Red-skinned potatoes, also known as new potatoes, are a type of potato with a thin, reddish skin and white flesh. They have a creamy, smooth texture and a mild, earthy flavor. Red potatoes are very versatile potatoes that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here is an overview of what red-skinned potatoes are best for.
Boiling/Steaming
One of the most popular uses for red potatoes is boiling or steaming them whole. Their thin skins become tender when cooked this way. Boiled red potatoes make an excellent side dish served with butter, herbs, salt, and pepper. They go well with all types of proteins from meat to fish. Steamed red potatoes can be served warm or chilled for potato salad.
Roasting
Red potatoes are ideal for roasting. Cubed red potatoes can be tossed in olive oil, salt, and spices and roasted at a high temperature until crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Some popular seasonings for roasted red potatoes include rosemary, garlic, paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Roasted red potatoes pair well with roasted meats and veggies.
Mashing
Mashed red potatoes have a lighter, fluffier texture compared to russet potatoes. They require less butter and cream to achieve a smooth, creamy mash. Red potatoes are great on their own seasoned with garlic, cheese, bacon, and herbs. They can be substituted in any mashed potato recipe.
Hasselback Potatoes
Slicing red potatoes into thin slices partway through and then baking them into Hasselback potatoes is an elegant presentation. Oil and seasonings are layered between each slice. Parmesan, garlic, and rosemary are classic flavorings. Hasselback red potatoes look fancy but are easy to make.
Potato Salad
The waxy, firm texture of red potatoes allows them to hold their shape when used in potato salads. They won’t get mushy or disintegrate. Red skin potatoes add great color contrast to any potato salad. They work well in both mayonnaise-based and vinegar-based potato salads.
Skillet Potatoes
Red potatoes are ideal for skillet or pan-fried potatoes. They can be cooked whole or cubed in a skillet with oil or butter until browned and crispy. Onions, bell peppers, and sausage are great additions. Season with Cajun seasoning or rosemary for extra flavor.
Soups
The creamy texture of red potatoes works well in soups when cubed or mashed. They add thickness and body. Potatoes pair nicely with broccoli, cauliflower, corn, bacon, and cheddar in chowders and potato soups.
Breakfast
Shredded or cubed hash browns can be made with red potatoes. Try oven-roasted home fries or potatoes for breakfast tacos or burritos. Red potatoes can also be used in place of russets for potato pancakes or patties.
Baked Potatoes
Red potatoes bake up with a fluffier interior compared to russet potatoes. Since their skins are thin, they don’t need to be wrapped or poked before baking. Top baked red potatoes with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, broccoli, or chili.
Fries
While they may not be ideal for french fries, red potatoes can be cut into wedges, sticks or shoestrings and baked or fried. Their waxy texture results in softer fries compared to russet potatoes. But they provide great flavor and nutrition.
Casseroles
Diced red potatoes hold up well in casseroles like scalloped potatoes au gratin. They maintain their shape and don’t overcook. Red potatoes can be substituted in any casserole calling for potatoes.
Salads
Beyond potato salad, red potatoes add color, nutrition and texture when used in grain bowls and veggie-heavy salads. Roast them first or boil until just tender. Toss with vinaigrettes, creamy dressings, or oil and vinegar.
Pickling
Red potato slices or spears pickled in vinegar brine results in a fun appetizer or snack. Pickled red potatoes stored in jars make great gifts too. Add garlic, peppers, and spices to the brine for extra flavor.
Conclusion
In summary, red-skinned potatoes are highly versatile potatoes perfect for roasting, boiling, mashing, sautéing, baking, and incorporating into a wide variety of dishes, sides, salads and main courses. Their thin skin, creamy texture and mild flavor makes them suitable for most any cooking method or recipe. Keep red potatoes on hand to add color and nutrition to everyday meals.
| Cooking Method | Best Dishes to Use Red Potatoes |
|---|---|
| Boiling/Steaming | Side dishes, potato salad |
| Roasting | Roasted veggie medleys, roasted meats |
| Mashing | Standalone mashed potatoes, shepherd’s pie |
| Hasselback/Slicing | Hasselback potatoes, elegant side dish |
| Pan Frying/Sautéing | Home fries, breakfast tacos, skillet dinners |
| Baking | Baked potatoes, twice-baked potatoes |
| Frying | Potato wedges, shoestrings, chips |
| Casseroles | Scalloped potatoes, au gratin potatoes |
| Salads | Potato salad, grain bowls, veggie salads |
| Soups | Potato soup, chowders, stews |