Mashed potatoes might be America’s go-to comfort potato dish, but a new survey shows that what we serve at family dinners and potlucks depends on where we live.
The findings come just in time for National Potato Day, offering a snapshot of how one humble ingredient continues to bring people together in kitchens and communities nationwide, according to a news release.
To celebrate, the Idaho Potato Commission partnered with YouGov to ask 3,000 Americans: What is the one potato dish that brings people together in your hometown? The responses revealed regional favorites and how deeply potato dishes are woven into family traditions, holiday celebrations and local culture.
“Potatoes are more than food, they’re part of our traditions,” says Jamey Higham, president and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission. “From a beloved family casserole to a loaded potato bar at a Sunday football gathering, these dishes bring people together, celebrating both community and culture.
“What is fascinating about this survey is how distinctly regional our comfort foods are,” Higham adds. “Proof that one ingredient like the Idaho potato can take on countless delicious identities.”
While mashed potatoes remain the nation’s undisputed No. 1, the survey uncovered notable differences in taste by region and generation. Rural respondents leaned toward classics like potato salad (67% rural versus 54% urban) and au gratin potatoes (39% versus 29%), while urban residents favored more adventurous dishes such as gnocchi, poutine and potato tacos. Baby boomers overwhelmingly chose mashed potatoes (73%) and potato salad (75%), while Gen Z leaned toward potato tacos (11%) and poutine (9%).
