Crispy, Creamy, And Everything In Between: Russet Potato Recipes You’ll Love

One of the kitchen’s most adaptable ingredients is russet potatoes. Whether you like your food crispy, creamy, or a mix of the two, their starchy texture makes them perfect for a variety of cooking techniques. From classic comfort foods to inventive new dishes, here are some recipes using russet potatoes that will satisfy every craving.

1. Classic Crispy French Fries

No list of russet potato recipes would be complete without mentioning the ultimate comfort food: French fries. Russets are perfect for fries because their high starch content creates a light, fluffy interior while the outside gets crispy and golden brown.

To make classic fries, start by peeling and slicing the potatoes to your preferred thickness. Soak them in cold water for at least an hour to remove excess starch. After drying them out, cook them in heated oil (350°F) for a few minutes or until they are just starting to get golden. Drain on paper towels after being taken out of the oil. Fry them again at a higher temperature (375°F) until they’re crispy and deep golden brown. Season immediately with salt for the perfect bite.

2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

For a dish that’s all about smooth, creamy textures, mashed russet potatoes are a must. They’re a staple for holiday meals but are equally welcome on any dinner table.

To prepare, peel and chop russet potatoes into even chunks. Drain and put back in the pot after boiling them in salted water until they are fork-tender. Mash the potatoes with butter, warm milk, or cream, and season with salt and pepper. For an extra-creamy consistency, you can use a hand mixer or a potato ricer. Add some roasted garlic or shredded cheese to elevate this classic dish.

3. Loaded Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes offer the best of both worlds: a crispy skin and a creamy interior. Russet potatoes are perfect for this dish because they have a thicker skin that crisps up beautifully in the oven.

To make loaded baked potatoes, scrub the russets clean, prick them with a fork, and rub them with olive oil and a bit of salt. To tenderize the insides and crisp the skins, bake at 400°F for an hour. Add your preferred toppings, like sour cream, bacon, shredded cheese, chives, or even chili, after cutting the potatoes open and fluffing the insides with a fork. The result is a deliciously comforting dish that’s easy to customize.

4. Creamy Potato Soup

When the weather cools down, nothing hits the spot like a bowl of creamy potato soup. Russet potatoes add the perfect thickness and body to this comforting dish.

To make a creamy potato soup, start by sautéing diced onions and garlic in butter. Add peeled and cubed russet potatoes, chicken, or vegetable broth, and bring to a boil. After the potatoes are soft, mix the soup with an immersion blender until it’s smooth. Add cream or milk for richness and season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. For added texture, you can top the soup with crispy bacon bits or shredded cheese.

5. Crispy Hasselback Potatoes

For a stunning side dish, try Hasselback potatoes. These thinly sliced, accordion-like potatoes combine a crispy outer layer with a tender, creamy center.

To make Hasselback potatoes, slice russet potatoes thinly without cutting all the way through, leaving about a quarter-inch base intact. On top sprinkle salt and pepper; brush with melted butter or olive oil; bake at 425°F for 45 to 60 minutes, basting with butter. The result is a potato with crispy edges and a soft, creamy interior. You can elevate the flavor by adding garlic, herbs, or grated cheese in between the slices.

6. Homemade Potato Chips

For a snack that satisfies both crunchy and salty cravings, homemade potato chips are the way to go. Russet potatoes are ideal because they produce chips with a satisfying crunch.

Thinly slice the russets using a mandolin for consistent thickness. Cold-rinse and dry the slices to remove starch. After the slices are golden and crispy from frying them in hot oil (around 350°F), drain them on paper towels and immediately season them with salt or your preferred seasoning blend. These chips are perfect for dipping in homemade dips or enjoying on their own.

Conclusion

Russet potatoes are an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in many forms. Whether you prefer them crispy, creamy, or somewhere in between, these recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Try these delicious dishes at home and discover just how versatile russet potatoes can be in creating comfort food classics and innovative new meals.

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