Key Points
- With National Potato Day coming up on August 19, the Idaho Potato Commission surveyed 3,000 Americans to uncover the top homemade potato dishes across every U.S. region.
- Mashed potatoes may be America’s go-to comfort potato dish; however, the survey reveals that the favorite potato dish is highly dependent on location.
- The older generation showed a clear preference for traditional mashed potatoes and potato salad, while Gen Z gravitated more toward potato tacos and poutine.
The study background
To celebrate National Potato Day on Aug. 19, 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.
Study results
“Potatoes are more than food, they’re part of our traditions,” said 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.”
Higham added, “What is fascinating about this survey is how distinctly regional our comfort foods are. 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 vs. 54% urban) and au gratin potatoes (39% vs. 29%), while urban residents favored more adventurous dishes such as gnocchi, poutine, and potato tacos.
Boomers overwhelmingly chose mashed potatoes (73%) and potato salad (75%), while Gen Z leaned toward potato tacos (11%) and poutine (9%).
Regional Results
New England: Ranks first nationally for shepherd’s pie, giving this meat-and-mashed potato dish more votes than anywhere else in the country. Mashed potatoes lead with 71%, followed by potato salad at 57% and breakfast potatoes at 51%.
Middle Atlantic: Ranks first for pierogi, giving this potato-filled dumpling more votes than any other region. Mashed potatoes lead with 62%, followed by potato salad at 57% and breakfast potatoes at 43%.
East North Central: One of only two regions where au gratin potatoes make the top four, with 39% of the vote. Mashed potatoes lead with 65%, followed by potato salad at 60% and baked potato with fixings at 44%.
West North Central: Ranks first for potato casserole, giving this cheesy baked favorite more votes than anywhere else. Mashed potatoes lead with 79%, the single strongest win for any dish in the nation, followed by potato salad at 64% and baked potato with fixings at 49%.
South Atlantic: One of only three regions where breakfast potatoes make the top three, earning 44% of the vote. Mashed potatoes lead with 67%, followed by potato salad at 58%.
East South Central: Ranks first for potato soup, giving this comforting classic more votes than anywhere else. Mashed potatoes lead with 73%, followed by potato salad at 64%.
West South Central: A stronghold for potato salad, with 59% of residents calling it a favorite. Mashed potatoes still take the crown with 67%, while baked potatoes with fixings earn 45%. Also ranks among the top two for potato tacos, showing that tradition and bold flavors share the table here.
Mountain: Mashed potatoes are the clear favorite, earning 72%, with baked potatoes with fixings also in the top three at 49%. Potato salad follows closely at 64%, making it one of the strongest regions for this classic side.
Pacific: Ranks first for potato tacos, giving this spiced and stuffed favorite more votes than anywhere else. Also leads nationally for potato filling. Mashed potatoes lead with 62%, followed by potato salad at 60% and baked potato with fixings at 47%.
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