Are Red Potatoes Gluten Free? (& How To Make Perfect Roasties)

Last Updated on April 26, 2022

Today, we’re going to be answering the question: are red potatoes gluten free? And taking a look at how to make the perfect roast potatoes, using red potatoes. When it comes to potatoes, it may not have even crossed your mind that they may contain gluten – but they absolutely can. In fact, almost any food can contain gluten; that’s why it’s always best to check the ingredients label of anything you buy. But are red potatoes gluten-free? Let’s take a look.

What Are Red Potatoes?

You’ll likely already know what red potatoes are, but if you’re unfamiliar, they’re potatoes that range from small to medium in size. They’re either oval-shaped or round. While they’re called “red” potatoes, the coloring can vary anywhere from a bright ruby-like color, to a deep wine red. The inside fleshy part of the potato itself is white and reasonably firm.

Red Potatoes Nutrition Information

You may be curious as to what nutritional value each red potato holds. While they range in size, a small red potato contains the following nutritional information:

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 0.2
• Sodium: 30mg
• Potassium: 775mg
• Carbs: 27g
• Dietary Fiber: 2.9mg

Are Red Potatoes Gluten Free?

Yes. Red potatoes are considered gluten-free and safe to eat when following a gluten-free diet. In fact, adding potatoes to your diet can be a great way of maintaining a healthy, balanced diet; especially when gluten-free.

Learn more about: Do Mashed Potatoes Have Gluten?

Which Potatoes Can You Eat When Gluten Intolerant?

You can eat all types of raw potatoes when gluten intolerant. In their most natural form, all varieties of potatoes are gluten. Gluten-free potato options include:

• red
• russet
• white
• purple
• sweet
• fingerling
• petite

Ways To Make Potatoes

The reason that potatoes are so popular, is because of their versatility. There are so many ways you can prepare potatoes, and they’ll all taste completely different! Here are a few ways to add potatoes to your dishes in delicious ways:

• baked potatoes
• French fries
• hashbrowns
• Hasselback potatoes
• roast potatoes
• cheesy potatoes
• potatoes au gratin
• fondant potato
• scalloped potato

What’s The Difference Between Red and White Potatoes?

You may think that the only difference between red and white potatoes is the color, however, there are quite a few things that set the two apart. Their differences include:

• Color. That’s an obvious one!
• Starch. Red potatoes are far less starchy than white potatoes, which is why they’re considered the healthier choice
• Sugar. Red potatoes are more sugary than white potatoes
• Size. White potatoes can come in any size, whereas red potatoes are usually small or medium in size
• Uses. White potatoes work best for frying, baking, and mashing. Whereas red potatoes work best for scalloping, grilling, and frying

What Are Red Potatoes Used For?

You can use red potatoes for whichever potato dish you like, but there are some that taste much better when using red potatoes. For example:

• Mashing. As the skin of red potatoes is much thinner than other potato varieties, you don’t need to peel – so you get all the goodness from the skin of the potato…and it’s less work! They’re also super easy to smash
• Roasting. They’re good at holding their shape and are high in moisture. This makes them perfect for roasting
• Frying. As they absorb liquids better than other potatoes, they work really well if you want to fry them

When Are Potatoes Not Gluten Free?

There are instances when potatoes may not be gluten-free. While it won’t be the potato itself that’s not gluten-free, when cooked there are times that potatoes will not be gluten-free.

• When cooked with gluten products. For example, if potatoes are fried in the same fryer that is used to fry foods that do contain gluten, this product will no longer be gluten-free or safe to consume
• Gluten ingredients. Whether it be to make the potatoes crispier in the oven or to help with flavor, gluten can be added as it’s great at aiding in all of these areas
• Seasonings. Sometimes seasonings or flavorings are added to potatoes that make them even more flavorful. This may result in them not being gluten-free

Roasted Red Potatoes Gluten Free Recipe

Making the perfect roast potatoes isn’t easy, but this recipe makes the best roasting using red potatoes. This recipe is inspired by the Food Charlatan.

Ingredients

The ingredients you’ll need are:

• 2 pounds of small red potatoes
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 3 and 1/2 tablespoons of oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• pinch of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar

Recipe

Now all you need to do is:

Step 1: Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400F and clean & dry the potatoes. Slice the potatoes to a similar size as each other and place them on a rimmed baking sheet.

Step 2: Season

Add the garlic and toss it on the sheet. Drizzle the oil over the potatoes, coating each one well. In a bowl, add salt, pepper, thyme, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well and sprinkle over the potatoes. Give the sheet a shake to ensure each potato is covered. You can even use your hands!

Step 3: Cook

Ensure the potatoes are spaced apart and cut side down. Roast for around 30 minutes. Flip the potatoes over at this time and put them back in the oven for another 20 minutes or so.

Step 4: Garnish

Add your white vinegar and toss your potatoes to give them an extra zing. Add herbs or parmesan to your potatoes if you want to make them even tastier. Serve and enjoy!

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped to answer the question: are red potatoes gluten-free? And helped you to discover how to make the ideal roasted red potatoes! Let me know in the comments below if you try the recipe – sharing is caring.

FAQs

Zoe Collins

Hi, my name’s Zoë. I’m 28 years old and live in London, UK. I work full time as a freelance writer and critic for West End theatre. Writing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I spend most of my free time at the theatre, or at conventions. I’m married to the love of my life, and live in a small apartment with my fur baby, Lillie. I run two of my own blogs: No Safer Place and Stage to Page: both of which have won awards. I also have a YouTube channel where I talk about all things stagey.