How to Cut Potatoes?

Mastering how to cut potatoes is a critical skill that will elevate your dishes from drab to fab. Improving your potato-chopping skills can benefit any cook, from complete novices to seasoned pros. Whether you prefer cubed or crinkled, waffle or wedge, this list has the right potato cut for you.

How to Choose Potatoes?

Pick firm, fresh potatoes without bruises or sprouts. Variety matters – waxy potatoes hold shape better in water, while starchy types get fluffier.

Peel first if desired. Leaving skins on works for many roasted or fried cuts.

How To Clean a Potato?

When it comes to cooking potatoes, preparation is essential. Before you begin cutting, make sure your potatoes are clean. To thoroughly clean them, take the following steps:

Rinse the potatoes: To eliminate dirt or debris, wash them under cold running water.
Scrub as needed: If the potatoes have stubborn dirt or stains, use a vegetable brush to gently scrub them clean.
Inspect for Blemishes: Look for any flaws or eyeballs on the potatoes. Remove any sprouting or damaged portions.
Pat Dry: After cleaning the potatoes, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

Pro tip: If you use organic potatoes, you may avoid peeling and keep the beneficial skin on.

How To Cut A Potato?

Due to its versatility, the potato comes in a variety of cuts, each ideal for a certain dish. Check out the four most popular cuts below:

Wedges for oven fries.
Slices for potato gratin.
Sticks for smaller fries or the initial step in cubes
Cubes for soups, stews, and potato salads.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin cutting, gather the necessary tools:

A sharp chef’s knife (dull knives are a safety hazard)
A sturdy cutting board (wood or plastic, no slippery surfaces)
Bowl of cold water (optional, for storing cut potatoes)

With your tools in hand, you’re ready to tackle any potato-cutting technique. Let’s get started!

How To Cut Potatoes Into Fries?

French fries are a popular choice, and chopping potatoes into fries is rather simple:

Peel (optional): If you want skinless fries, start by peeling the potatoes.
Cut into Slices: With a large chef’s knife, carefully cut a tiny slice off the edge of the potato to create a flat base by placing it on its side. Flip the potato cut side down and cut thin slices to the width you want your french fries.
Slice into strips: Stack a few slices, then cut in the other direction to make french fries.
Soak in Water (Optional): To eliminate extra starch, soak the potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes.

How To Cut Potatoes Into Slices?

Potato slices are very adaptable and can be used in a variety of cuisines. Here’s how to slice potatoes:

Wash and Dry: Clean the potatoes and pat them dry.
Slice Horizontally: Make horizontal slices across the potato, either lengthwise or widthwise, to get the desired size.
Adjust Thickness: Cut the slices to the thickness required by your recipe.

How To Cut Potato Wedges?

Potato wedges are a game changer for roasting, baking, and grilling. Here’s how to cut them:

Begin with a clean, dried potato.
Slice the potato in half lengthwise.
Lay the cut sides down and cut in half again lengthwise.
Lay each half cut-side down and cut into wedges about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick.

How To Cut Potatoes Into Cubes?

Soups, stews, and salads all rely on cubed potatoes. Here is the technique:

Begin with a clean, dried potato.
Cut your potato in lengthwise slices to the appropriate thickness.
Place your pieces cut side down and slice them again lengthwise to the same width.
Hold the slices in place with your free hand. Rotate the potato a quarter turn and make the last cuts, this time in the opposite direction of the first cuts.
Stack many potato slices to speed up the procedure.

Adjust the size of your cubes to meet the needs of your recipe.

How To Store Cut Potatoes?

If you don’t use all of the sliced potatoes right away, here’s how to keep them:

To prevent browning, place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill for up to 24 hours. Change the water every several hours.
Before you begin cooking, drain and pat dry.

Recipes With Potatoes

Now that you’re a potato-cutting pro, it’s time to put those skills to the test. Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started:

Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Crispy Roasted Potato Wedges with Rosemary and Garlic
Classic Potato Salad
Shepherd’s Pie with Fluffy Mashed Potato Topping
Hearty Beef and Potato Stew
Potato Soup
Air Fryer French Fries
Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad
Potato Croquettes
Perfect Pan Fried Potatoes
French Onion Baked Potatoes
Chili Oil Smashed Potatoes
Air Fryer Crispy Potatoes
Patatas Bravas

The possibilities are endless when you know how to cut potatoes like a pro.

Conclusion

Finally, mastering the technique of cutting potatoes opens the door to a world of delectable dishes and innovative culinary experiments. With the correct skills and materials, you can turn ordinary potatoes into gourmet marvels that will please your palate and dazzle your guests. So polish your knives, grab your ingredients, and get ready to start cutting potatoes!

FAQs

What is the best way to cut potatoes?

Cut the potato in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half lengthwise into quarters for a total of 8 wedges. For larger potatoes, you can cut each half into sixths for more wedges if desired.

How do you make potatoes easier to slice?

Choose the right potato variety.
Use a sharp knife.
Soak the potatoes before cutting to prevent discoloration.
Use a cutting board as a solid base for cutting.
Rinse the potatoes to remove excess starch.
Cut the potatoes from an angle for a smoother cut.

How do you cut cooked potatoes?

With a freshly sharpened chef’s knife, slice the potato in half lengthwise. Flip each half so the flat side is facing down, then slice each one in half to make quarters.
Slice the quarters in half on a 45-degree angle to make wedge shapes. You should end up with 4 wedges per potato half.

Why do you soak your potatoes in water as you cut them?

First let’s talk about why cut potatoes need to be immersed in water to begin with. The reason is to prevent the potatoes exposure to air, which causes dehydration, oxidation, and discoloration. Immersing cut potatoes will also help rinse off excess starch.

How do you easily chop potatoes?

Step 1: Slice a strip off, lengthwise, so the potato sits flat on the cutting surface. Sometimes a peeled potato will create a small, flat edge. Step 2: Slice the potato into uniform pieces, while holding it with your non-cutting hand. Slice thinly for a smaller dice and thicker for a chunkier dice.