Variations & Tips
If you grew up with a big garden, you might like to tuck in a few extras: add a sliced onion or a handful of baby carrots along with the potatoes for more color and sweetness. For a richer, Sunday-supper feel, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of butter right before serving to give the potatoes a glossy finish. You can also sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or Romano cheese over the top, which plays nicely with the Italian dressing.
If you prefer a sharper flavor, choose a zesty Italian dressing; for something milder, use a regular or light version. This recipe is forgiving — russet potatoes will work if that’s what you have, just cut them into chunks and watch the cooking time so they don’t get too soft. To stretch the dish for a crowd, add an extra pound of potatoes and a bit more dressing, then season to taste at the end. Leftovers can be browned in a skillet the next day for crispy Italian home fries, a trick that has saved many a busy morning in kitchens everywhere.
