Sliced Baked Potatoes: Crispy, Flavorful, and Simple

Name: Sliced Baked Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486577H54M23S
Total time: PT-486577H54M23S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium Russet potatoes; ¼ tsp salt; ⅛ tsp pepper; ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper; ⅛ tsp garlic powder; ⅛ tsp paprika; 4 to 6 tbsp olive oil

When it comes to comfort food, potatoes reign supreme. Whether mashed, fried, or baked, they offer a versatile and delicious base for countless dishes. One such dish that combines simplicity with a touch of elegance is Sliced Baked Potatoes. This recipe takes the humble Russet potato and transforms it into a crispy, flavorful side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Let's dive into this recipe, exploring its flavors, techniques, and tips to create the ultimate crispy baked potato experience.

Why You’ll Love Sliced Baked Potatoes

Sliced baked potatoes, often referred to as Hasselback potatoes, are not just a visual treat but a gastronomic delight. With each thin slice, the potato absorbs seasonings and crisps up beautifully, offering a contrast of textures—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. This recipe brings together the warmth of cayenne, the depth of garlic powder, and the subtle smokiness of paprika, creating a potato dish that's packed with flavor in every bite.

Ingredients for Sliced Baked Potatoes

To make this dish, you'll need a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of spices and olive oil enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes, making this a go-to recipe for any meal.

Ingredients:

4 medium Russet potatoes
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon paprika
4 to 6 tablespoon olive oil

These seasonings provide a balanced and slightly spicy flavor profile that complements the earthy richness of the Russet potatoes.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Sliced Baked Potatoes

Follow these easy steps to create the perfect sliced baked potatoes. This method ensures that the potatoes are not only seasoned perfectly but also cooked to crispy perfection.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing and drying the potatoes thoroughly. It's important to remove all the dirt and any residue on the skin since the potatoes will be baked with their skins on. Once they're clean, place the potatoes on a cutting board.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes

Using a sharp knife, slice each potato crosswise at regular intervals. Be careful not to cut all the way through the potato—you want the base to remain intact. This technique allows the potato slices to fan out during baking, resulting in an even crisp on each slice. For extra crispiness, you can angle your cuts slightly.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving that golden, crispy exterior while ensuring the inside of the potato remains soft and fluffy.

Step 4: Prepare the Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, and paprika. This blend of spices adds both heat and flavor to the potatoes. The cayenne pepper gives a slight kick, while the garlic powder and paprika lend warmth and depth.

Step 5: Season the Potatoes

Lightly spritz or drizzle the potatoes with olive oil. Make sure the oil seeps into the crevices of each slice, as this will help the seasoning stick and promote even browning. After coating the potatoes with olive oil, evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture over them. Ensure that each potato is well-seasoned for the best flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Potatoes

Place the seasoned potatoes on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and golden. You’ll know they’re done when the edges of the slices are a deep golden brown, and the inside is tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked to perfection, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve them as a side dish to complement any meal, or enjoy them on their own as a savory snack. For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or add a dollop of sour cream.

Why Russet Potatoes Are Best for Baking

Russet potatoes are the preferred choice for baking because of their high starch content and low moisture. This makes them ideal for achieving a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. The skin of Russet potatoes also crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding another layer of texture to this dish.

Notes and Tips for the Best Sliced Baked Potatoes

Uniform Slices: To ensure even cooking, try to slice the potatoes as uniformly as possible. You can place the potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons to prevent slicing all the way through.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. You can add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy flavor, or kick up the heat with more cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Add Cheese: For an indulgent twist, sprinkle shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Parmesan) over the potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep the potatoes in advance by slicing and seasoning them, then refrigerating them until ready to bake.

Details: Cooking and Preparation Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian (with plant-based oil)

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 230 kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg

These values are estimates and can vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the amount of olive oil used.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Russet potatoes with Yukon Gold or red potatoes. However, Russet potatoes are ideal for baking due to their starchy texture, which helps achieve the crispy outer layer.

2. How can I make the potatoes even crispier?

To enhance the crispiness, you can bake the potatoes at 425°F (220°C) for the last 10 minutes of cooking. Additionally, you can brush more olive oil between the slices midway through baking.

3. Can I prepare these potatoes in advance?

Yes, you can slice and season the potatoes a few hours in advance. Keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

4. What other seasonings can I use?

Feel free to get creative with the seasonings. You can add parmesan cheese, herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even some crushed red pepper for extra heat.

5. How can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is already vegetarian, and it can easily be made vegan by ensuring that the olive oil is plant-based and no dairy-based toppings are added (such as cheese or butter).

Sliced Baked Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with any main course. With their crispy texture and rich seasoning, they’re sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you serve them with steak, chicken, or even a hearty salad, these potatoes will add a delightful crunch and flavor to your meal.