20 Different Ways To Use Up A Big Bag Of Potatoes

If you're wondering what in the world to do with the ridiculously large bag of potatoes that you bought last week and still haven't opened, we are here to help. Potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients you can cook with, and there are so many delicious and innovative ways you can incorporate them into a variety of dishes. From simple hash browns for breakfast to luxurious potatoes au gratin for date night to even a dessert (yes, really!), your trusty bag of spuds is capable of so much more than just mashing.

Join us as we take a look at a wide array of the mouthwatering ways in which potatoes can be used in the kitchen, allowing you to provide a bevy of hearty meals that are packed full of flavor. Grab your potato peeler and get ready to uncover the hidden potential of this humble pantry staple.

Tortilla Española, or Spanish omelet, is a potato and egg dish that makes a delicious light meal or can be part of a tapas spread. You can opt for the classic version with just potatoes, onions, and eggs, or you can add a variety of fresh produce to jazz it up.

The tortilla can be cooked in one pan, making it a great quick dinner when you're short on time midweek. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with an onion mixture, and then the eggs are poured over the ingredients to bind everything together.

You can add mushrooms, asparagus, or cheese into the mix to enhance the flavor, and you can switch up the flavors each week to keep it interesting. Serve your tortilla with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread for a Spanish-inspired meal that will keep the whole family satisfied.

For a dish that's easy to whip up and full of protein and healthy fats, use your bag of potatoes to make some delicious fish cakes. The beauty of this simple dish is that you can add any fish you have available — salmon, bass, or even canned tuna. The potatoes will need to be mashed for the fish cakes, making this a great dish for when you have leftover mash too. 

Making fish cakes with potatoes means you don't have to breadcrumb them, so less time is wasted dipping fragile patties in egg, flour, and breadcrumbs, then watching in despair as they fall apart. The potato version is more robust and will crisp up nicely in the pan to create a golden crust. The lack of breadcrumbs also means they can be gluten-free.

Fish cakes can be served on their own as lunch or with a green salad for a tasty midweek meal. Fresh dill goes well with fish, so add some to mayonnaise or sour cream to create a tangy dip to serve alongside them.

Let's head over to the French Alps now for luxurious tartiflette, the cheesy French potato dish featuring bacon and onions. There's very little not to like in this delicious French classic.

Essentially, tartiflette is a fancy version of potatoes au gratin, but the addition of bacon really elevates the super-savory flavors. Technically, a classic tartiflette should always be made with reblochon cheese, but since this Alpine dairy specialty's short aging time means that it's banned in the U.S., you may need to consider an alternative.

The key is to choose a cheese that has a fairly mild flavor and melts beautifully. Camembert and Brie are both delicious French alternatives, but Italian fontina would also do a great job. Whatever cheese you decide to go with, this comforting potato dish will make a great cozy meal to enjoy with loved ones. 

Potato salad is a great cold dish to make with your bag of potatoes, and it can be served with so many different things. Whether you're providing a huge bowl of it at your next garden party or plating it up with grilled chicken breast, this earthy and creamy side dish is a classic for a reason.

It's the perfect way to use up extra boiled potatoes, but you can always cook them specifically for making this dish if you don't have any leftovers. Potato salad can be simple, but the ways in which you can upgrade it are endless, meaning you can switch it up each time you make it. This creamy dill potato salad recipe provides a fresh note that makes it perfect for your next picnic — just be sure to make plenty, as it will be popular.

One dish you may not have considered making to use up your potatoes is pasta-like Italian gnocchi. These small dumplings are made with mashed potato and flour, and are much more straightforward to make at home than pasta.

While there are several mistakes everyone makes with homemade gnocchi, the dish doesn't require many ingredients — cooled mashed potatoes, white flour, and an egg if you wish. The eggs are a traditional binding ingredient in some regions of Italy, but are excluded in others. You can add whatever seasonings you wish, including Parmesan cheese and fresh or dried herbs.

There are plenty of options for a simple sauce to match the gnocchi. Browned garlic butter is as easy as it gets, and is a delicious light option, while a more robust marinara sauce would also make a straightforward meal. 

To put a Spanish twist on your potato dish, consider whipping up some patatas bravas. Topping the list of Spanish potato dishes you should try at least once, patatas bravas consists of crispy potatoes smothered in tomato sauce with slight heat. This is easy to prepare and will add zing to your midweek dinner. 

The potatoes can be fried or roasted, but they should be chopped into equal-sized cubes before cooking to ensure they heat evenly and crisp up nicely. The salsa brava — made with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and paprika — has a complex flavor that really lifts the potatoes.

When your potatoes are ready, spoon the sauce over the top to allow it to soak into the crispy exterior of the potato cubes. Serve it as part of a bigger tapas platter, or simply as a side dish alongside an entree.

Shepherd's pie is a delicious rustic dish that will allow you to use up your potatoes in a flavorsome way. Originating in Britain, this is the ultimate in comfort food, but it's nourishing enough that we can eat it often.

Traditionally, a shepherd's pie recipe will contain lamb — a beef version of the dish is called cottage pie, though here in the States we tend to call both varieties shepherd's pie. Either way, they are both topped with mashed potatoes that become golden and crispy when baked in the oven.

The ground meat is combined with a variety of vegetables, including peas and carrots, but you can add whatever veggies your family enjoys. A rich beef stock and a splash of Worcestershire sauce will reduce down to complete the dish with a rich gravy.

You may not be familiar with kartoffelbrot, the German bread made with mashed potatoes, but you should definitely consider making some if you have some spuds that need to be used up. This potato bread has a dense texture, unique flavor, and a satisfying crunchy crust.

The mashed potatoes are mixed with yeast and flour to create a dough that is stickier than you may be used to. This is a two-rise bread, so after it has risen you need to punch it down to get rid of the air and then let it rise for a second time.

Kartoffelbrot is an incredibly versatile bread with many uses. It makes a hearty sandwich with cured meats and cheese, or a delicious accompaniment to vegetable soup. The next time you're thinking of making bread at home, grab your bag of potatoes and give it a try.

Latkes are traditional Jewish potato fritters often served during Hanukkah. They are simple to make, containing only a few ingredients, and can be served throughout the year as a side dish or delicious snack.

The main ingredients in classic latkes are grated potato, grated onion, eggs, and flour, mixed up together and then fried in hot oil. You can add garlic or herbs to enhance the flavor while creating a fritter that is super crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.

Classic accompaniments to latkes include sour cream or applesauce, but you can add whatever you want to make them into a meal, including smoked salmon or roast beef. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner you are cooking, latkes are a great crowd-pleaser. 

Chowder is a comforting creamy soup that often contains seafood, and adding potatoes will give it a fantastic texture that warms you up no matter how cold it is outside. The versatility of this soup means you can customize it for your family, whether with a sweet corn chowder or a classic clam version.

Potatoes contribute to the creamy nature of chowder by thickening it without overpowering the other delicate flavors. You can then add whatever additional ingredients you wish, from clams to sweet corn to chunks of assorted fish. No matter what you decide to add, just remember to include a splash of cream or a vegan cream alternative to create that traditional chowder consistency.