When it comes to cooking and baking with potatoes, it’s helpful to know how to convert between pounds of potatoes and cup measurements. This allows you to easily substitute potato amounts in recipes or plan how many potatoes to buy at the store. So how many cups are in a 5 pound bag of potatoes? Let’s take a closer look.
Quick Answer
A 5 pound bag of potatoes is approximately equivalent to 12 cups of diced or mashed potatoes. This is based on the general estimate that 1 pound of potatoes yields 2-1/2 to 3 cups diced or mashed.
Estimating Cups per Pound of Potatoes
There are some general guidelines you can follow to estimate potato cup yields per pound:
- 1 pound of whole, unpeeled potatoes = 3 to 4 medium potatoes
- 1 pound of potatoes, peeled = 2-1/2 to 3 cups diced or mashed
- 1 medium russet potato (6-8 oz) = 1 cup diced or mashed
These estimates can vary a bit depending on the potato variety and size. But overall, you can expect about 2-1/2 to 3 cups of diced or mashed potato per pound.
Cups per 5 Pound Bag of Potatoes
Using these general guidelines, a 5 pound bag of potatoes would yield an estimated 12 to 15 cups diced or mashed:
- 1 lb = 2-1/2 to 3 cups
- 5 lbs = 2-1/2 to 3 cups x 5 = 12 to 15 cups
So if you purchase a 5 pound bag of russet potatoes, you can expect to get around 12 to 15 cups once they are peeled, diced or mashed. This is a handy reference for meal planning and recipes.
Cup Conversions for Common Potato Recipes
Here are some cup conversions for common potato dishes based on pounds:
| Potato Dish | Pounds | Cup Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Mashed potatoes | 1 lb | 2-1/2 to 3 cups |
| Hash browns or home fries | 1 lb | 3 cups diced |
| Scalloped or au gratin potatoes | 1 lb | 3 cups sliced |
| Potato salad | 1 lb | 3 cups diced |
You can use these estimates to plan for any potato dish. For a 5 pound bag, just multiply the cups by 5.
Factors That Impact Potato Cup Yield
There are a few factors that can affect the final cup yield from a given weight of potatoes:
- Potato variety – Waxy potatoes like red potatoes tend to yield a bit less volume than starchy russets.
- Potato size – Smaller potatoes generally produce a bit more cups per pound than larger, thicker potatoes.
- Peeling – Leaving the skins on results in more potato flesh and cup yield per pound.
- Cooking method – The amount of water or milk absorbed will vary based on if you boil, bake, or mash the potatoes.
So the final cup measurements may need slight adjusting depending on these factors. But the estimates of 2-1/2 to 3 cups per pound provide a good starting point.
Tips for Measuring Diced or Mashed Potatoes
Here are some tips for getting accurate cup measurements of your diced or mashed potatoes:
- Use dry measuring cups (not liquid cups) and level off the top.
- For diced, cut into even 1/2 to 1 inch cubes before measuring.
- For mashed, avoid over-mashing which can compact potatoes and affect volume.
- Weigh the potatoes before peeling and dicing to get the exact starting poundage.
- Measure potatoes before any liquid is added for more accuracy.
Sample Recipes Using 5 Pounds Potatoes
To give you an idea of how 5 pounds of potatoes converts in recipes, here are a couple sample recipes:
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Makes 10-12 servings
- 5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 12 cups)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 cups milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- salt and pepper to taste
- In large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in potatoes and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in sour cream, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, bacon and green onions. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top servings with extra cheddar cheese and green onions.
Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes
Makes 6-8 servings
- 5 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 12-15 cups)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In large bowl, combine potatoes, oil and seasonings. Toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange potatoes in single layer on prepared baking sheet.
- Roast 35-40 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and browned.
Storing Leftover Potatoes
Here are some tips for storing leftover potatoes:
- Store diced, cooked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
- Place mashed potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Reheat mashed potatoes with a little milk or broth to loosen texture.
- For longer storage, cooked potatoes can be frozen in freezer bags or containers up to 3 months.
Buying Potatoes on a Budget
Here are some tips for getting the best value when buying potatoes:
- Choose large bags for the best price per pound.
- Check for sales and stock up when potatoes are discounted.
- Opt for regular russets over premium or petite varieties.
- Purchase potatoes and other produce in season when prices are lower.
- Buy from discount or warehouse stores to get bulk bag discounts.
Conclusion
Knowing how many cups are in a 5 pound bag of potatoes makes it easy to plan recipes and get the most value from bulk potato purchases. In general, expect about 12-15 cups diced or mashed from a 5 lb bag, with some variation depending on potato type and preparation method. With this handy conversion, you can substitute potato amounts confidently in recipes or meal plan for the week. Happy potato cooking and baking!
