5 Potato Recipes That Are Lighter & Healthier Than You Expect

By Jenn Fillenworth

November 16, 2023

Courtesy of Feasting at Home

Potatoes are a kitchen staple for good reason: They’re cheap and filling, with a shelf life of up to a few months, provided you store them in a cool, dry, dark place. They’re also surprisingly nutritious: They’re a great source of potassium — more so than bananas — which helps us manage stress and anxiety better. No wonder healthy potato recipes are some of the best to serve during the busy holiday season!

The only problem? Your typical mashed potato recipe usually involves a generous amount of butter, heavy cream — or both. That makes them delicious, but not always the healthiest option. For special occasions, we say, go ahead and load up your spuds with butter and cream. But know that there are other options out there for you for every other day of the year. Here’s a cheat sheet to making potatoes that are good and good for you.

1. Perfect Roasted Potatoes

Courtesy of Cookie + Kate

Roasting potatoes is so simple and hands-off, I do it at least twice a week. For this type of cooking method, I usually toss small redskin potatoes or Yukon Golds with olive oil, salt, and pepper. If your spuds are smaller, you can keep them whole or you can slice them in half. You can spice up this method of cooking with any type of seasoning (I personally love a Cajun blend on mine); toss them in chimichurri, pesto, or any of your other favorite sauce; or just roast them with fresh garlic and herbs.

Try the recipe from Cookie + Kate.

2. Rosemary Garlic Hasselback Potatoes

Courtesy of Feasting at Home

Hasselback potatoes came bursting onto the food scene a few years back and I’ve been in love ever since. This method makes small cuts halfway through the potato until it looks similar to an accordion. It allows for optimal flavor coverage since your seasonings will coat every layer of the potato. First, I drizzle them with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then apply my other seasonings. There’s no limit to the toppings you can add, roasted nuts, sautéed vegetables, pesto, freshly grated parmesan, the list goes on and on!

Try the recipe from Feasting at Home.

3. Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes

Courtesy of Nutrition to Fit

Okay, so maybe you want to keep the mashed potatoes on the table. I don’t blame you, I love a good mashed potato. I don’t love the heaviness from too much butter and cream! I lighten up the fat content of my mashed potatoes by using plain Greek yogurt and finishing with just a hint of butter so that I’m not compromising the flavor too much. The Greek yogurt adds richness and moisture and a hit of tang. Plus Greek yogurt is a great source of protein, which will help keep you feeling fuller for longer. If you are looking to thin out your potatoes more, try adding vegetable stock. Adding fresh herbs to your potatoes will also boost your flavor without compromising the nutrition.

Try the recipe from Nutrition to Fit.

4. Latke Waffles

Courtesy of Smitten Kitchen

Latke waffles are a delightful and unique variation of the classic latkes. They bring together the crispy texture of a waffle with the savory flavors of a potato pancake. Serve them with dinner as a creative side dish, or a special addition to a brunch the morning of your big feast! The combination of the fluffy interior and the golden-brown exterior creates a delightful contrast of textures in every bite.

Try this recipe from Smitten Kitchen.

5.Simple French-Style Potato Salad

Courtesy of Minimalist Baker

For a unique twist on Thanksgiving side dishes, consider making this Simple French Potato Salad instead of traditional mashed potatoes. The recipe combines boiled baby potatoes with a tangy Dijon mustard dressing, fresh herbs like parsley and dill, and a touch of lemon juice for brightness. The result is a light and refreshing salad that pairs well with roasted turkey and other Thanksgiving favorites.

Try this recipe from Minimalist Baker.