Sliced Baked Potatoes: Crispy Edges, Fluffy Interior!
Get ready to transform humble potatoes into a truly addictive side dish with these Sliced Baked Potatoes! This method creates potatoes with wonderfully crispy, golden edges and a perfectly tender, fluffy interior. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional baked potatoes or fries, offering a beautiful presentation and incredible texture that’s perfect with almost any meal.
These potatoes are seasoned simply, allowing their natural flavor to shine, while the slicing technique maximizes crispy surface area. They’re easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will disappear quickly from the table!
Ingredients:
- 4-6 medium to large baking potatoes (such as Russet, Yukon Gold, or even red potatoes for a creamier texture)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme (optional, but highly recommended)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Equipment:
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Large baking sheet (rimmed)
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
- Measuring spoons
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them thoroughly dry.
- Slicing Technique: Place each potato on a cutting board. To slice, make cuts about ⅛ to ¼ inch apart, going almost all the way through the potato but leaving the bottom intact. A common trick is to place chopsticks or two wooden spoons on either side of the potato; they act as a guide and prevent you from cutting all the way through.
- Season the Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the sliced potatoes with olive oil (or melted butter). Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary or thyme (if using), salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently toss and massage the oil and seasonings into all the nooks and crannies of the sliced potatoes, ensuring they are well coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the seasoned, sliced potatoes to a large, rimmed baking sheet. Arrange them in a single layer, spreading out the slices as much as possible to allow for maximum crisping. You may need two baking sheets if your potatoes are large.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are deeply golden brown and crispy on the edges, and fork-tender in the center. The baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your potato slices.
- Tip: For extra crispiness, you can flip them halfway through, or even gently fan out the slices further during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- Serve: Remove from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives. Serve hot and enjoy these wonderfully crispy and tender sliced baked potatoes!
Tips & Variations:
- Cheese Please: In the last 10-15 minutes of baking, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes for a cheesy crust.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite seasoning blend (like Cajun or BBQ rub) to the seasonings.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chop them and toss them with the potatoes and oil instead of dried herbs.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of sour cream, ranch dressing, a garlic aioli, or even a spicy ketchup.
- Sweet Potatoes: This method works wonderfully with sweet potatoes too! Adjust baking time slightly.
- Consistent Slices: Aim for consistent slice thickness to ensure even cooking. This is where a mandoline or the chopstick trick comes in handy!