I can hardly resist the allure of buttery, garlicky potatoes, especially when they’re sizzling hot and fresh from the oven. It’s like a comforting hug from the inside out—perfect for a cozy night in, or a lively get-together with friends (because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love potatoes?). The aroma alone could make me forget anything else on my to-do list, even the latest episode of that true crime podcast I’m hooked on.
Steps
- Twice Baked Potatoes
- Begin by baking potatoes until tender, then slice them in half and scoop out the insides. Mix the potato flesh with your choice of ingredients like cheese, sour cream, and seasonings. Refill the potato skins with the mixture and bake until golden.
- Ham and Potato Soup
- Sauté onions and garlic in a pot, then add diced potatoes and chunks of ham. Pour in broth and let the mixture simmer until the potatoes are soft. Blend a portion for a creamy texture and season to taste before serving.
- Ranch Potato Salad
- Boil potatoes until just tender, then cool and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Toss with ranch dressing, chopped pickles, and a splash of pickle brine for extra flavor. Chill before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Fondant Potatoes
- Cut potatoes into thick rounds and sear them in a hot pan until golden. Add butter and stock, then transfer to the oven to roast until tender and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
- German Potato Salad
- Boil potatoes and slice them while still warm. Prepare a dressing with vinegar, mustard, and bacon drippings, then pour over the potatoes. Add crumbled bacon and chopped herbs, and serve warm.
- Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
- Toss potato wedges in olive oil, salt, and Parmesan cheese. Arrange them cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast until crispy and golden. Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie with Carrots and Mushrooms
- Sauté onions, carrots, and mushrooms until soft, then add stock and herbs. Spoon the vegetable mixture into a baking dish and top with creamy mashed potatoes. Bake until the top is golden and serve warm.
- Cheesy Funeral Potatoes From Scratch
- Prepare a creamy sauce with butter, flour, and milk, then mix with grated cheese and shredded potatoes. Spread in a baking dish and top with more cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden.
- Bang Bang Potatoes
- Roast potato cubes until crispy, then toss with a spicy bang bang sauce. Season with garlic powder and serve warm for a flavorful side dish.
- One-Pan Paprika Chicken with Potatoes and Tomatoes
- In a large pan, sear chicken pieces seasoned with paprika, then add potatoes and tomatoes. Bake everything together until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
- Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad
- Boil potatoes, then chop and mix with a dressing of sour cream, mayonnaise, and chopped green onions. Chill before serving to enhance the flavor.
- Mediterranean Potato Salad
- Boil and chop potatoes, then mix with olives, cherry tomatoes, and a lemony vinaigrette. Let the salad sit for a while to absorb the flavors before serving.
- Onion Potato Gratin
- Layer thinly sliced potatoes with onions and cheese in a baking dish. Pour over cream, then bake until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Potato Latkes
- Shred potatoes and mix with eggs, flour, and seasonings. Fry spoonfuls of the mixture in hot oil until crispy on the outside. Serve with applesauce or sour cream.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and shredded
- 1 medium onion, grated
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
FAQ
- What can I do with a bunch of leftover potatoes?
- You can explore a variety of recipes such as twice baked potatoes, potato soup, various potato salads, fondant potatoes, and even potato gratin to use up those extra potatoes creatively.
- Can I use different types of potatoes for these recipes?
- While some recipes, like fondant potatoes, specifically recommend using russet potatoes for their starch content and size, many of the other recipes can accommodate different types of potatoes based on your preference.
- Are there any vegetarian options in the list of recipes?
- Yes, there are several vegetarian recipes, including a Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie with Carrots and Mushrooms and Cheesy Funeral Potatoes made from scratch.
- How can I prepare potatoes for a crowd?
- Recipes like the Ranch Potato Salad or German Potato Salad are designed to be crowd-pleasers and can be easily scaled up to serve larger gatherings.
- Is it possible to make any of these dishes ahead of time?
- Certainly! The Mediterranean Potato Salad, for instance, can be prepared ahead as the vinaigrette acts as a marinade, enhancing the flavors over time.
Tips
- When making fondant potatoes, opt for russet potatoes due to their ideal size and starch content, which are perfect for this cooking technique.
- For a flavorful German potato salad, consider using stone-ground mustard instead of yellow for a more robust taste.
- To achieve crispy Parmesan potatoes, ensure you arrange them flat-side down on the baking sheet to maximize crunchiness.
- Prepare Mediterranean potato salad in advance to allow the vinaigrette to marinate the potatoes, enhancing the flavor over time.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – If you want to make French fries or other air-fried potato dishes.
- Food Processor – Useful for shredding potatoes for dishes like potato latkes.
- Mandoline Slicer – Handy for slicing potatoes evenly for gratins or fondant potatoes.
- Immersion Blender – Useful for pureeing soups like ham and potato soup.
- Casserole Dish – Necessary for oven-baked dishes like cheesy funeral potatoes or onion potato gratin.
- Cast Iron Skillet or Oven-Safe Pan – Essential for making one-pan meals or fondant potatoes.
- Dutch Oven or Large Soup Pot – Useful for making soups and stews like ham and potato soup.
