The potato. The humble spud. Red, white, yellow, purple, sweet, or fingerling – there are so many types and species of potatoes; each a little different, and each more delicious than the last.

Potatoes have been enjoyed by humans since about 8000BC when they were first cultivated by the Incas. They’ve since been cooked and prepared in thousands of different ways, and nearly every country in the world has a national potato dish. But what is the best way to cook potatoes?

In this article, we'll discuss the secrets to truly scrumptious spuds:

First, select a potato that is right for your dish

Potatoes can cook very differently depending on the type. Starchy potatoes such as russets or most sweet potatoes are great when fried or used in baked dishes. They quickly absorb water, so they’re less suitable for boiled dishes.

Waxy potatoes, including fingerlings and red-skinned types, are perfect for salads or chunky soups as they maintain their shape when cooked. And all-purpose potatoes such as heritage purple ones or the popular Yukon Gold potato are good for almost any purpose, including mashing, baking, and roasting.

Pick the perfect recipe

To cook the perfect potato, you need the right recipe. Here are some of the greatest potato recipes you can try:

1. Beautiful potato gratin

A perfectly layered potato gratin is the ideal choice if you’re wanting a simple side dish that is sure to impress guests. Peel and slice all-purpose potatoes to fit the size of your dish (we like the classic Pyrex rectangular oven dish for a budget-friendly option) or oven skillet, and layer evenly. Mix double cream with a crushed garlic clove, some fresh thyme, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of nutmeg. Pour over the potatoes and add some freshly grated parmesan or cheddar. Repeat several layers, before cooking in the oven at 160C for about an hour.

2. Fluffy baked potatoes

Preheat your oven to 220C and prep some baking potatoes such as russets or sweet potatoes. Wash and scrub your potatoes well until there is no dirt left on the skins, then dry them with a kitchen towel. Rub them liberally with olive oil and salt before pricking them a few times with a fork to allow hot air to escape the skins. Place the potatoes in your cast-iron casserole ( this oval one is beautiful in the oven and on the table) and cook for 45 to 60 minutes.

3. Crispy potato chips

Using a selection of large multi-use potatoes, ideally, something like a Maris Piper, peel and cut lengthwise into approximately 1cm thick slices (thicker if you prefer). Rinse the chips under cold water to wash away some of the starch and dry them well using paper towels. Fill your saucepan about half-full with a good quality unflavoured oil such as sunflower or vegetable oil, and heat to approx. 130C. Using a chip pan and basket, gently lower your homemade chips into the oil and fry for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Dry on more paper towels to remove some of the oil, and salt liberally.

Use the right tools to get the perfect cook

Having selected your recipe, you’ll want to make sure you have the right cookware to get the perfect cook. Start with a good set of knives and a clever potato peeler.

For the perfect baked potato, a cast-iron casserole is the ideal reusable alternative to the foil-wrapped bake. Cast iron retains heat well once it’s fired up, is easy to care for, and lasts for years, unlike its non-stick coated counterparts. Seasoned correctly with plenty of oil, it also means your potatoes will always come out perfectly cooked, fluffy on the inside, and lightly crisped on the outside.

If you’re creating a beautiful potato gratin that you’d like to display in its dish from oven-to-table, you’ll want something like a Smart Cuisine Oven Dish, which comes in a range of sizes. It’s also particularly economical at its very low price and makes a great statement piece to show off to your guests.

If you’re boiling potatoes (remember to use a waxy potato) to make salads or soups, a well-made saucepan with a fitting lid is an excellent choice as you’ll want the water and steam to cover the potatoes.

And of course, if you’re mashing potatoes you’ll want the perfect masher or ricer for fluffy, lump-free goodness.

Have we given you some inspiration for the best way to cook potatoes? Whatever your favourite potato dish, the right cookware will make getting your recipe right that much simpler. At Cooksmill, we offer a variety of pots, pans, and oven-proof dishes to help you do just that.

Here at Cooksmill, we have an extensive range of cookware for cooking perfect potatoes and many other favourite dishes that are suitable for front of house and in the kitchen. To learn more then simply visit our website today to shop online or visit our Manchester store. Delivery is free on orders over £50 ex vat with thousands of items available for fast courier delivery when you shop online.