29 Russet Potato Recipes to Make again and again

Looking for a slew of Russet potato recipes? Then you’re in luck! I’ve collected quite a few over the years. And if you’re like me, you probably have a lot of russet potatoes in your pantry. They’re a versatile starchy vegetable and one of the most popular types of potatoes. 

These little vegetables have a waxy texture, which makes them perfect for boiled and mashed potatoes. In this post, we’ll share some of our favorite recipes that use this versatile tuber. From mashed potatoes to roasted potatoes, there’s a recipe here for everyone. So let’s get cooking!

Is it better to bake or boil russet potatoes?

It is better to bake russet potatoes than to boil them. As russet potatoes are high-starch potatoes, they absorb a lot of water and easily fall apart when boiled. Russet potatoes don’t hold together well, so this type of potato works better for baked or mashed potatoes. 

Can I leave the skin on russet potatoes?

You can leave the skin on russet potatoes. It’s highly recommended as the skin of the potato contains 12 times more antioxidants than the flesh. In a medium potato, half of the fiber comes from the skin. It is also a great source of potassium and magnesium.

22 Russet Potato Recipes

Russet potato skin bites

In this potato skin bites recipe, instead of hollowing out a russet potato like baked potatoes are made, they are baked in coins instead. The recipe calls for bacon and sour cream, but you can always add your favorite toppings.

Serve with: Walking Taco Casserole

4-Ingredient Air FryerPotato Chips

Savor the crunch without the guilt with our 4-Ingredient Air Fryer Potato Chips, where each crisp is a testament to the wonders of air frying, delivering maximum flavor with minimal oil.

Parmesan garlic roasted russet potatoes

These golden brown parmesan garlic roasted potatoes are extremely simple to make. This recipe is so practical as it takes 5 minutes to prep before throwing your russet potatoes in the oven to bake.

Serve with: Salisbury Steak Crock Pot Meatballs

Hasselback potatoes 

Hasselback potatoes are baked russet potatoes cut into thin slices that almost look like potato chips. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a vegetarian and gluten-free side dish.

Serve with: Ribs (Pork or Beef!)

Melting russet potatoes

These oven-baked roasted melting potatoes with garlic and thyme are more tender than a grandma’s hug. The secret is soaking your russet potatoes in chicken stock 15 minutes before your cook time is done. I consider it one of the best russet potato recipes.

Serve with: Seasoned One-Pot Pork Loin

Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges

Dig into our Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges, offering a comforting and savory twist to your regular spuds, perfect as a stand-alone snack or a versatile side dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for added color and taste.

Twice-Baked russet potato casserole

This dish is one of my favorite comfort food recipes with russet potatoes. Loaded with sour cream, bacon, and cheese, the taste is just heavenly.

Serve with: Mac and Cheese Bites

Cheesy ranch russet potatoes

If you’re a ranch lover, and I know there are many of you out there, this cheesy ranch russet potatoes recipe might be appealing to you. And it’s so simple to prepare!

Serve with: Italian Style Smothered Pork Roast

Cheesy scalloped russet potatoes

This cheesy scalloped russet potato recipe is almost like potato lasagna. With layers upon layers of russet potatoes with cream sauce in between, this dish is perfect to serve to your family on the holidays.

Serve with: Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs

Southwest Loaded Crispy Potato Skins

Experience the bold flavors of our Southwest Loaded Crispy Potato Skins, where each bite is a fusion of spice, cheese, and classic potato goodness.

Fluffy mashed russet potatoes

If you love your mashed potatoes extra fluffy, the secret is to use russet potatoes. These fluffy mashed russet potatoes go well paired with Brussels sprouts or onion gravy. 

Serve with: Balsamic & Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Loin

Loaded baked russet potato skins

Cheddar cheese and bacon – name a better duo! And when you add sour cream and green onion, the loaded baked russet potato skins become totally irresistible. 

Serve with: 15-Minute Korean Beef

Air fryer hand-cut fries

Russet potatoes are indeed great for baking and mashing, but this versatile food also gives you perfect crispy hand-cut fries. To bring your french fries to the next level, season them with spices like paprika, chili powder, and herbs such as rosemary like a true chef.

Serve with: Beef Stroganoff

Easy Peasy Baking Sheet Russet Potatoes

Discover the simplicity and flavor of  Baking Sheet Russet Potatoes. With minimal prep time, you’ll achieve a satisfying side dish that delivers both a fluffy interior and a mouthwatering outer crisp.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and garlicky, the perfect consistency. If using russet potatoes, peel them first for the perfect texture.

Serve with: Easy and Healthy Blackened Chicken

Mashed russet potatoes with skin on

Did you know that the skin of the potato has 12 times more beneficial nutrients than the flesh? It doesn’t contain butter as greek yogurt serves as the creamy texture, making it a healthier option than the other mashed potato recipes on my list.

Serve with: Oven-Baked Salmon

Cracker Barrel mashed potatoes

To cook mashed potatoes the Cracker Barrel style, you only need 5 ingredients, with simple seasonings like salt and pepper. Why on Earth would anybody still make boxed mashed potatoes? 

Serve with: 5-Can Slow Cooker Chili

Creamy mashed russet potatoes

Russet potatoes are so versatile that they can also make silky-smooth, creamy mashed potatoes. Now you will never make lumpy mashed potatoes again!

Serve with: Quick and Easy Swedish Meatball

Cream cheese mashed russet potatoes

This cream cheese mashed russet potatoes only requires 6 ingredients that you might already have at home. Creamy and fluffy, this mashed russet potatoes recipe will have the whole family asking for more.

Serve with:

Air fryer russet potatoes

I love air frying russet potatoes as it requires less oil, making them much healthier. Also, it’s family-friendly and easy to prepare in less than half an hour.

Serve with: Chicken Tenderloins

Crispy smashed russet potatoes

Crispy smashed russet potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to a main dish like steak or lamb chops. Thanks to this great recipe, you get extra crispy potatoes with only 10 minutes of prep time.

Serve with: Chicken Cordon Bleu

Salt and vinegar russet potatoes

With just 4 ingredients, the super simple salt and vinegar russet potatoes recipe gives you crispy potatoes that are fluffy on the inside. The secret is to double-cook your russet potatoes to get that perfect texture.

Serve with: Cheesy Baked Meatballs

Duck fat russet potatoes

Why not impress your guests at your next dinner party by cooking your russet potatoes in duck fat? It is the secret to getting that beautiful golden crust.

Serve with: Salisbury Steak

Colcannon (mashed potatoes with Cabbage)

A traditional Irish Side dish that goes well with everything from pot roast and corned beef and cabbage to a simple pan-fried steak.

Serve with: Air Fryer Italian Sausage

Crispy Air Fryer Potato Skins

Just as delicious as potato skins made in the oven, but made in half the time (if not less!) Jazz them up with whatever topping you like: green onions, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even boom boom sauce!

Serve with: Easy Tuna Pasta

Potato Soup

Corn and potato make the perfect chowdah. Hearty and filling, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner with a hearty slice of Irish soda bread.

Serve with: Chipotle Lime Shredded Beef Tacos

Russet potato salad

You can also use your russet potatoes to create exciting cold side dishes like the russet potato salad. This classic American dish is my go-to recipe when I’m invited over for a BBQ.

Serve with: Mexican Spaghetti

Russet potatoes gratin

Loaded with cheese, a sprinkle of bread crumbs and butter, this American comfort food is sure to warm your heart. You can use cheddar cheese, Gruyere, or any other melty cheese of your choice.

Serve with: Meatball Casserole

Fondant russet potatoes

Golden crispy on the outside and melting in the middle, this fondant russet potato recipe is restaurant-quality. Don’t forget to season with herbs like rosemary or parsley to add some flavor.

Serve with: Boiled Lobster

Russet Potatoes FAQs

What are Russet potatoes best used for?

Russet potatoes are high in starch and have a fluffy, dry texture when cooked, making them ideal for baking, mashing, and frying. Their low moisture content allows them to absorb flavors well, making them a go-to choice for dishes like mashed potatoes, hash browns, and classic baked potatoes.

Are Idaho or Russet better for baking?

Idaho potatoes are actually a variety of Russet potatoes, grown in Idaho’s volcanic soil. Generally speaking, any Russet potato, whether from Idaho or elsewhere, is excellent for baking due to its high starch and low moisture content. The distinction is more about regional branding than differences in the potatoes themselves.

What is the Russet potato secret you should know before cooking?

The key to unlocking the Russet potato’s full potential is to cook it at the right temperature for the appropriate length of time. For instance, baking them at too low a temperature can result in a gummy texture, while frying them at too high a temperature may yield an overly greasy product. Additionally, Russet potatoes can oxidize and turn brown if cut and left exposed to air, so submerging them in cold water until ready to cook can help preserve their color.

Are red potatoes healthier than white potatoes?

Both red and white potatoes have their own sets of nutritional benefits. Red potatoes tend to have fewer calories and carbs but slightly more sugar. They also offer a bit more fiber and vitamin C. White potatoes, particularly Russets, have higher levels of potassium and protein. The health factor often depends more on how you cook them and what you pair them with rather than the type of potato itself.

What’s the difference between Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes? 

Russet potatoes are high in starch and are best for baking, frying, and mashing. They have a rough, net-like skin and a fluffy texture when cooked. Yukon Gold potatoes, on the other hand, are a waxy variety with a buttery flavor and a smoother, thinner skin. They are more versatile and hold their shape better in dishes like stews or potato salads. They can also be mashed or fried, but the texture and flavor will be different from that of Russet potatoes.

More Recipe Inspiration

19 Ground Beef and Potato Recipes

What to Serve With Sloppy Joes

19 Leftover Baked Potato Recipes

Ranch Potatoes

73+ Recipes Using Chicken Breast

Summer Chicken Recipes

Have questions or suggestions about these Russet potato recipes? Leave them in the comments below.