Chapter 1
Ancient Origins and Preservation
Chapter 2
European Classics and Comfort Foods
Chapter 3
Asian and African Potato Innovations
Chapter 4
Modern American and Quirky Creations
Ch 4 · Modern American and Quirky Creations
sonia Tater Tot Invention
At Ore-Ida, scraps were galore, So they fried up tots, for you to adore!
BETA
sonia Sort each potato dish by its origin to discover the world's diverse spud history.
Quiz
According to culinary legend, how did chef George Crum accidentally invent the crispy potato chip in 1853?
Quiz
Which kitchen appliance is used to compress and cook leftover mashed potatoes to create the modern, crispy-edged dish known as mashed potato waffles?
streetspirit Discover how controlling microscopic steam explosions is the secret to the perfect fluffy potato. Learn the kitchen science behind cooking potatoes.
Quiz
What preparation step causes roasted Hasselback potatoes to fan out and look like beautiful, crispy wooden accordions?
Quiz
Why is it scientifically important to poke holes in a potato's skin with a fork before baking it in an oven?
Quiz
In 1953, the founders of the Ore-Ida company invented Tater Tots to prevent what food waste issue?
streetspirit Did you know potato chips were invented by accident? Explore this fun history infographic to learn how a petty chef changed snacking forever.
Glossary
potato chip (noun)
A super-thin slice of potato that is fried or baked until it is perfectly crunchy and salted. They were famously invented by accident in 1853 when a frustrated chef sliced potatoes paper-thin to teach a picky customer a lesson, resulting in the world's favorite crispy snack.
A super-thin slice of potato that is fried or baked until it is perfectly crunchy and salted. They were famously invented by accident in 1853 when a frustrated chef sliced potatoes paper-thin to teach a picky customer a lesson, resulting in the world's favorite crispy snack.
Fun Fact
Exploding potatoes: Baking a potato without poking holes can cause it to explode! Water inside turns to steam, creating high pressure that bursts the skin.
Quiz
Which chef is traditionally credited with accidentally inventing the crispy potato chip in 1853 after a customer complained that their fried potatoes were too thick?