Review on Different Types of Potatoe Sides/Dishes by Sarah Weisbeck

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Potatoes are a fan-favorite food for many, and so I've decided to make my own personal review of the different types of potatoes. These are biased opinions because they come solely from me or a trusted source, but each one I review will get a summary and a rating from 1-10; 1 being the worst and 10 being the best. 

1. French Fries

This is an easy start, french fries are amazing. French-fried potatoes, or simply fries are allumette-cut deep-fried potatoes, originating from either Belgium or France, they are prepared by cutting the potato into even strips, then drying and frying it, usually in a deep fryer (Wikipedia). There are so many different types: standard cut, curly, crinkle cut, shoestring, chili cheese, potato wedges, steak, waffle, sweet potato, cheese, smiley, garlic, Belgian, and so many more. In my opinion, you can never go wrong with fries. They're the perfect side dish and the perfect snack. On top of all that they're officially ranked the world's most favorite potato snack (Hindustan Times). Final Rating: 10/10

2. Tater Tots

Now technically in the food world, tater tots are a type of french fry, BUT, I think they deserve their own review. Tater tots are grated potatoes formed into small cylinders and deep-fried, often served as a side dish (Wikipedia). Despite being a type of french fry, tater tots have their own unique shape and style and arguably a different taste. I do not think that tater tots should be categorized as french fries because eating french fries and tater tots together would result in conflicting moods. Tater tots are great to be eaten with dinner, lunch, or any other meal, but I don't think they are that good on their own. Final Rating: 8/10

3. Mashed Potatoes

I am going to get hate for this one, but mashed potatoes are overrated. Mashed potatoes, colloquially known as mash, are a dish made by mashing boiled potatoes, usually, with added milk, butter, salt, and pepper - it is generally served as a side dish to meat or vegetables (Wikipedia). The texture is the number one problem for me, I don't find mush appetizing at all. I also more often than not have seen mashed potatoes served with an ice cream scoop (especially in school), and that genuinely bothers me. Final Rating: 2/10

4. Hash Browns

As opposed to mashed potatoes, hash browns are very underrated. Hash browns, also spelled hashed browns, are a popular American breakfast dish, consisting of finely chopped potatoes that have been fried until browned (Wikipedia). This is one of my top breakfast favorites, they are the perfect side. Hash browns immediately make any breakfast better, and I would 100% recommend trying them if you haven't already. My best recommendation would be eggs, bacon, and hash browns. I do not, however, think that hash browns should be eaten at any other time than breakfast because that just seems weird. Final Rating: 9/10

5. Roasted Potatoes

Another underrated potato type. Roasted potatoes can be made in so many different ways that make them perfect for any meal and to any liking. Roasted potatoes are simply small cut pieces of potato that are soaked in water and then baked with different seasonings and olive oil. I think that these are some of the prettiest looking types of potatoes, they always turn out looking super good. An honorable note to make about roasted potatoes too is that they are so simple and easy to make, it would be hard to mess these up. Final Rating: 8/10

6. Baked Potato

I have never personally had a baked potato, so for this review, I am confiding in a trustworthy fellow potato enthusiast, Ava Luna. A baked potato is a preparation of potato, the ideal baked potato has a fluffy interior and a crispy skin (Wikipedia). It may be served with fillings, toppings, or condiments (Wikipedia). Ava says that baked potatoes are amazing, whether it is a regular baked potato, baked sweet potato, or loaded baked potato. Baked potatoes need to be eaten with butter, "because it helps the taste". A loaded baked potato has bacon, sour cream, cheese, scallions, salt, and pepper, and this is Ava's favorite (she recommends). Ava's Final Rating: 9.4/10

7. Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are more of a broad category as they can be made into many different types of sides or meals. Sweet potatoes have a sweet taste (hence the name) and are also orange. They are also a type of potato. Sweet potatoes are not my favorite, I like the taste of regular potatoes better, but sweet potatoes definitely aren't terrible. Final Rating: 6/10

8. Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes layered with onions and baked with a seasoned creamy onion sauce. This side is popular during Christmas, easter, and thanksgiving dinners. I personally do not like onions so this dish is not one of my favorites. Final Rating: 1/10

Bonus Types of Fries Ratings:

Standard Cut: 10/10

Curly: 8/10

Crinkle-Cut: 8/10

Shoestring: 6/10

Chili Cheese: 4/10

Potato Wedges: 6/10

Steak: 5/10

Waffle: 10/10

Sweet Potato: 6/10

Cheese: 9.5/10

Smiley: 7/10

Garlic: 6/10

Belgian: 6/10

Overall I think potatoes are a great side dish, meal, or snack. You can't go wrong when including potatoes.

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*Apologies for no pictures, I was unable to upload or paste any.*