30 Great Ways To Cook Potatoes

The mighty potato is one of the world's most popular and versatile ingredients. The starchy root vegetable comes in a variety of different colors, shapes, and sizes. Most notably are the white potatoes, known as Irish potatoes, which are a staple in diets all over the world. Potatoes have always been an essential part of the world's diet, and their status and popularity hasn't changed. So whether you say potato or potato—we can all agree on eating them.

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We all have our favorite potato preparations. From classic mashed potatoes swirled with cream, to a potato baked until tender with a crispy skin and dotted with butter, or shaped into fries and fried to golden perfection, potatoes are an integral part of our culinary lives. Often serves as side dish—think potato salad or simply roasted—potatoes can also stand as a main dish like potato soup or gnocchi.

There are many cultures and regions that embrace the potato and all its versatility. A common practice amongst Jewish people during Hanukkah is to prepare potato pancakes or latkes. Another Jewish snack is the knish, which is dough filled with mashed potatoes and meat. A popular Spanish tapa is patatas bravas, which are quartered and fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce. Dauphinois potatoes were made famous in the Dauhpine region of southeast France and consist of thin slices of potatoes cooked in a buttered dish with cream. Probably the most notable type of cuisine consisting of potatoes dishes can be found on the menus in Ireland. Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made up of mashed potato with cabbage. And who can forget the classic peasant dish, shepherd's pie?

From classic dishes to new favorites, we've rounded up 30 of our favorite recipes. The list is compiled of regional favorites as well as some traditional cultural potato dishes. Check out some of these recipes and let your next meal be inspired by the popular spuds.

Emily Jacobs is the Recipe editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @EmilyRecipes.