When a recipe calls for Yukon Gold
Yukon Gold potatoes are popular in many recipes but aren’t commonly found in Australian supermarkets.
Known as one of the best potatoes for roasting, it’s a problem for Aussies that love to try recipes from people like Serious Eats or Bon Appetit because Yukon Gold potatoes aren’t commonly found in Australia.
But, we’ve got our own alternatives for Yukon Gold potatoes. And they’re really good.
Why do recipes call for Yukon Gold potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes are known for their distinct buttery taste, creamy texture, and thin, smooth skin.
They’re used in so many recipes because they’re so versatile. They’re one of the best potatoes for mashing, and one of the best potatoes for roasting.
Their unique texture allows them to hold up well in soups, stews, and casseroles, making them a popular choice for hearty meals. Some common recipes that call for Yukon Gold potatoes include mashed potatoes, potato salad, and roasted potatoes with herbs.
But again, since Yukon Gold potatoes aren’t commonly found in Australian supermarkets, it’s helpful to know about some alternative potatoes that can be used in their place.
Best alternatives to Yukon Golds in Australia
If you can’t find Yukon Gold potatoes in your local Australian supermarket, don’t worry! There are several potato varieties that can be used as substitutes to create delicious dishes.
Here are the top four alternatives to Yukon Gold potatoes in Australia, along with a brief description of each.
1. Dutch cream potatoes
These potatoes have a similar taste and texture to Yukon Golds, making them a great substitute. They have a creamy texture and hold up well when mashed or roasted. They’re a popular choice for creamy mashed potatoes and roasted dishes.
2. Desiree potatoes
Desiree potatoes have a slightly firmer texture than Yukon Golds, which makes them ideal for soups and stews where you want the potato to hold its shape. They have a slightly nutty flavour and a flesh that’s a little bit more yellow than other potato varieties.
3. Nicola potatoes
These potatoes have a creamy texture and buttery flavor, making them ideal for baked dishes like gratins. They’re also great for mashed potatoes or potato salad. Nicola potatoes have a smooth skin and a flesh that’s slightly yellow, making them easy to identify.
4. Coliban potatoes
Coliban potatoes are similar to Yukon Golds in that they’re an all-rounder.
They’re a popular choice for mashed potatoes, roasted dishes, and salads. Coliban potatoes have a thin, light brown skin and a creamy white flesh.
How to cook alternatives to Yukon Golds
Using alternative potatoes may slightly alter the taste and texture of a dish, but it can still be delicious. When using a different potato variety in a recipe that calls for Yukon Gold potatoes, it’s important to make some adjustments to ensure that the dish turns out just as tasty.
Mashed potatoes
There are plenty of best options for potatoes for mash in Australia.
To make creamy mashed potatoes with an alternative potato variety, it’s important to adjust the cooking time based on the variety used.
For example, Dutch Cream potatoes cook faster than Desiree potatoes, so you’ll need to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Also, make sure to use enough butter and cream to achieve the creamy texture that Yukon Gold potatoes are known for.
Roast potatotes
To achieve crispy, roasted potatoes with an alternative variety, cut them into similar-sized pieces and toss them in oil and seasonings before roasting.
Dutch Cream and Coliban potatoes are both great potatoes for roasting. But, be aware that they may cook faster than Yukon Golds. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Chips
To make chips with an alternative potato variety, it’s important to choose a potato that will hold its shape and crisp up nicely when fried. Coliban and Dutch Cream potatoes are both great options for making chips, but keep in mind that they may have a slightly different taste and texture than Yukon Golds.
Cut the potatoes into thin, even slices and fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Potato salad
When using alternative potatoes in potato salad, it’s important to choose a variety that will hold its shape and not turn to mush when boiled.
Desiree potatoes are a good option for this, as they have a firm texture that holds up well in salads. Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces and cook them until they’re just tender, but still hold their shape.
Finding alternatives to Yukon Golds in Australia
While Yukon Gold potatoes may not be readily available in Australian supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths and ALDI, there are several alternative potato varieties that can be used in their place.
The top three alternatives are Dutch Cream, Desiree, and Nicola potatoes, with Coliban potatoes being an honourable mention. Each of these varieties has its own unique taste and texture, making them ideal for different recipes such as mashed potatoes, roasted dishes, gratins, soups, stews, potato salads, and even chips.
