What Is Potato Flour?

Potatoes are one of the world’s most beloved and versatile root vegetables, enjoyed in everything from mashed potatoes to french fries. But did you know that potatoes can also be transformed into a fine, powdery flour? 

In this article, we’ll explore what potato flour is, how it’s made, and some of its many culinary uses. You won’t want to miss this one!

What is potato flour?

Potato flour is a type of flour that is made from potatoes. The process involves dehydrating whole peeled potatoes and finely grinding them into a powder. The result is a fine, light-colored flour that is often used in gluten-free baking.

Note: Potato flour is not the same as potato starch! Potato starch is a more refined product and is used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.

What’s the difference between potato flour and regular flour?

First of all, potato flour is made from 100% potatoes (usually russet potatoes), whereas regular flour is made from refined wheat and is often enriched with vitamins and minerals.

Potato flour is light beige instead of white, resembling whole-wheat flour rather than white flour. It has a stronger potato flavor, too.

Potato flour is often used as a gluten-free alternative to regular flour for baking. It’s higher in fiber and certain vitamins and minerals than regular flour, but it is also higher in calories and carbohydrates.

Benefits of potato flour

Potato flour is a great source of dietary fiber, which can help regulate digestion and promote a feeling of fullness. It’s also rich in iron, potassium, and vitamin C, which support everything from immune function to heart health. 

One huge benefit of using potato flour is that it attracts and holds onto moisture, making for moist, tender baked goods that are gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and vegan!

Potato flour nutrition facts

Flour (¼ cup)	Calories	Carbs	Fiber	Sugar	Fat	Protein	Glycemic Index
Potato flour	160	38 g	3 g	0 g	0 g	3 g	95
All-purpose flour	120	24 g	1 g	0 g	0.5 g	4 g	85

As you can see, potato flour has more calories, more carbs, more fiber, and a higher glycemic index than all-purpose flour. It’s starchy – and in fact, it’s one of the highest-carb flours out there.

How to bake and cook with potato flour

Potato flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour, but it’s not a 1:1 ratio. I’ve had the best results when substituting only a small percentage (about 20%) of the flour called for in the recipe, and using it in combination with other types of flours such as rice flour or sorghum flour for baking things like gluten-free bread, pancakes, and donuts.

I don’t recommend using potato flour as the sole flour in a recipe because it holds a lot of water and the results can be too dense or gummy.

Potato flour also doesn’t have the same binding properties as wheat flour, so you’ll need to add a binding agent like xanthan gum or extra eggs to your recipe.

For cooking, potato flour is a good option for breading meat, making a crispier crust than all-purpose flour. Potato flour can also elevate potato dishes like potato rolls or potato soup!

Popular potato flour baked goods and dishes

Potato flour is one of the most versatile gluten-free flours around. It can be used for both sweet and savory recipes, such as:

• Potato bread and rolls
• Potato pancakes (latkes)
• Potato gnocchi
• Dumplings
• Croquettes
• Pizza crust
• Tortillas
• Muffins, scones, and biscuits
• Potato donuts
• Potato soup (with potato flour as a thickener)

How to make potato flour at home

To make potato powder at home, follow these steps:

1. Peel and grate potatoes into a bowl and cover with water.
2. Soak for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain potatoes through cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer to remove liquid.
4. Spread strained potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 3-4 hours until completely dry and crispy.
5. Let the potatoes cool and grind into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.

Keep in mind it’s difficult to get homemade potato flour as finely ground as store-bought potato flour.

Also note it’s important to make sure the potato mixture is completely dry before grinding it into flour, as any remaining moisture can cause the flour to clump and spoil more quickly. 

How to store potato flour

For store-bought potato flour, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

If you’ve made your own potato flour at home, it’s important to make sure it’s completely dry before storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It’s also a good idea to use your homemade potato flour within a few months for the best quality. 

What are the best substitutes for potato flour?

Potato flakes are the best substitute for potato flour because they are also made from dehydrated potatoes. However, you will need to blend potato flakes up to get a similar texture to potato flour to use for baking.

You can also try cassava flour. The cassava plant is similar in texture to sweet potatoes. For something similar to potato flour with fewer calories, try fava bean flour. And when all else fails, you can use all-purpose flour, but be prepared to adapt your recipe.

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