Cozy Up to Comfort Foods with Potatoes on the Menu

It’s no secret that potatoes are a comfort food favorite, showing up on more than 73% of restaurant menus.¹ And for good reason—there’s something about potatoes that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether roasted diced potatoes, buttery mashed potatoes or golden hash browns, they deliver nostalgia and satisfaction in every bite.

Potatoes Are the Ultimate Comfort Food for Foodservice

For restaurant operators, potatoes aren’t just a staple—they’re a menu MVP. They’re familiar, endlessly customizable and perfect for creating dishes that keep guests coming back. But comfort food doesn’t have to be predictable. In fact, today’s diners are craving new options.

According to Datassential, fresh takes on classics are a key growth area in comfort food.² With a little creativity—and some help from Michael Foods' foodservice potatoes—you can elevate favorites without adding extra work to your back of house.

Explore Twists on Classics

• Upgrade your mashed potatoes: Go beyond just butter by adding roasted garlic, red miso paste and sliced scallions for an upscale touch.
• Make potatoes the star, not just a side: Try a Gourmet Mashed Potato Board as a shareable appetizer where guests can mix and match toppings.
• Reinvent breakfast: Steakhouse Potato Cakes made with shredded hash browns add a crave-worthy crunch to morning menus, whether as a stand-alone item or a base for eggs Benedict.
• Pass ‘em a slice: When it comes to pizza, it comes down to the sauce. Challenge their tastebuds with a completely new base that starts with mashed potatoes.

Simply Serve Comfort

No matter how you prepare them, potatoes are a go-to comfort food that never goes out of style. With Simply Potatoes® Refrigerated Potato Products®, you get the scratch-made taste and quality they expect without the extra prep. That means more time focusing on creativity in the kitchen, and less time peeling, chopping or mashing potatoes in bulk.

By keeping prep simple and flavors bold, you can serve up inspired dishes that will leave your guests cozy and satisfied. Because when it comes to comfort, potatoes always deliver.

Sources:

1 The World of Comfort Food, Datassential, 2023

2 Comfort Food Defined, Datassential, 2023