You know what they say: there's more than one way to skin a potato. It may not seem obvious at first, but after pondering about these Idahoian gems for a spell, one can notice just how many delicious dishes owe their appeal to the humble tater. So, pause that episode of "Chopped" you were just watching, grab the nearest bottle of ketchup, and read on to marvel at the versatility of these apples of the earth.
1. French Fries
The classic potato form. You can also call them Freedom Fries, but we all know that a true side of fritters has a certain "je ne sais quoi" about it.
2. Potato Chips
Lay's has regenerated the classic potato chip more often than most Time Lords. Just check out their annual "Do Us A Flavor" contest for proof; thousands of new flavors are created each year, usually for the sake of memes.
3. Tater Tots
The smollest and puffiest of the potatoes. Basically the attention-grabbing kid sibling of the hash brown patty (see number 7).
4. Sweet Potatoes
Technically these are biologically different than normal potatoes, but they deserve an honorable mention. Can also be used to make sweet potato fries, and Lord knows how tasty those are.
5. Potato Salad
Enjoyable for up to three days, as long as a sentient aquatic sponge doesn't step in it.
6. Potato Skins
Staples for Super Bowl Sunday and that one time you went to T.G.I. Friday's.
7. Hash Browns
We're talking about those good ol' greasy hash brown patties from McDonalds or your local diner. Has beef with the tots (see number 3).
8. Home Fries
Also known as breakfast potatoes, home fries are a bit more substantial than hash browns, but don't go out of their way to brag about it.
9. Mashed Potatoes
The mother of all potato forms. Seriously, no family dinner is complete without them at the table.
10. Poutine
Fries, cheese, and gravy. It's as American as Degrassi and Bieber.
11. Scalloped Potatoes
Also known as potatoes gratin, if you want to be even fancier than "scalloped".
12. Baked Potatoes
The father of all potato dishes. Because it's normal to categorize spuds into patriarchal archetypes.
13. Latkes
The classic Eastern European potato pancake. Perfect with apple sauce and Hannukkah celebrations.
14. Knishes
Delicious stuffed potato turnovers. Also Eastern European, and Coney Island-ese.
14. Potato Donuts
Also known as the Spudnut, potato donuts are just like regular donuts, except for the fact that they're made with either mashed potatoes or potato starch instead of flour. Maine apparently runs on them.
15. Crisp Sandwiches
Next time someone gives you a weird look for putting potato chips on your ham and cheese, just tell them that crisp sandwiches are an actual thing in England. Not kidding. They're also known as chipwiches or "chippy sandwiches".
16. Potato Croquettes
These breadcrumbed food rolls star mashed potatoes as their main ingredient. Not as smol as tater tots, but still quite little depending on the recipe you use.
17. Mr. Potato Head
Hey, he's a cool potato too. Not sure if he's edible, though. His angry eyes appear to be quite the choking hazard.
