What To Know
- Purple potatoes not only add a vibrant color to your mashed potatoes but also have a slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture.
- Roasting potatoes at a high temperature (425-450°F) creates a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior.
- Generally, roast small potatoes for 20-25 minutes, medium potatoes for 25-30 minutes, and large potatoes for 30-35 minutes, or until tender and golden-brown.
Introduction:
When it comes to creating the perfect sheet pan dinner, choosing the right potato is crucial. Whether you’re roasting, crisping, or mashing, the variety of potatoes available can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of potatoes and identify the best potato for sheet pan cooking.
Best Potatoes for Roasting
1. Yukon Gold:
With its creamy texture and golden-brown skin, Yukon Gold is an excellent choice for roasting. Its dense flesh holds its shape well, resulting in crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors.
2. Russet:
Russet potatoes are known for their starchy texture and high-sugar content. When roasted, they develop a crispy exterior and a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth center.
3. New Potatoes:
New potatoes, with their thin skin and waxy texture, are perfect for roasting whole. They retain their shape and develop a savory, caramelized exterior.
Best Potatoes for Crispy Smashed Potatoes
1. Red Potatoes:
Red potatoes have a thin, red skin and a waxy texture. When smashed and roasted, they develop a crispy exterior with a slightly creamy interior.
2. Baby Potatoes:
Baby potatoes are small, round potatoes with a thin skin. They roast quickly and develop a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender center.
3. Fingerling Potatoes:
Fingerling potatoes are long and narrow with a thin skin. They roast evenly and develop a crispy exterior with a creamy, slightly sweet interior.
Best Potatoes for Sheet Pan Mashed Potatoes
1. Russet:
Russet potatoes are the traditional choice for mashed potatoes. Their high-starch content makes them easy to mash into a smooth and creamy consistency.
2. Yukon Gold:
Yukon Gold potatoes also make excellent mashed potatoes. Their creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor add richness and depth to the dish.
3. Purple Potatoes:
Purple potatoes not only add a vibrant color to your mashed potatoes but also have a slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture.
Best Potatoes for Sheet Pan Fries
1. Russet:
Russet potatoes are the classic choice for fries. Their high-sugar content caramelizes during roasting, resulting in crispy, golden-brown fries.
2. Yukon Gold:
Yukon Gold potatoes make flavorful fries with a crispy exterior and a slightly creamy interior.
3. Sweet Potatoes:
Sweet potatoes are a healthy alternative to traditional fries. They roast quickly and develop a caramelized exterior with a sweet, tender interior.
Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Potatoes
- Cut potatoes evenly: This ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
- Season generously: Season potatoes liberally with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
- Toss with oil: Coating potatoes with oil helps them crisp up and prevents them from sticking to the pan.
- Roast at a high temperature: Roasting potatoes at a high temperature (425-450°F) creates a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan prevents air from circulating and results in soggy potatoes.
The Final Verdict
The best potato for sheet pan cooking depends on the desired result. For crispy roasted potatoes, choose Yukon Gold or Russet. For crispy smashed potatoes, opt for Red, Baby, or Fingerling potatoes. For smooth and creamy mashed potatoes, Russet, Yukon Gold, or Purple potatoes are excellent choices. And for crispy sheet pan fries, Russet, Yukon Gold, or Sweet potatoes are great options.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. What is the best way to cut potatoes for sheet pan cooking?
Cut potatoes into uniform pieces, such as wedges, cubes, or fries. This ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from overcooking or undercooking.
2. How long should I roast potatoes on a sheet pan?
Roasting time varies depending on the size and cut of the potatoes. Generally, roast small potatoes for 20-25 minutes, medium potatoes for 25-30 minutes, and large potatoes for 30-35 minutes, or until tender and golden-brown.
3. Can I cook other vegetables with my potatoes on a sheet pan?
Yes, you can roast other vegetables such as carrots, onions, zucchini, or broccoli with your potatoes. Just adjust the roasting time accordingly.
