Potato substitutes
Potato substitutes — 4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Sweet potato
Same amount as the potato
Orange root vegetable with more nutrients.
The best substitutes for potato are sweet potato, cauliflower, or turnips, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- roasting
Updated 17 Sep 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of potato | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sweet potatoroasting | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Cauliflowermashing | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 3 | Turnipsroasting | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Parsnipsroasting | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Sweet potato
different taste, similar texture
Orange root vegetable with more nutrients.
- Best for
- roasting, baking, mashing, fries
Higher in nutrients, sweeter flavor.
Cauliflower
different taste and texture
Low-carb alternative.
- Best for
- mashing, roasting, gratin, low-carb dishes
Much lower in carbs, different texture.
Turnips
different taste, similar texture
White root vegetable with different flavor.
- Best for
- roasting, mashing, soups, stews
More bitter, less starchy than potatoes.
Parsnips
different taste, similar texture
Sweet root vegetable.
- Best for
- roasting, mashing, soups, side dishes
Sweeter flavor, similar cooking properties.
Questions
3 questionsWhat's the difference between waxy and starchy potatoes?
Waxy potatoes (like red potatoes) hold their shape better and are good for salads, while starchy potatoes (like russets) are better for mashing and baking.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, but sweet potatoes are sweeter and have a different texture, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.
How do I prevent potatoes from turning brown?
Keep cut potatoes in cold water with a little lemon juice or vinegar to prevent oxidation.
Tips for substituting potato
4 tips- Different potato varieties work better for different dishes
- Don't overcook potatoes to avoid mushiness
- Potatoes absorb flavors well when cooked with other ingredients
- Store potatoes in a cool, dark place to prevent sprouting