One Batch of Roasted Potatoes, Three Easy Weeknight Dinners
Cut Your Kitchen Time with Make-Ahead Spuds that Transform into Completely Different Meals
DENVER, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Almost 80% of Americans admit to having days when they're too exhausted to cook after work. At the same time, most of us are looking for ways to bring variety and flavor to weeknight meals without spending hours in the kitchen—or blowing the whole week's food budget. Potatoes USA has the answer: one simple batch of roasted potatoes that transforms into three completely different, delicious dinners.
With nearly unmatched versatility, nutritious, and a budget-friendly price tag, roasted potatoes are an ultimate weeknight meal ingredient. Think bold BBQ flavors one night and a veggie-packed stir-fry the next, all from the same easy starting point.
How it Works: Easy, Flexible, Delicious
The secret is simple: roast a batch of potatoes at the start of the week, then use them as a base for three different dinners.
To start, simply wash and cube your favorite potato, then toss it with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F until golden and crispy, about 40 minutes. Store the potatoes in the fridge, and you've got the foundation for three nights of totally different meals with no complicated meal prep required.
When re-heating, there are several ways to ensure ultimate crispiness:
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer so they're not touching. Cook for 4–6 minutes, shaking the basket or tray halfway through cooking.
- Conventional Oven or Toaster Oven: Preheat to 400°F. Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to allow for proper airflow. Bake for 10–15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. If the potatoes seem dry, lightly mist them with oil before reheating.
- Skillet: Warm a little oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes, being careful not to stack them, and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally to crisp on all sides. Covering the skillet for the first minute can warm the center faster, but leave it uncovered after that to avoid steaming.
Hot Tips for Crisp Spuds: To achieve crispness, avoid microwaving; it steams the potatoes and softens the edges. Bring potatoes to room temperature 10–15 minutes before reheating; this reduces the time needed and helps prevent over-drying. Spacing is key as crowded potatoes steam instead of crisp. Finally, to ensure the best result, always keep an eye on your spuds to see when they are cooked to your liking – don't just rely on your kitchen timer.
Three Nights, Three Fast, Flavorful Meals
Enjoy your roasted potatoes throughout the week with these three delicious and easy potato bowls.
Monday: Crispy Korean Roasted Potato Bowl
Kick off the week strong with bold gochujang heat and crispy vegetables.
Tuesday: Smoky BBQ Salmon Roasted Potato Bowl
Smoky salmon meets tangy honey mustard vinaigrette for a sweet-savory dinner that feels special but comes together fast.
Wednesday: Vegetable Stir Fry Roasted Potato Bowl
Fuel your way through the rest of the week with a bold, colorful, veggie-packed stir-fry.
A Nutritional Powerhouse in Every Affordable Bite
Beyond their delicious taste and versatility, potatoes are also a filling, nutrient-dense vegetable. One 5.3 oz skin-on potato:
- Is an excellent source of Vitamin C (27g)
- Is a good source of potassium (620mg)
- Give you the energy you need to perform at your best (26g)
- Has protein (3g), iron (1.1mg), fiber (2g), and Vitamin B6 (0.2mg)
"Make-ahead potatoes are a weeknight lifesaver, and reheating them comes with a bonus," said Riley Peterson, a registered dietitian nutritionist and the Nutrition Director at Potatoes USA. "Reheated potatoes have more resistant starch than freshly cooked potatoes, which acts similarly to dietary fiber in your body and can help you feel fuller for longer."
In addition to their great taste and vegetable goodness, potatoes are also one of the most cost-effective ingredients per serving, making them a staple for anyone looking to save money while still eating well.
Find all three roasted potato bowl recipes at PotatoGoodness.com, and follow @PotatoGoodness on Instagram for more flavor-forward, budget-friendly inspiration.
About Potatoes USA
As representatives of U.S. potato growers and importers, Potatoes USA's mission is to strengthen the demand for potatoes through marketing and research. By launching impactful marketing campaigns; coordinating regional, national, and international market and production research; and establishing new trade markets, Potatoes USA promotes the benefits of potatoes to audiences across the globe, including consumers, foodservice operators, retailers, and health professionals. For more information on America's Favorite Vegetable, please visit PotatoGoodness.com or visit @potatogoodness on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.
Media Contact:
Erin Bracken
[email protected]
SOURCE Potatoes USA
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