Being a widely cultivated crop, it is not surprising that the potato is also one of the most popular foods in the world. It is made is made into a number of tasty and delectable dishes that range from simple finger foods to gourmet dishes.

 

This is due to the fact that the potato is a highly versatile vegetable and has exceptional flavor. It doesn’t take too much detailed and pesky preparation to make it into something delectable.

 

When it is raw, this crop may seem bland, but once it is combined with other ingredients, its delectable flavor comes out. Thus, it can be used to make a wide array of recipes.

 

As for the preparation, there are probably a hundred ways to cook the potato. It can be mashed, grilled, fried, stewed, baked or simply boiled. The list just goes on and on.

 

There are some favorite ways to prepare potatoes that have stood the test of time and spanned the globe. Here are the top ten favorite ways to prepare the potato:

 

10. Potato Pancake

 

If you have been to a diner or a restaurant that serves good old fashioned dishes, you might have tasted a crisp and yummy potato pancake.

 

Potato pancakes are also referred to as latkes and is a very popular dish in North America. It is a traditional food that originated in Jewish cuisine.

 

Potato pancakes are made from a combination of grated potatoes and egg, the mixture is then shallow fried until it turns golden brown.

 

The interesting thing about this dish is that it can be eaten as a savory food or as a sweet treat. It all depends on the condiments you use. Among the most popular toppings are cheese, sour cream, ketchup, mustard, applesauce, sugar and cinnamon.

 

9. Vichyssoise

 

Vichyssoise is a gourmet soup made from potatoes that are mixed with onions, leeks, chicken stock and heavy cream. The cream and potatoes in the recipe gives the soup a creamy and thick consistency.

 

Unlike most soups, vichyssoise is best enjoyed cold.

 

The origin of this soup is still being debated. However, the credit for inventing this dish often goes to Louis Diat, a chef at the Ritz- Carlton in New York. According to some accounts, this soup was inspired by Louis’ brother’s practice of pouring cold milk in a bowl of warm potato and leek soup. Louis Diat then made the same dish for his patrons at the Ritz.

 

8. Scalloped Potatoes

 

Scalloped potatoes is a delectable type of casserole. It is often made from thinly sliced potatoes combined with other ingredients such as onions, flour, cheese, butter and milk. It is then baked until golden brown.

 

It is very popular in the Eastern and Midwestern part of the United States as well as in Canada where it is called an au gratin. It can also be referred to as au gratin style potatoes or pommes de terre au gratin. In Ireland, scalloped potatoes are referred to as lucky charm potatoes.

 

7. Crockpot Potato Soup

 

Now this is the perfect soup for every occasion. Whether it is a simple dinner or a posh gathering, this soup will surely delight everyone.

 

So what makes crockpot potato soup so special? Well for one, this soup is both hearty and delectable. In fact, many people regard it as a favorite comfort food. The creamy taste of potato and milk blended with the distinct taste of dill and onions makes a perfect combination. It is filling and it can be served at all times of the day.

 

6. Potato Salad

 

The sight of a perfectly tossed and chilled potato salad is enough to make a salad lovers’ mouth water with delight!

 

Potato salad is a popular type of salad made from potatoes combined with cream, pieces of carrots, onion, mayonnaise, hard boiled eggs, vinegar and several fresh herbs.

 

The taste of this dish is simply delectable. It is often served along with other dishes such as barbecued meat, hamburgers, roasts and hot dogs.

 

5. Twice Baked Potatoes

 

Imagine the creamy and luscious taste of russet potatoes topped with cheese and then baked to perfection. Mouthwatering isn’t it? No one can resist the great taste of twice baked potatoes!

 

Twice baked potatoes are a favorite dish that can be eaten for lunch or dinner. As the name suggests, the potatoes for this dish are baked twice in order to achieve the soft and tender consistency that melts in your mouth. This dish is often topped with parmesan cheese, sour cream and chives for an extra creamy and scrumptious taste.

 

4. Potato Waffles

 

The Americans have potato pancakes, and the English have potato waffles!

 

Potato waffles are a favorite snack in the United Kingdom. This dish is made from reconstituted potatoes molded and cooked in a waffle maker. The potato patty then takes on the consistency and appearance of your normal, everyday waffle. Unlike potato pancakes, which are deep fried, potato waffles can be baked, grilled, fried or even toasted.

 

In the United Kingdom, potato waffles are served during breakfast as a side dish or as a substitute for bread. And while chowing down on your potato waffles, it wouldn’t hurt to have them with some healthy smoothie flavors.

For your ultimate enjoyment, check out the all time favorite waffle toppings

 

3. Hash Browns

 

Who doesn’t enjoy a crisp and golden serving of hash browns for breakfast?

 

Hash browns are a favorite potato dish made from grated potatoes formed into a patty. They are then pan fried until they are golden brown.

 

In the United States, hash browns are often enjoyed during breakfast where they are served with eggs, bacon or a slice of bread. This dish can be flavored with salt, pepper or with a choice of condiments such as mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard.

 

2. Mashed Potatoes

 

Although the name does not sound that appealing, mashed potatoes surely do not come short when it comes to taste.

 

Mashed potatoes are a mouthwatering dish made from boiled potatoes. The potatoes are then mashed with milk, cream and cheese.

This popular side is often topped with crispy bacon bits and enjoyed with gravy.

 

Mashed potatoes are probably the ideal side dish. Why? Because they are tasty and delicious. Mashed potatoes go well with almost any kind of meat based dish. Whether it is barbecued pork, grilled steak or pan fried chicken, mash potatoes subtly complement the taste of the meat.

 

1. French Fries

 

Hands down, French fries are indeed the ultimate potato dish.

 

Why? Well for one, French fries are very easy to prepare. It does not require culinary experience to create a delicious serving of crisp fries made from potatoes.

Apart from this, their simple taste appeals not only kids but to adults as well. Fries can be eaten as a snack or as a side dish.

 

Of course, French fries are also tasty. The crispy texture of deep fried potatoes dashed with a hint of salt truly creates a palatable experience. French fries truly deserve to be counted among America’s favorite party food

 

So what are you waiting for? Grab a bag of potatoes and start creating your favorite mouthwatering potato dishes!