There are three major types of potatoes out there. Waxy potatoes, like Red Bliss, new, and fingerling, have a lower starch content and are best for recipes that need potatoes that hold their shape pretty well. These are the best potatoes for potato salads, boiling, and roasting. Starchy potatoes get soft and fluffy, so they’re the best potatoes for mashed potatoes, soups, and casseroles. They include common types of potatoes such as Idaho Russets and sweet potatoes. All-purpose potatoes are the happy medium—not too starchy, not too waxy, so they’re a great potato staple. Potato types like Yukon Gold, Kennebec, or Purple Peruvian fall into this all-purpose category. For some recipes—like mashed potatoes—the best type of potato may just be a matter of preference and presentation. But with other recipes, where the starch of the potato is needed to help with the consistency, opting for a waxier potato like fingerlings or creamers may make your potatoes a bit disappointing. Read on for the best potatoes for your favorite recipes or preparations, or check out the types of potatoes graphic below. RELATED: 17 Simple Mashed Potato Recipes for When You’re Craving Comfort Food RELATED: How to Make the Perfect Potato Salad RELATED: Easy Potato Recipes
