Can you peel AND slice potatoes the night before cooking?

It is generally not recommended to peel and slice potatoes the night before cooking. Here's why:

1. Oxidation: Once the potatoes are exposed to air, they begin to oxidize. This turns the surface of the potatoes brown and discolors them, making them visually less appealing.

2. Texture Issues: Leaving peeled and sliced potatoes in the fridge overnight can result in changes in their texture. The cut surfaces can become soft and watery, compromising the crispy exterior that is desired when cooking potatoes.

3. Water Loss: When storing cut potatoes in the fridge, they can lose moisture through evaporation. This can impact their overall taste and texture, resulting in drier potatoes when cooked.

4. Safety Concerns: Leaving cut potatoes uncooked and at room temperature for extended periods can increase the risk of bacterial growth. While refrigerating them slows bacterial proliferation, it's still safer to store cut potatoes for a shorter time to minimize any potential food safety issues.

If you need to prepare potatoes ahead of time for a recipe, consider par-cooking them instead. Par-cooking involves partially cooking the potatoes by boiling or steaming them until they are about halfway done. Once par-cooked, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, they can be quickly heated through or finished cooking as needed for your recipe.