What are the different ways to cook potatoes?

There are so many different ways to cook potatoes, and they’re all delicious! Whether you prefer them boiled, baked or fried, potatoes are a versatile root vegetable that can make the meal.

With thousands of varieties of potato available, which ones are best for cooking? It actually depends on the way you cook them. Read on for our suggestions and some delicious recipes.

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Potatoes, aka the good carb, are versatile, filling, and nutritious. They come in many varieties and are prepared in countless ways. Eating this starchy vegetable in moderation can help you boost physical and mental performance. They’re rich in minerals, vitamins, and fiber, providing you with the energy and nourishment to function better.

But before cooking, there’s one more thing left to do. Potatoes grow from dirt, so it’s important to clean them thoroughly. Then, let the kitchen magic begin! The most common potato cooking methods require few ingredients and minimal food preparation skills. You can get a vegetable peeler, too, to make the peeling process easier. Even as a beginner cook, you can prepare mouth-watering potato meals.

Top 5 ways to cook potatoes

Baked Potatoes

If roasted potatoes involve potatoes cut into small, even pieces, baked potatoes are cooked in the oven as they are. The key difference lies in temperature. Any food cooked at around 375°F is considered baking, while those baked at 400°F or higher are roasting.

For baking, russets, sweet potatoes, and yukon gold are the best variants. The goal when it comes to baking baked potatoes? Crispy skin and fluffy and soft interiors. Preheat the oven to 400˚. After scrubbing, cleaning, and drying the potatoes, prick them in multiple places using a fork.

Place it on a baking sheet and rub them with vegetable or canola oil. Bake for around an hour or until their skin feels crisp. Once done, slice them open and load them up with your desired toppings. You can fill it with leftover barbecued chicken, cottage cheese, or delicious other toppings.

Boiled Potatoes

Boiled potatoes are a simple, easy meal that can be done in various ways. You can do it in a stove, microwave, or instant pot! The most traditional method is, of course, the stovetop option. Put the potatoes in a saucepan with water and around ½ teaspoon salt. Simmer for 25 minutes for big potatoes and 15 minutes for smaller ones.

Boiling potatoes in the microwave is the best choice for people on the go. The exact process applies. Put the potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with water and salt. Then, cook them in a high setting for about five to seven minutes. Don’t forget to poke holes before cooking to allow built-up steam to escape as it cooks.

Using the instant pot to boil potatoes is also possible. Depending on the size of the potatoes, cooking takes 15 minutes. First, place the rivet inside and pour water at the base. Next, put the potatoes at the top of the rivet. Cook at high pressure for 10 minutes.

Fried Potatoes

Who doesn’t love fried potatoes?! Yukon gold and russet are your best choices for the creamiest, most buttery homemade version. It’s your choice whether or not you want to eat them peeled! Slice or cube the potatoes. Add them into a pot and then pour water with a bit of salt.

Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes. Drain the potatoes and leave them to cool for a few minutes before frying them again on medium heat until they are golden brown and crispy. This second fry results in crispier, drier potatoes!

Mashed Potatoes

Good, old-fashioned mashed potatoes are a classic dish. Smooth and creamy, these are typically served with extra butter or gravy on top. Aside from the main ingredient, the most basic recipe only involves unsalted butter, milk, and salt. You can use other herbs and spices, too, for garnish and extra flavor.

Perfectly seasoned mashed potatoes are the best side dishes to fried chicken, grilled lamb chops, and other delicious entrées. There are many kinds of potatoes, but the best type to use is russet potatoes because of their high starch content and low moisture level.

Simply add water and a bit of salt to a large pot. The water should be four inches above the potatoes. Boil them over high heat until the potatoes are very soft. Cooking time lasts about 15 minutes. Afterward, drain well and leave the potatoes for about a minute.

Mash well while adding the flavorings. Homemade mashed potatoes are smooth and fluffy! However, sometimes, people go for a chunkier version: smashed potatoes. Smashed potatoes also include skins, the most antioxidant-rich part of the potato.

roasted potato wedges on parchment paper

Roasted Potatoes

Yukon gold potatoes are the best for roasting. They are not too waxy and starchy. Unlike red potatoes, they are a little less dark due to their slightly lower starch content. The most delicious roasted potato recipe includes unpeeled yukon golds, olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper.

First, chop the potatoes into bite-sized 1/2-inch pieces. Place them in a bowl and add salt, pepper, and olive oil. Next, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut butter into tiny pieces and place them on top of each potato. Now, it’s time to bake them. Bake the potatoes at 425ºF and wait for the bottom part to golden, at 25 to 30 minutes. Flip them and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until they are crisp enough. That’s it! If you want, garnish with parsley before serving.

Potatoes Are Good For You

Eating potatoes in moderation and preparing it the right way will not result in weight gain or other health concerns. It’s all about consuming the right portions and preparing it in the healthiest way possible!

Helpful tools for potatoes

If you love eating potatoes as much as our family, you’ll want to keep these potato tools on hand. They’re helpful with the different ways to make potatoes: