24 Ways to Take Your Potatoes to the Next Level

For many people, potatoes are a comfort food. However, the starchy vegetable is much more versatile than just being mashed or baked. Potatoes can be transformed into many delicious dishes. How many ways can you cook a potato? The possibilities are endless, but here are 24 recipes to try.

1. Garlic and Chive Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a simple side dish, but a little extra flavor goes a long way in updating this tried and true potato staple. Adding garlic and chives gives this basic recipe a powerful punch of flavor. Check out this recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen.

2. Twice-Baked Potatoes

Enhance simple baked potatoes by baking them not once, but twice. Baking the potatoes just once is basic, but scooping out the insides, adding tasty ingredients and baking the potatoes again in the skins will be worth the wait. Be creative and vary what you add to the mashed mixture, or stick with the classic toppings: bacon, sour cream, chives and cheese. Follow this recipe to get the basics, but customize the filling to your heart’s desire.

3. Roasted Potatoes

This delicious dish might take a long time to prepare, but these roasted potatoes are worth the wait. Covering the potatoes in an aromatic blend of spices, olive oil and parmesan cheese creates a savory dish that is strong enough to stand on its own, or act as a side dish for a hearty meal. This recipe combines thyme, oregano, basil, black pepper, and parsley.

4. Tortilla Espanola

Tortilla Espanola is more of an omelet than a tortilla. The simple combination of potatoes and eggs is mastered by Jose Garces; this recipe from his Philadelphia restaurant Amada is tasty for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Make a simple garlic aioli to complement the Spanish dish, or just add hot sauce.

5. Sweet Potato Croquettes

This transformation is crispy on the outside and warm and fluffy on the inside. Croquettes are basically breaded and fried mashed potatoes. These bite sized potatoes turn a simple mashed potato dish into a crunchy appetizer with a sinful center. Try this recipe.

6. Gnocchi

Gnocchi is a great pasta alternative. However, the process of making homemade gnocchi can be quite involved. Mario Batali offers a relatively simple recipe. If making gnocchi from scratch is a daunting task, Trader Joe’s sells great frozen gnocchi that can be microwaved for easy prep in a dorm. Experiment with different sauces to create new combinations of flavors.

7. Potatoes Au Gratin

Potatoes Au Gratin is just a fancy way of saying a potato bake. The combination of potatoes, cream, and cheese creates a heavenly dish. This French dish, perfected by Julia Child, makes a great addition to any meal. Her recipe only takes 15 minutes to prepare and about an hour in the oven before it is ready to enjoy.

8. Potato Soup

On a cold winter day there is nothing better than a hearty soup to warm the body and the soul. Potatoes pair great with leeks. Ina Garten’s recipe combines potatoes, leeks and arugula to create a savory soup guaranteed to make a cold day feel a little bit warmer.

9. Sweet Potato Pie Bars

For a sweet treat, try these sweet potato pie bars. The homemade toasted marshmallow topping is to die for. To make this dessert a little healthier, don’t add any sugar to the filling. These bars are perfect for fall…well, and winter, spring and summer.

10. Hasselback Baked Potatoes

For when your baked (or twice baked) potato still isn’t adventurous enough. This recipe is creamy on the inside, crispy on the outside. How can you say no?

11. Potato Candy

For another sweet treat try this potato candy recipe. What? Potatoes as candy? Can it be? Yes, yes it can.

12. Sweet Potato Chips

This recipe is great for when you feel like snacking, but don’t feel like dealing with post-chip guilt.

13. Bacon and Cheese Pancakes

Do you usually just reheat your leftover potatoes? Well, starting today, you’ll have a new go-to because after you try this leftover-potato-pancake creation there will be no turning back.

14. Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Donuts

Not into potato candy? Try potatoes in donut version. If that doesn’t do it for you, I can’t help you.

15. Healthy Sweet Potato Fries

Are sweet potato fries healthier than regular fries? I’m not sure, but I would like to keep believing that is true.

16. Sweet Potato and Brie Empanadas

Empanadas are amazing no matter what they are filled with, but for an indulgent treat, try filling them sweet potatoes and brie cheese. This flavor combination melts in your mouth.

17. Loaded Mashed Potato Bombs

For a new twist on these classic favorites, try making these loaded mashed potato bombs. You can use leftover mashed potatoes to make it even simpler.

18. Sweet Potato Brownies

These vegan sweet potato brownies are to die for. They are super healthy, there is no added sugar (well unless you want to add the powdered sugar on top).

19. Parsnip Potato Latkes

Latkes are great, but they are even better with parsnips and horseradish cream. This recipe will make you want latkes all year round, not just at Hannukah.

20. Sweet Potato Soufflé

This soufflé does double duty, use it as a side dish or a dessert. The classic combination of nutmeg and cinnamon is reminiscent of being home for the holidays.

21. Kartoffelsalat

This recipe is great for when your regular boring potato salad wants to be German and covered in mustard. Oh, and also delicious.

22. Cheesy Sweet Potato Wedges

You can never go wrong with melted cheese, especially if the melted cheese is on top of potatoes. This super simple recipe will satisfy a cheese craving and a craving for something sweet, all in one.

23. Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos

The versatility of potatoes is demonstrated in this recipe. Wrap it all up in a tortilla, or put on over eggs. The possibilities are endless.

24. Bacon Mashed Potato Cheese Bombs

Just like the mashed potato bombs, but with an added twist. Go crazy.

• Dinner