The Top 5 Potato Varieties Every Home Cook Should Know

With so many varieties of potatoes available, it can be tricky to know which type is best for your recipe. Each kind offers its own unique flavor, texture, and ideal cooking methods, making them perfect for a wide range of dishes. To help you navigate the potato aisle with confidence, we've put together a list of five of the most popular potato types, what makes each special and tips on how to get the best results when cooking them.

1. Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes, often recognized by their rough, brown skin and fluffy white interior, are what most people picture when they think of potatoes. High in starch, these potatoes become light and fluffy when cooked, making them the top choice for baking, mashing, and frying. When roasted, their skins turn crispy, while their flesh absorbs butter, cream, and herbs beautifully. They're also the ideal potato for classic French fries, thanks to their airy texture that crisps up perfectly when fried. For an effortless baked potato, top with sour cream, cheese, and chives, and you’ll have a comforting side dish that everyone will enjoy.

2. Red Potatoes

With their smooth, thin red skin and waxy texture, red potatoes hold their shape well, making them the go-to choice for potato salads, soups, and stews. Their dense and moist flesh means they won't fall apart during cooking, so you can confidently use them in dishes where you want the potato pieces to remain intact. Plus, there's no need to peel them, as their thin skin adds an appealing texture and extra nutrients to your dish. Try roasting or boiling them with a sprinkle of salt for a simple yet flavorful side.

3. White Potatoes

White potatoes have pale, thin skin and a creamy, moist flesh that lends itself well to various cooking methods. With a medium starch content, they work wonderfully for mashing, roasting, boiling, or frying. Their thin skin means you can skip the peeling, and they blend beautifully into soups and casseroles, adding a creamy texture. Grilling white potatoes brings out their full-bodied flavor, making them a good option for your cooking.

4. Yellow Potatoes

Yellow potatoes, such as the Yukon Gold, have golden flesh with a slightly waxy texture and a subtly sweet, buttery flavor. They're fantastic for roasting, mashing, and grilling, as their smooth texture turns into a creamy consistency when cooked. When grilled, the natural sugars in yellow potatoes caramelize, enhancing their sweetness and creating a deliciously crispy skin. These potatoes are perfect for making rich, velvety mashed potatoes or adding a buttery note to roasted dishes.

5. Purple Potatoes

The vibrant purple skin and flesh of purple potatoes make them a standout on any plate. Known for their firm, waxy texture and slightly nutty flavor, these potatoes are rich in antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to your meals. They retain their color well when steamed or microwaved, which makes them an attractive choice for salads and side dishes. Try combining purple potatoes with red and white varieties in a salad for a colorful and nutrient-packed dish.