Moani Hood worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip.
A mainstay within Idaho’s culinary landscape is a shining star that needs no introduction—the humble potato. The Gem State is the largest potato grower in the United States, so it’s no surprise this versatile tuber takes center stage. While everyone arguably adores a classic spud-inclusive dish, Idahoans take their love to the next level by crafting unique ways to pay homage to the venerable vegetable. Raise a fork to Idaho potatoes and take a delightful bite of these playful and delicious creations, spanning savory to sweet, in Boise and beyond.
1. Ice Cream Potato
One of the most unexpected spud-inspired dishes in the Gem State—the ice cream potato—can be found at Westside Drive-In, a Boise stop featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. While this sundae doesn’t have any real potato in it, it is crafted to look remarkably like a baked potato. A cleverly shaped serving of vanilla ice cream is rolled in cocoa powder, stuffed with whipped cream, topped with cookie crumbles and nuts and served in a gooey pool of chocolate syrup. Indulge in this dessert-in-disguise all year at two locations in Boise.
2. Idaho Potato Vodka
Potatoes aren’t just for eating—they’re for drinking, too! Enjoy Grand Teton Distillery’s award-winning Idaho potato vodka, distilled from local produce and pure Teton Mountain water. At the distillery in Driggs, visitors can book an informative tour to learn about the distillation process firsthand, as well as savor the spirits with a complimentary tasting. Reservations are recommended.
Sample some of Idaho’s other potato vodkas, including those from 44° North, Koenig Distillery and Blue Ice Vodka.
3. Fries & Fry Sauce
French fries are one of the most popular potato dishes in America, and at Boise Fry Co., they’re front and center. Priding itself on premier ingredients, this local chain sources its potatoes from Idaho farms and hand-cuts batches of fries daily. When ordering these tasty potato morsels, diners can choose from six types of spuds in up to five rotating cuts, such as regular, homestyle, curly, shoestring or po’ball. For your fry-dipping pleasure, numerous housemade sauces are available, ranging from fry sauce and garlic aioli to zesty jalapeño ranch and blueberry ketchup. With six locations in and around Boise, there’s no shortage of spots to get your fry fix.
4. Spud Fudge & Idaho Spud Bars
Treat yourself to a sweet spin on the spud. Spud Fudge is designed to look like a mini baked potato and, unlike the ice cream potato, is made with real Idaho potatoes. Also shaped like a tiny tater is the best-selling Idaho Spud Bar. Its soft cocoa-flavored marshmallow center coated in dark chocolate and coconut has been tantalizing taste buds since 1918. Both snack-sized candies can be found at the Taters store in downtown Boise, and Idaho Spud Bars are available at Idaho Candy Company’s flagship store in Boise, as well as other retailers across the state.
5. Jim Spud
Step into the historic Pioneer Saloon in Ketchum, where you can sink your teeth into the Jim Spud—a giant baked potato stuffed with butter, sour cream, caramelized onions, chives and diced teriyaki beef and smothered in melted cheese. This ultimate loaded baked potato is large enough to be enjoyed as an entrée or split as an appetizer between a small group. It is truly a super-sized way to enjoy a traditional side dish.
6. Cheesy Scalloped Potato Pie
Take your love for comfort food to new heights when you order the Cheesy Scalloped Potato Pie at Meltz Extreme. This mouthwatering meal is a delectable rendition of a popular tater dish. Layers of sliced potatoes and rich cheddar cheese are baked to perfection with a crunchy crouton crust and served in square slices. This gooey deliciousness is served at both Meltz Extreme locations in Boise and Coeur d’Alene.
Check Out These Potato-Related Attractions & Happenings:
Spud Drive-In | Driggs
Lights, camera, potatoes! The Spud Drive-In is an outdoor movie theater showing new and old films, with a full-service snack bar, cozy cabins for overnight stays and a memorable daytime photo op: a manmade giant potato in the back of a roadside truck.
Idaho Potato Museum | Blackfoot
The Idaho Potato Museum, housed in a converted railroad depot, offers an educational experience, including the largest potato crisp on exhibit, hands-on science experiments and short videos on the history of Idaho’s potato industry. If all the talk of taters leaves your stomach rumbling, swing into the museum’s café to sample from its spud-themed menu.
The Big Idaho Potato Truck
Catch the super-sized Big Idaho Potato Truck on its nationwide tour. This spud-on-wheels promotes Idaho’s potato legacy and provides a larger-than-life encounter.
Idaho Potato Drop | Boise
Ring in the new year at the annual Idaho Potato Drop celebration, where a giant “GlowTato” drops at midnight.
Jack’s Urban Meeting Place | Boise
In the heart of Boise, discover Jack’s Urban Meeting Place, a unique community space honoring the legacy of innovative Idaho potato entrepreneur Jack Simplot. Don’t miss the collection of fantastic vintage tractors on display.
Hungry for more of Idaho’s culinary scene? Pack your taste buds and uncover more delicious discoveries in the Gem State.
A version of this story originally appeared in the 2024 Official Idaho Travel Guide.
Feature image is credited to Jessica Hirsch/@cheatdayeats.
Moani Hood is the founder of the travel blog Appetites Abroad, where she documents her love of all things travel, food, wine and beer. When not eating her way around the world, she resides in California with her husband, Micah, and dog, Lily.
Published on April 23, 2024
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