Which Potato?

Aug 11

Potatoes come in many varieties, and each type has its own best cooking methods. Here's a guide on how to cook different types of potatoes:

1. Russet Potatoes

Best for: Baking, mashing, frying
Cooking Methods:
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes, pierce them with a fork, rub with oil, and bake for 45-60 minutes.
- Mashing: Boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, then mash with butter and milk.
- Frying: Cut into fries or wedges, parboil for 5 minutes, then fry at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.

2. Yukon Gold Potatoes

Best for: Mashing, roasting, boiling
Cooking Methods:
- Mashing: Boil whole or chopped, then mash for creamy potatoes.
- Roasting: Cut into wedges or cubes, toss with oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Boiling: Perfect for potato salads, boil whole until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

3. Red Potatoes

Best for: Boiling, roasting, salads
Cooking Methods:
- Boiling: Boil whole or halved for potato salads, takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Roasting: Toss with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Steaming: Steam whole or halved until tender, then toss with butter and herbs.

4. Fingerling Potatoes

Best for: Roasting, grilling, salads
Cooking Methods:
- Roasting: Toss with olive oil and herbs, then roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Grilling: Parboil for 5 minutes, then grill until charred and tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Salads: Boil whole until tender, slice, and toss with vinaigrette.

5. Purple Potatoes

Best for: Roasting, boiling, steaming
Cooking Methods:
- Roasting: Slice or cube, toss with oil and spices, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Boiling: Boil whole for 15-20 minutes until tender, great for salads.
- Steaming: Steam whole or halved for 20 minutes, then season with herbs.

6. New Potatoes (Red)

Best for: Boiling, steaming, roasting
Cooking Methods:
- Boiling: Boil whole with skins on until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Steaming: Steam until tender, about 20 minutes, then toss with butter and herbs.
- Roasting: Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes.

7. Sweet Potatoes

Best for: Baking, roasting, mashing
Cooking Methods:
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), pierce the skin with a fork, and bake for 45-60 minutes.
- Roasting: Slice into wedges, toss with oil, salt, and spices, then roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Mashing: Boil peeled and chopped sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes, then mash with butter and a bit of cream.

Each variety has its unique texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment with different cooking methods to find your favorite way to enjoy them!

Judy Doherty

I am a food, beverage, and CPG product photographer specializing in photos, stop motion, and video, with over 90,000 photos and motion graphics delivered. Clients hire me for my eye, creative direction, and passion for taking their idea to the next level.

My strength lies in a nimble and lean creative process. Clients love getting creative content at a reasonable cost since my studio can art direct, style, and shoot their images quickly and on budget. My studio features an extensive surface library and prop house with a fully equipped kitchen and two shooting studios.

My experience as a chef, stylist, and photographer has earned many awards, including APA Top 100, ACF Gold Medal, and a juried fine art photo exhibit at Art Basel Miami. I was Executive Pastry Chef for two Hyatt Hotels and Resorts before completing two post-baccalaureate certificates for Visual Art and Graphic Design at U.C. Berkeley Extension in San Francisco.

https://judydohertyphotography.com