Spuds For A Crowd: Roaster Pans Needed

If you're cooking for 300 people, you'll need a lot of potatoes! For mashed potatoes, you'll need around 112 pounds of potatoes, which will make about five 5-gallon buckets of potatoes. If you're making roasted potatoes, you'll need about 33 pounds of potatoes, or 11 large (13 x 20 x 3) aluminium roasting pans.

How many potatoes to feed 300 people?

To feed 300 people, you will need a lot of potatoes! The exact amount will depend on the type of potato dish you are planning to make, the size of your potatoes, and whether you are serving the potatoes as a main or a side.

If you are serving mashed potatoes as a main dish, you will need approximately 112.5 pounds (5.1 kg) of potatoes. This is equivalent to about five 5-gallon buckets of peeled potatoes. If you are making rustic mashed potatoes and don't need to peel the potatoes, you will need slightly less.

For roasted potatoes, you will need 11 pounds (4.9 kg) of potatoes for 50 servings of a side dish. Therefore, for 300 servings, you will need approximately 66 pounds (29.9 kg) of potatoes.

If you are serving baked potatoes as the main dish, you will need 10-14 ounce (280-390 g) potatoes. This means that for 300 servings, you will need 22 to 33 pounds (10 to 15 kg) of potatoes.

For cheesy potatoes, a recipe that serves 100 people requires 12 pounds (5.4 kg) of potatoes. Therefore, for 300 servings, you will need 36 pounds (16.3 kg) of potatoes.

In general, if you are serving potatoes as a side dish with lots of other dishes, plan for about 4 ounces (125 grams) of potatoes per person. If you are serving fewer sides, you can increase this to about 8 ounces (250 grams) per person.

How much potato per person?

When cooking potatoes for a large group, it's important to consider the type of potato, the cooking method, and the serving size.

For a big spread with lots of side dishes, you can plan for about 4 ounces (125 grams) of potato per person. If you're serving fewer sides, you can increase the portion size to about 8 ounces (250 grams) per person. This is the precooked weight and will vary depending on the type of potato and cooking method.

For example, if you're making mashed potatoes, one pound (454 grams) of potatoes, or roughly three medium potatoes, will yield four servings. However, if you're making a potato-based dish with additional ingredients, such as scalloped potatoes with cheese and cream cheese, you may need fewer potatoes.

When it comes to roasting potatoes, one pound (454 grams) of potatoes, or roughly three medium potatoes, will yield four servings. Roasting potatoes with the skin on, such as Yukon Gold, is a good option as they cook quickly and hold their shape.

Baked potatoes typically require a larger portion per person. One pound (454 grams) of potatoes will yield approximately three servings. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for baking due to their thicker skin.

When preparing potatoes for a large group, it's essential to allow for some product loss during peeling and cooking. It's also important to consider the size of your cooking equipment and the time required for preparation and cooking.

In summary, the amount of potato per person can vary depending on the type of dish, the cooking method, and the number of side dishes. For a large group of 300 people, it's advisable to plan for a range of 4 to 8 ounces (125 to 250 grams) of potato per person, depending on the specific dish and the number of sides offered.

What type of potatoes to use?

When it comes to feeding 300 people, it's important to choose the right type of potatoes to ensure a delicious and efficient cooking process. Here are some factors to consider when selecting potatoes for a large group:

Type of Potato

The best potatoes for roasting are those that strike a balance between being waxy and starchy. Waxy potatoes hold their shape well when cooked but don't crisp up as easily. On the other hand, starchy potatoes crisp up nicely but can lose their shape, resulting in a fluffed-up centre. The ideal potato will have just the right amount of waxiness to hold its shape and enough starch to crisp up.

Recommended Varieties

Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice for roasting. They have thin skin, a buttery and creamy centre, and are waxy enough to hold their shape. They also have less starch, allowing them to withstand high temperatures without falling apart. Russet potatoes are another good option, as they lean towards the starchy end, resulting in a nice crispy crust. Maris Piper and King Edward potatoes are also popular choices, especially in the UK, as they are commonly available and offer a fluffy interior with a crispy exterior.

Preparation and Cooking

When preparing potatoes for a large group, it is essential to cut them into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. A good size to aim for is about 1-inch or 2-inch chunks. Pre-boiling the potatoes for a short time can also help break down the exterior, making them crisp up nicely. Additionally, roasting potatoes at higher temperatures, between 400 and 475 degrees Fahrenheit, will give you a crispier exterior.

Seasoning

Don't skimp on seasoning! Potatoes can handle and often require a generous amount of seasoning to bring out their flavour. Be sure to use a variety of herbs, spices, salt, and pepper to enhance the taste of your roasted potatoes.

Equipment

When cooking for 300 people, having the right equipment is crucial. You will likely need multiple large roasting pans, and it's important to ensure they are not too deep, as this will increase the cooking time. Additionally, having a large mixer or food mill can be helpful for mashing or mixing potatoes.

Timing and Planning

Preparing and cooking potatoes for a large group can take a significant amount of time, so it's essential to plan accordingly. Consider preparing some components ahead of time, such as cutting the potatoes into chunks, and allow ample cooking time on the day of your event.

By choosing the right type of potatoes, preparing them correctly, and cooking them at the right temperature, you can ensure a delicious and efficient process for feeding 300 people. Happy cooking!

How to prepare potatoes?

How to Prepare Potatoes

Selecting the Right Potato

Any kind of potato can be roasted, including red-skinned, russets, Yukon gold, and even sweet potatoes. If you're preparing potatoes for a large group, it's worth noting that red potatoes are fun and earthy, Yukon golds are ultra-creamy, and russets are fluffier and drier, making them ideal for French fries.

Peeling or Not Peeling

Peeling the potatoes is optional. Leaving the skin on can add flavour and colour to the dish.

Preparing the Potatoes for Roasting

Wash the potatoes and cut them into evenly-sized chunks. If you're using small potatoes, you can cut them in half, or simply poke them with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape. Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 15-20 minutes (or up to an hour, if you have the time) can help remove starch and make the potatoes fluffier. Be sure to dry them well before adding oil, or they will steam instead of roasting.

Seasoning the Potatoes

You can use any combination of herbs and spices you like. Fresh herbs are preferable, but dried herbs can also be used. Garlic powder, rosemary, parsley, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper all work well. You can also try infusing the oil with garlic and herbs for extra flavour.

Roasting the Potatoes

Preheat the oven to a high temperature. A temperature of 425°F will give you a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 30-45 minutes, stirring halfway, until they are golden and tender. If you are preparing potatoes for a large group, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Serving the Potatoes

Roasted potatoes are best served fresh, but they can be stored in the fridge for up to four days and gently reheated in the oven or microwave. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

How to cook potatoes?

Cooking for 300 people is no easy feat, but it's definitely doable! Here are some tips and tricks on how to cook potatoes for a large group.

Planning and Preparation:

Before you start cooking, it's important to have a plan and prepare your ingredients. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Choose the right type of potatoes. Yukon Gold, russets, and red-skinned potatoes are all great options for roasting.
• Decide whether to peel or not to peel. Peeling potatoes can be time-consuming, but it's not necessary. The skin from russet or Idaho potatoes adds great flavor, and the red skin on potatoes also looks colorful and tasty.
• Cut the potatoes into uniform sizes. This will ensure even cooking. For small potatoes, you can cut them in half, or just poke them with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape.
• Soak the potatoes in cold water. Soaking removes excess starch and helps the potatoes crisp up while staying fluffy inside. You can soak them for up to two days, but limit water soaking to two hours to retain water-soluble vitamins. Adding lemon juice or vinegar to the water will help preserve the color of the potatoes.
• Rinse the potatoes before cooking. This will remove any remaining starch and improve the texture of your final dish.
• If you're making mashed potatoes, you'll need a large mixer or a food mill. For a more rustic approach, you can use a big masher, which you can find cheaply at a restaurant supply store.
• Gather your equipment. You'll need several large pots, a big colander, and some cheap aluminum roasting pans.

Cooking the Potatoes:

There are several ways to cook potatoes for a large group:

• Boiling: If you're making mashed potatoes, you'll need to boil the potatoes. Use several medium-sized pots instead of one big pot for safety and efficiency. Put the potatoes in cold water, turn on the heat, and bring to a boil.
• Baking: For baked potatoes, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Poke holes in the potatoes, rub them with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the skins are crisp and the potatoes are fork-tender.
• Roasting: For roasted potatoes, preheat your oven to a high temperature, such as 425°F. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, and your choice of fresh or dried herbs. Roast them on a baking sheet for 30-35 minutes, or until they are browned and tender.
• Using an Electric Roaster: If you're making cheesy potatoes, you can use an electric roaster. Grease a 22-quart roaster pan, preheat it to 350°F, and layer your potatoes with cheese, sour cream, and butter. Stir the mixture every 20-30 minutes to avoid burning, and cook for at least 3 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.

Serving and Storing:

Once your potatoes are cooked, here are some tips for serving and storing:

• If you're serving mashed potatoes, over-season with salt by just a touch, as the salt will mellow as it sits.
• You can store mashed potatoes in the oven in pretty much any vessel, including cheap aluminum roasting pans. Just support them from the bottom, keep the oven temperature low, and cover them.
• If you're making roasted potatoes, you can make them up to 2 days in advance and reheat them uncovered in a roaster oven at 350°F for about 15-30 minutes.
• Leftover cheesy potatoes can be refrigerated for 2-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions