Perfectly Crispy Sliced Baked Potatoes Recipe

Crispy Sliced Baked Potatoes are the perfect combination of a baked potato’s tender interior and a roasted potato’s crispy edges. These potatoes are sliced thinly but kept intact, allowing them to fan out during baking, creating plenty of crispy edges. This easy-to-make dish is perfect as a side for any meal, or as a standalone snack with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra crispiness)
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley), chopped
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving, optional)
• Chopped chives or green onions (for garnish, optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy version
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for a more intense garlic flavor)

For Serving:

• Sour cream
• Cheese
• Chives or green onions

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Make thin, even slices along each potato, about ⅛-inch thick, but be careful not to slice all the way through. You can place the potato on a wooden spoon or between two chopsticks to prevent cutting all the way down.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

1. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Carefully brush the mixture over the potatoes, making sure to get the oil and seasoning into the crevices between the slices. This helps create maximum crispiness.

Step 4: Bake the Potatoes

1. Place the sliced potatoes on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes, until the edges are crispy and the centers are soft.
3. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the potatoes in the last 10 minutes of baking to create a crispy, cheesy crust.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs, sour cream, shredded cheese, or your favorite toppings.

Cooking Notes

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they crisp up nicely, but Yukon Gold potatoes also work and add a buttery texture.
• Slicing: To make slicing easier and more precise, you can place chopsticks on either side of the potato to prevent cutting through completely. The thin slices allow the potatoes to fan out during baking, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior.

Variations

1. Cheesy Sliced Baked Potatoes

Top the potatoes with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese for extra crunch and flavor.

2. Spicy Sliced Potatoes

Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the olive oil mixture to give the potatoes a spicy kick.

3. Garlic Herb Potatoes

For a stronger garlic flavor, mix in minced fresh garlic with the olive oil. You can also toss in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for an herby twist.

4. Loaded Sliced Baked Potatoes

Top the crispy potatoes with your favorite toppings like bacon bits, sour cream, green onions, and extra cheese for a loaded potato experience.

5. Keto-Friendly Sliced Baked Potatoes

Replace potatoes with zucchini or turnips and follow the same instructions for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from drying out?
Make sure to brush plenty of olive oil or butter into the crevices of the potatoes. This helps keep them moist on the inside while the outside crisps up.

Q: How can I make the potatoes crispier?
For extra crispiness, you can increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) in the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Also, using Parmesan cheese on top can help create a crispy crust.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can slice the potatoes and season them ahead of time. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before baking. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before placing them in the oven.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes! Sweet potatoes work well with this recipe, although they may not crisp up as much as regular potatoes. Follow the same instructions, but keep an eye on the cooking time as sweet potatoes may bake slightly faster.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crispy again.

These Perfectly Crispy Sliced Baked Potatoes are an easy and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any main course. With a crispy outside and soft, tender inside, they are sure to impress. Customize them with your favorite toppings or spices for a dish that’s versatile, flavorful, and always satisfying.