5 Easy Ways to Cook Potatoes for Quick & Delicious Side Dishes

Potatoes are one of those simple ingredients that can turn into something completely different depending on how you cook them. Crispy, creamy, tender, or golden, they make an easy side dish for weeknight dinners, family meals, and casual gatherings.

Have a bag of potatoes at home? Here are five easy ways to cook them with basic ingredients you probably already have.

1. Roast them until crisp

Cut 800 g potatoes into chunks. Toss with 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon rosemary. Roast at 220°C (425°F) for 35 to 40 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp.

2. Make creamy mashed potatoes

Boil 800 g peeled potatoes until fork-tender. Drain well, then mash with 40 g butter, 120 ml warm milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of nutmeg. Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.

3. Boil them for potato salad

Cook small potatoes in salted water for 18 to 22 minutes, or until tender. Let them cool slightly, then slice and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and black pepper.

4. Bake crispy potato wedges

Cut 800 g potatoes into wedges. Toss with 2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt. Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 35 to 40 minutes, turning halfway through, until crisp and golden.

5. Sauté them in a skillet

Cut pre-cooked potatoes into cubes. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned with crispy edges. Add herbs or onions for extra flavor.

Which potato method should you choose?

Choose roasted potatoes or wedges when you want something crispy, mashed potatoes for a creamy comfort-food side, boiled potatoes for salads, or skillet potatoes when you need a quick option. One simple bag of potatoes can easily become five delicious side dishes.

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Published by
Sami Ben Falouli