Frozen Potato Breakdown

We love spuds. 

And we’re not alone: The Incas of Peru began cultivating potatoes more than 10,000 years ago, eventually developing ~3,000 varieties. They even measured time by how long it took to cook a potato to different consistencies. The Spanish brought potatoes back to Europe around 1537, where they became commonplace in the 1600s. Today, potatoes are an important staple worldwide, but we love spuds for many reasons beyond their ubiquitousness; they’re inexpensive, are available locally year round, keep forever in a cool dark place (cut off the eyes if they sprout!), and can be prepared myriad ways. They’re also widely available in tons of delicious frozen varieties that we rely on not only to get our French fry fix, but to make dinner prep quicker and easier. Our favorite types and brands are below!

Wegmans Frozen House Cut Fries

We’re lucky enough to live close to a Wegmans, which is perhaps the greatest grocery store of all time. Family owned and run, Wegmans is like a mash up of Whole Foods, Harris Teeter and Trader Joe’s, offering a variety of branded products (we’re particularly fond of their bone broth concentrates and udon noodles), and their house cut fries are our favorite frozen French fry. With just three ingredients and no preservatives, we throw some of these into the air fryer whenever we need a quick fry fix.

Alexia’s Ready Roasted Potatoes

We’re fans of many Alexia products (don’t sleep on those waffle fries!), but we find their ready roasted potatoes particularly convenient. They come in a few different flavors, and can be served alongside salmon filets and roasted asparagus for a super simple dinner, or tossed with some brauts and sliced apples for an easy sheet pan supper. Or, throw them under a spatchocked chicken (you can now find these at the store!) for a company worthy dinner.

Stahlburgs Sweet Potatoes

Technically not potatoes, but we’re throwing these on this anyway, because - hey, close enough. We love these for purees/mashes, soups and stew.

Frozen Pierogies

Never underestimate the soothing power of mashed potatoes wrapped in dough. Many cultures have a version of these - think of knishes or potato bourekas. Steam, air fry, or bake these little guys, then serve with sour cream and chives (and some caramelized onions if you want to get fancy) for a quick, satisfying bowl of goodness in these carb necessary times.

Trader Joe’s Frozen Latkes

We saved the best for last. Only available towards the end of the year, we call ahead to reserve several boxes when they’re scheduled to appear. Though we (like to think, atleast) that make a darn good latke, they’re a pain in the tush. You have to peel, grate, drain, fry, and shape the potatoes. And that’s not to mention the onions. By the time we’re done making latkes, we’ve cried off our make-up, our house smells like oil, and we may or may not have a few burns. Enter Trade Joe’s latkes: though nothing can replace homemade, these are essential for feeding a crowd or satisfying your latke craving quickly.