Red potatoes are a kitchen staple that can be transformed into so many mouthwatering dishes. Known for their waxy texture and slightly sweet flavor, red potatoes hold their shape well after cooking, making them ideal for everything from roasting to mashing to making creamy potato salads. Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or something a little more exciting, red potatoes can do it all.
In this blog post, we’ll share some of our favorite red potato recipes and highlight a few kitchen tools and accessories you’ll want to have on hand when preparing these dishes. Plus, you’ll find some helpful affiliate links to products on Amazon that will make cooking with red potatoes a breeze!
Why Choose Red Potatoes?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why red potatoes are such a great choice for cooking. Here are a few reasons to love them:
- Waxy Texture: Red potatoes have a smooth, waxy texture that makes them perfect for dishes where you want the potatoes to hold their shape, like in potato salads or roasted dishes.
- Versatility: Whether you’re roasting, boiling, mashing, or even grilling, red potatoes adapt to any cooking method.
- Nutritious: Red potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy and hearty addition to any meal.
1. Garlic Herb Roasted Red Potatoes
This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Roasted red potatoes with garlic and herbs make a delicious side dish that pairs well with everything from grilled chicken to steak.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs red potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and cut the red potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the potatoes evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, stirring halfway through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy, non-stick baking sheet is essential for roasting red potatoes evenly. Check out this highly-rated baking sheet on Amazon:
Check it out on Amazon! - Garlic Press: Mince garlic effortlessly with a good-quality garlic press. Here’s one you can get on Amazon:
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2. Creamy Red Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic side dish, and red potatoes are the perfect choice for this recipe because they hold their shape well while still being soft and creamy. This red potato salad is rich, flavorful, and ideal for barbecues or picnics.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs red potatoes
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Wash and cut the red potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Boil in salted water for 10-15 minutes until tender but firm.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
- Add the boiled potatoes, celery, red onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Chill the potato salad in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- Potato Peeler: While you can leave the skins on red potatoes, peeling them will give the salad a smoother texture. Here’s a handy potato peeler available on Amazon:
Check it out on Amazon! - Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large mixing bowl for combining the salad. This stainless steel mixing bowl set is perfect:
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3. Smash Red Potatoes
If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to serve red potatoes, smashing them is a great option! This recipe gives you crispy, golden-brown potatoes with a soft and fluffy interior.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs red potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Boil the red potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
- Drain the potatoes and place them on a baking sheet.
- Use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to gently smash each potato.
- Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the potatoes in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve hot.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- Potato Masher: For smashing potatoes, a sturdy masher is a must-have. This one is available on Amazon:
Check it out on Amazon! - Roasting Pan: For a perfect roast, you’ll need a good roasting pan. Here’s a great option:
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4. Red Potato Gratin
For something indulgent, a cheesy red potato gratin is the way to go. This dish is rich and creamy, perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs red potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere or cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter or oil.
- Arrange a layer of thinly sliced red potatoes in the dish.
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and garlic until warm. Pour over the potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle cheese on top of each layer of potatoes.
- Repeat the layers until all potatoes and cheese are used.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the top.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and serve.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- Mandoline Slicer: For perfectly even potato slices, a mandoline slicer is a must. Check out this one on Amazon:
Check it out on Amazon! - Baking Dish: A good-quality baking dish is essential for gratin. Here’s one you can grab:
Check it out on Amazon!
Final Thoughts
Red potatoes are an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in countless delicious ways. From creamy potato salads to crispy roasted potatoes, they make a wonderful addition to any meal. We hope these recipes inspire you to get cooking and enjoy the many ways you can prepare red potatoes in your kitchen.
Don’t forget to check out the recommended kitchen tools to make your cooking experience even easier! Happy cooking!
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