If you’re new here, hi! My name is Kayla! And if you didn’t know already, I’m obsessed with easy weeknight meals. I love an easy weeknight dinner recipe with potatoes. Why? Because they are really easy to prepare ahead of time, they are so versatile and there are so many ways to cook potatoes. I love to can bake them, boil them, pan fry them, air fry them and mash them! Plus, there are so many different types of potatoes to choose from.
Types of Potatoes
Russet Potatoes: These are the classic baking potatoes you might be familiar with. They have a rough, brown skin and fluffy white flesh on the inside. I love to use russet potatoes for baking, frying, french fries, and mashing!
Red Potatoes: Red potatoes have thin, red skin with white or slightly yellow flesh inside. They hold their shape well when cooked, making them perfect for potato salads, roasting, and boiling. Their skin is edible too, so you don’t necessarily have to peel them. I love to use red potatoes for a good roasted potato with a crispy edge. I most often serve these with a steak or piece of grilled chicken. You can also add them to a salad for a good crunch!
White Potatoes: These have a thin, beige skin and white flesh inside. Similar to russets, they’re good for baking and mashing. However, their lower starch content makes them less fluffy than russets.
Yellow Potatoes: Yellow potatoes have a thin yellow skin and, you guessed it, yellow insides! They’re known for their mild, buttery flavor and creamy texture when cooked. I love them mashed, roasted, or boiled. The mini ones are my favorite.
Purple Potatoes: These have a beautiful dark purple skin and flesh on the inside. They’re just as versatile as other potato varieties and can be used for roasting, boiling, or mashing. They also tend to hold their shape well when cooked. When I watched the Blue Zone Documentary they talk about purple potatoes a lot!
Fingerling Potatoes: These small, oblong-shaped potatoes come in various colors, including yellow, red, and purple. They have a thin skin and a creamy texture, making them perfect for roasting or pan-frying whole. These are my absolute favorite for roasting!!
Sweet Potatoes: These have a reddish-brown skin with orange flesh on the inside. They have a naturally sweet flavor and are delicious roasted, mashed, or even baked into fries. I actially always thought sweet potatoe and yams were the same, but they are not! While often called interchangeably, sweet potatoes and yams are actually different. MIND BLOWN!
Yams: Unlike sweet potatoes, yams have a rougher, bark-like black or brown skin with orange or white, drier flesh on the inside. They have a stronger, nuttier flavor compared to sweet potatoes. I find that these are not as commonly found in grocery stores but can sometimes be found in specialty stores!
Ways to Cook Potatoes
Boiling: This is a simple way to cook potatoes whole or cubed. Boiled potatoes can be mashed, or enjoyed with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs. I love boiling potatoes for a potato salad.
Baking: Perfect for russet and Idaho potatoes, baking creates fluffy insides and crispy skins. THE BEST! I eat baked potatoes plain or loaded with my favorite toppings like cheese, broccoli, and chili.
Roasting: Roasting is a great way to caramelize the natural sugars in potatoes, resulting in a delicious browned exterior and tender insides. This method works well for all potato varieties, but particularly red, yellow, fingerling, and purple potatoes. I love using roasted potatoes instead of a crouton in my loaded salads!
Frying: This can involve deep-frying for french fries or pan-frying for hash browns. Frying gives potatoes a crispy exterior and soft center. I often choose the air fryer over actual deep frying to save myself the unnecessary saturated fat.
Mashing: This is a classic comfort food made by boiling or steaming potatoes and then mashing them with butter, milk, and seasonings. I do this most often in the fall and for the holidays.
Microwaving: While not the most traditional method, potatoes can be microwaved whole or cubed with a little water. This is a quick way to cook them for mashing or using in other dishes. This is my go to when I am being lazy and want minimal clean up!
Air Frying: This method uses hot air to crisp up potatoes, resulting in a lower fat alternative to deep-fried options. I air fry potato wedges, fries, or even small whole potatoes. This is by far the technique I use the most. Its the easiest, fool proof and has minimal clean up afterwards.
Storage
Uncooked Potatoes:
- Cool, Dark, and Airy: The key is to mimic their natural growing environment. I often store in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. I avoid storing them in direct sunlight, which can cause them to sprout or turn green. Ew.
- Skip the Fridge: Cold temperatures can turn the starches in potatoes to sugar, leading to a sweeter taste and potentially browning when cooked.
- Paper or Mesh Bags: These allow for air circulation and prevent moisture build-up. I avoid plastic bags because they can trap moisture.
- Open Bowl or Basket: If you don’t have paper or mesh bags, an open bowl or basket in a cool, dark pantry will work too. I just make sure potatoes aren’t crowded together.
Cooked Potatoes:
- Refrigerate Promptly: Once cooked, potatoes become perishable like any other cooked food. I let them cool slightly, then I transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze for Later: For longer storage, cooked and mashed potatoes can be frozen in airtight containers for up to a year. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What to make with potatoes
Here are some weeknight dinner recipes made with potatoes that you must add to your weeknight dinner menu!
1. One Pan Sweet Potato Skillet (Gluten Free)
2. Chicken Potato Curry Recipe (Gluten Free)
3. Egg and Potato Skillet Recipe (Gluten Free)
4. Cheesy Enchilada Potatoes with Chicken Recipe (Gluten Free)
5. One-Pan Greek Baked Chicken with Potatoes (gluten free)
6. Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes (3 Ingredients)
7. Sausage and Peppers and Potatoes
8. French Onion Potatoes (gluten free)
9. Crispy Baked Parmesan Potatoes (Gluten free)
10. Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey Yogurt sauce (gluten free)
11. Chicken BBQ Salad Recipe (Gluten Free)
12. One Pan Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet (Gluten free)
13. Easy Baked BBQ Chicken with Cheese Recipe (gluten free)
14. Buffalo Chicken Caesar Salad
15. Chicken Harvest Salad
16. Spinach Salad with Sweet potato (gluten free, vegan option)
17. Gluten Free Hashbrown Casserole
18. High Protein Breakfast Bowl (Gluten free)
19. Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole (gluten free)
20. Gluten Free Baked Potato (dairy free, vegan)
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