Recipe contributor Summer Feaker, Ankeny, Iowa

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Potato Salad with Bacon

Total Time: 35 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Red potatoes, bacon, celery, mayonnaise, mustard
Level: Easy

All the rich flavor of a loaded baked potato, delivered in a cool, summer-ready potato salad. Use lots of celery and bacon for crunch, mayonnaise for creaminess and mustard for a kick.

“My kids and I always want potato salad when we grill or barbecue, but we don’t like the store-bought versions. I toyed with many combinations until I developed this one. Now if I mention grilling to the family, this is their top side-dish request.” —Recipe contributor Paul Cogswell, League City, Texas

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Sweet Potato Fritters

Total Time: 25 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, flour, eggs, coconut oil, harissa
Level: Easy

Sweet potatoes pair well with spicy ingredients. Their starchy sweetness offsets the heat. Here, the chile-and-pepper sauce harissa fires up crispy, savory fritters. Frying the potatoes in coconut oil will impart some aromatic flavor, but you can use a flavorless oil like canola or peanut instead.

“I had leftover sweet potatoes and had to think up a new way to use them. We love spice, so I flavored these fun fritters with harissa—just enough for flavor but not too spicy. If you want more heat, you can always adjust the spice to please your taste buds.” —Recipe contributor Teri Schloessmann, Tulsa, Oklahoma

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Spicy Potatoes with Garlic Aioli

Total Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, olive oil, garlic, spices, mayonnaise
Level: Intermediate

Mild potatoes take on the flavorings of whatever spices you add to them, and they match with almost anything. Here, Yukon Golds get a fiery coating of earthy cumin, spicy red pepper flakes, smoked paprika and chili powder. A mayonnaise dip cools off the spicy bites.

“This is my take on Spanish patatas bravas. The potatoes are tossed in a flavorful spice mix and then finished to a crispy golden brown. The garlic aioli takes it over the top for an unconventional potato salad that’ll be a hit at any party.” —Recipe contributor John Stiver, Bowen Island, British Columbia

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French Potato Salad

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, mustard, vinegar, herbs
Level: Intermediate

Creamy potato salad can be a bit heavy. Using a lighter, vinegar-based dressing makes potatoes bright and zippy. As with all French recipes, this one will taste best if you use quality ingredients, including a good brand of mustard.

“French potato salad is vinegar-based instead of creamy, and is made with Dijon mustard, olive oil, scallions or shallots, and fresh herbs.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Pepper Jack Hash Brown Casserole

Total Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Frozen shredded hash browns, cream of chicken soup, pepper jack cheese
Level: Intermediate

Prepare 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.

“I found myself in need of an impromptu potato dish, but I had no potatoes. Frozen hash browns and the plethora of cheeses I kept in the freezer offered me the solution to my side-dish dilemma.” —Recipe contributor Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida

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Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Russet potatoes, water, milk, sour cream
Level: Easy

We love to try new recipes in the Instant Pot, and it can almost always turn them out just as tasty, in a fraction of the time. The Instant Pot cooks the potatoes alone first, then the milk, seasonings and other ingredients are added. Using a dash of cooking liquid to thin out the potatoes gives a smooth texture with less richness than dairy.

“These pressure-cooker mashed potatoes are great when your stovetop is full with other pans or you want to walk away from the potatoes while they are cooking and do other things. It’s so easy to just set it and forget it!” —Recipe contributor Amber Gaines, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, canola oil, spices
Level: Easy

Since the air fryer circulates heat so rapidly, it can crisp up food quicker—and with less oil—than ordinary baking can. These delicious fries are a great recipe to throw together for an easy side dish. Add spices or french fry dips.

“I can never get enough of these sweet potato fries! Even though my grocery store sells them in the frozen foods section, I still love to pull sweet potatoes out of my garden and slice them up fresh!” —Recipe contributor Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

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Air-Fryer Baked Potato

Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Russet potatoes, butter, garlic
Level: Easy

Pop a few potatoes into the air fryer, and you have the base of a light lunch or simple side dish. Top with butter and chives for a simple touch.

“By rubbing the potatoes with a butter-garlic mixture before cooking them, you end up with a very flavorful potato skin. It’s just a little incentive to eat what I think is the best part of the potato.” —Recipe contributor Teresa Emrick, Tipp City, Ohio

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Smiley Fries

Total Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mashed potatoes, bread crumbs, spices, oil
Level: Intermediate

Have leftover mashed potatoes? Make these charming potato cakes. Rolled in crispy breadcrumbs and shallow-fried, they’re a friendly treat for the kids table at your next holiday gathering.

“These cute smiley fries take us back—back to a time with lunch tables, food trays and tiny milk cartons. If you were a hot-lunch kid growing up, there’s a strong possibility that you were served smiley fries like these from the cafeteria line on more than one occasion.” —Recipe contributor Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

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Homemade Tater Tots

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Russet potatoes, cornstarch, seasonings
Level: Easy

To achieve the crispy texture of commercial Tater Tots, try this unconventional technique. Deep-fry chunks of potatoes, then blitz them in the food processor, adding seasonings. Shape the batter into tot shapes, then fry again until crispy and flaky.

“If you love Tater Tots and use them as a crunchy topping for Tater Tot hot dish and casseroles, the next step is making your own from scratch. It’s a surprisingly simple process, and once you master the basic technique, you can make these homemade Tater Tots your own!” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Total Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Red potatoes, Parmesan, garlic
Level: Intermediate

Garlic and Parmesan are one of our favorite flavor combinations. They transform simple red potatoes into an aromatic side dish. Use fresh Parmesan or Romano cheese, which have more flavor than the stuff in the green container.

“Potatoes are among our favorite side dishes. This version takes a little effort, but I start by boiling the spuds on my prep day. Then, the night we want them for dinner, I only have to finish them up for crispy potatoes with garlic and Parmesan cheese.” —Recipe contributor Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky

Potato Recipes FAQ

Which type of potato is best?

Different types of potatoes should be used for different recipes. Starchy potatoes, like russets and Yukon Golds, make for creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy baked potatoes and crispy fries. Waxy potatoes like red potatoes are low in starch but high in moisture. Boiled, they hold their shape nicely and become tender. Roasted, their thin skins crisp up nicely.

Should I peel the potatoes?

These recipes will tell you when to peel the potatoes and when to leave the skins on. In general, baked potato recipes call for skin-on potatoes, while recipes that call for a consistent texture, like soups, will have you peel them. Waxy potato skins are so thin, they’re usually left on. Potato skins themselves are full of fiber and vitamins, so it’s good to leave them on when you can.

How do I keep potatoes from turning brown?

As you slice potatoes, their white flesh will oxidize quickly, making it darken. To prevent potatoes from turning brown, set out a large bowl of cold water, and drop slices into the water as you work. Drain and dry them when you’re ready to cook.