One of the easiest ways to elevate any meal is by adding a simple, flavorful side dish, and these Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes are just that. This dish is not only delicious but incredibly simple. With minimal effort, you can create perfectly crispy, golden potatoes with a tender, fluffy interior. Whether served as an accompaniment to a hearty main course or enjoyed as a tasty snack, these potatoes are sure to impress with their crispy exterior and soft, tender inside.
A Brief Overview of Scored Potatoes
Scored potatoes, also known as hasselback potatoes, originated in Sweden and have gained worldwide popularity for their unique presentation and delicious flavor. The technique involves making thin slices across the potato without cutting all the way through, allowing the potato to fan out slightly as it bakes. This creates a crispy, golden exterior while maintaining a soft and tender interior, making them the perfect base for various seasonings and toppings. Our Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes recipe takes this classic method and simplifies it, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
Ingredients for Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes
To make these easy sheet pan scored potatoes, you only need a few basic ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. The quantities are based on about 4 medium potatoes, but you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your needs.
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes (russet potatoes work best for this recipe due to their starchy texture)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or any vegetable oil of your choice)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (for added savory flavor and aroma)
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary (adds a woody, fragrant note)
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (for a fresh, slightly spicy aroma)
- Salt and black pepper to taste (adjust based on your preference)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional, but adds a nice pop of color and freshness)
Instructions: How to Make Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes
Making these Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes is straightforward and simple. Just follow these steps for perfectly golden, crispy, and flavorful potatoes:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (or 400°F). This high temperature will help create that beautiful golden crust on the potatoes, while the inside remains soft and tender.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can leave the skin on, as it crisps up nicely during baking, but feel free to peel them if you prefer.
- Place each potato on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, make thin slices along each potato, making sure not to cut all the way through. Leave about 1cm (or ½ inch) uncut at the bottom of the potato so they stay intact. This creates the signature “scored” effect.
- Season the Potatoes:
- Arrange the prepared potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Generously brush each potato with olive oil, ensuring the oil gets into the slices. This will help them crisp up nicely while baking.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. You can also add the minced garlic between the slices to infuse even more flavor. The dried herbs fit perfectly into the slices, infusing each potato with their fragrant notes.
- Bake in the Oven:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the potatoes for about 45 to 50 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes, but the goal is to have a golden, crispy exterior while the interior remains tender and fluffy.
- If you’d like an even crispier exterior, you can increase the oven temperature to 220°C (or 425°F) for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately as a side dish to your main course, or enjoy them as a savory snack on their own.
Pro Tips for Perfect Scored Potatoes
Though this recipe is simple, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure your scored potatoes turn out perfectly every time:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their starchy texture, which helps them get crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside. You can also use bintje potatoes or other similar types.
- The Right Cut: Be sure to make shallow slices in the potatoes. The slices should be spaced about 3 to 5mm apart, leaving a 1cm base at the bottom to hold the slices together. This will ensure they fan out properly during baking.
- Use Fresh or Dried Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano, or even a touch of paprika or garlic powder work well to flavor the potatoes. You can also sprinkle a little parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of baking for a richer, cheesy flavor.
- Get Creative with Seasonings: This recipe can be easily customized with various seasonings. Add paprika for a smoky flavor, or some chili flakes if you like a little heat. You could also drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the potatoes once they’re baked for a touch of sweetness.
Serving Ideas and Accompaniments
These Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes can be served with a variety of main courses, whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a more substantial snack. Here are a few ideas:
- With a Juicy Steak: These scored potatoes pair perfectly with grilled or roasted meats, especially a tender steak or rib-eye. Their crispy texture complements the richness of the meat beautifully.
- With Grilled Vegetables: Add some grilled seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a light, vegetarian accompaniment.
- With Roasted Chicken: These potatoes are also great as a side to roast chicken. The crispy, seasoned exterior of the potatoes complements the tender, juicy chicken perfectly.
- With Sauces and Dips: Serve your scored potatoes with various sauces such as a creamy garlic sauce, a tangy barbecue sauce, or a yogurt dip. The potatoes will soak up the flavors of the dips, making each bite even more delicious.
Conclusion
Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes are the perfect side dish to elevate your meals. Not only are they simple to make, but their unique texture—crispy on the outside and tender inside—makes them a delightful treat. This recipe is adaptable to suit any tastes, and you can customize it with your favorite seasonings. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or simply enjoying a quick and satisfying snack, these scored potatoes are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
