Gram’s Classic Potato Recipes for Today’s Cooks

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Potatoes have always been the kind of food that says, “Come on in, sit down, and stay a while”—and Grandma knew that better than anyone. These recipes honor that spirit of comfort and care, but with a little help from today’s kitchen workhorses like air fryers, slow cookers, and Blackstones. From buttery, golden Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes to bubbling Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole, and crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes to skillet-ready Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad, each dish brings the warmth of the past into the ease of the present. And yes, Crockpot Au Gratin Potatoes are every bit as indulgent as you remember.

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes is topped with melted butter and chopped chives, with a spoon inside. A checkered cloth is draped over the wooden surface.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Level up your spuds with Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes, where nutty golden butter meets creamy buttermilk in a silky mash worth making any day feel like a holiday.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Creamy potato salad with diced vegetables and a sprinkle of black pepper, garnished with cherry tomatoes on a decorative plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

With its warm, tangy dressing and crunchy bite, Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad brings big Amish energy to the table—nostalgic, bold, and delightfully different.

To learn more: Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole

The image shows baked mashed potatoes in a white oval dish with a serving spoon. The top is covered with melted cheese and garnished with chopped green onions. Nearby, a piece of the dish is served on a plate.
Image credit: Not Entirely Average

This Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole is your golden ticket to carb-fueled bliss—creamy, cheesy, and baked until bubbling with joy. Ideal for holidays or Tuesday nights when only cozy will do.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Seasoned, roasted sweet potato wedges in a bowl.
Photo credit: Wholesome Yum.

No peeling, no fuss—just Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes that come out perfectly caramelized and seasoned in record time. They’re so easy, you’ll start adding sweet potatoes to every meal out of sheer convenience.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Potato Leek Soup

Potato leek soup
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

This creamy and flavorful potato leek soup is easy to make with simple ingredients, making it perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner. Garnish with fresh chives for an extra touch of freshness. This recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.
Get the Recipe: Potato Leek Soup

Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe

Plate with loaded potato skins topped with melted cheese and bacon. Small bowls of sour cream, chopped bacon, and chopped scallions are beside the potato skins.
Photo credit: Urban Bliss Life.

Cheesy, crispy, and totally customizable, the Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe is your go-to for game day snacking or late-night cravings. Think of them as edible potato boats filled with joy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe

Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad

Overhead image of the sweet potato salad
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad is a delicious and healthy side dish or light meal! It features savory roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and red onions, all tossed in a flavorful cilantro sauce. Perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad

Rosemary Air Fryer Potato Wedges

plated Rosemary Air Fryer Potato Wedges with dip
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

These Rosemary Air Fryer Potato Wedges are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day or any gathering. Russet potato wedges are seasoned with rosemary, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese, then air-fried to crispy perfection. Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack!
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Best Potato Salad

Potato salad
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

This potato salad recipe is the perfect side dish for your next BBQ! It’s creamy, tangy, and easy to make ahead, making it a stress-free addition to any summer gathering. Plus, it’s dairy-free and gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!
Get the Recipe: Best Potato Salad

Crockpot Au Gratin Potatoes

Overhead image of the Crockpot Au Gratin Potatoes
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

These Crockpot Au Gratin Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food! Thinly sliced potatoes are smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and slow-cooked to perfection. This easy recipe is perfect for holidays or any family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Au Gratin Potatoes

Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries piled on a plate lined with newsprint parchment paper.
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

Craving a delicious and healthy side dish? These Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries are the answer! Seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices, they’re a fantastic gluten-free option that pairs perfectly with burgers and your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Hot German Potato Salad

A close image of German potato salad in a serving bowl.
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

This German Potato Salad is a warm and comforting side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with bacon, onions, vinegar, and potatoes, this recipe has a creamy texture and delicious flavor. Garnish with parsley and a touch of dijon mustard.
Get the Recipe: Hot German Potato Salad

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

A baked potato topped with shredded cheese, chopped bacon, and green onions on a white plate.
Photo credit: Busy Family Recipes.

Say hello to fluffy insides and snappy skins with these Air Fryer Baked Potatoes that skip the oven and fast-forward straight to dinner perfection. Load them like a baked potato bar pro or keep it simple—they’re good either way.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

A bowl of mashed sweet potatoes topped with two pats of butter, black pepper, and fresh herbs.
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

This mashed sweet potato recipe is a simple and delicious side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It’s creamy, buttery, and easy to make with a few basic ingredients. Enjoy this dish during the fall or winter season, especially for Thanksgiving or any holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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