Beyond the Mash: 3 Potato Recipes, from Easy to Gourmet
Most of us can’t imagine a Thanksgiving plate that doesn’t feature a good dollop of mashed potatoes. How else could we give our peas a swimming pool of gravy to bob around in? But the classic potato mash isn’t the only way to prepare the humble spud. Take a look at these three potato recipes guaranteed to shake up your dinner routine (or your T-Day table). And while some may decry the idea of a tater tot on Thanksgiving, we bet your kids will love ‘em.
Quick and Easy: Herb-Roasted Potatoes in Easy Clean-Up Foil Packets
Ingredients
- 2 pounds red potatoes, quartered
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, toss the potato quarters with olive oil, garlic, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Cut four large sheets of foil and place a quarter of the potato mixture in the middle of each sheet, folding up all four sides around the potatoes until sealed.
4. Place foil packets in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Toss the foil, serve, and enjoy!
Take It Up a Notch: Baked Cheesy Ranch Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, diced (any kind)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or Greek yogurt mixed with ranch dressing packet)
- 1 cup low-fat shredded cheese (any kind)
- Any other veggie/meat you want to include (black olives, mushrooms, bacon, chicken, etc.)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Place the diced potatoes in a baking dish and toss with oil, salt, and pepper. Add any other vegetables or meats you want to include now.
3. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes.
4. Toss potatoes with ranch dressing and cheese, and bake for an additional 3 minutes until cheese is melted. Enjoy!
Go for the Gourmet Gold: Homemade Tater Tots
Ingredients
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Directions
1. Peel potatoes and place them in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes by 1 inch.
2. Bring to a boil and cook 7 minutes (they shouldn’t be cooked all the way through).
3. Drain the potatoes and let them cool, then grate them and place in a large bowl.
4. Add flour and seasonings to potatoes and mix well.
5. Form small tater tot shapes, about 1 inch across, and fry in batches using oil (about 3–4 minutes) or bake on a foil-lined baking sheet at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
6. Pull the tray out of the oven, flip each tot over, and then bake an additional 10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool and enjoy!
