Simple Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes Recipe

Certainly! Here’s a comprehensive and detailed recipe for Simple Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes, a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect as a side dish or even a main course when paired with your favorite toppings.

Simple Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes Recipe

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Ingredients:

• 8 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (or any variety of your choice such as Russet or Red potatoes)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or thyme for variation)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra flavor after baking)

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Tools:

• Sheet pan (baking tray)
• Sharp knife
• Basting brush (optional)
• Small bowl for seasoning
• Tongs or spatula for turning the potatoes
• Small saucepan (if using butter)
• Aluminum foil (optional, for easy cleanup)

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Preparation Time:

• Prep time: 10 minutes (for scoring and seasoning potatoes)
• Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
• Total time: 55-60 minutes

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Serving Size:

• Serves 4-6, depending on portion size

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Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will ensure that the potatoes crisp up nicely on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

• Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
• Using a sharp knife, carefully score the potatoes. This is done by making shallow, evenly spaced cuts along the top of each potato, about 1/4 inch deep, creating a crisscross pattern. Scoring the potatoes helps the oil and seasonings to penetrate the flesh and increases surface area for crispiness. Make sure to leave the bottoms of the potatoes intact.
  • Pro Tip: To score the potatoes evenly, you can place a skewer or chopstick along each side of the potato when slicing, which helps to prevent cutting all the way through.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

• Place the scored potatoes on a large sheet pan. If you prefer, you can line the pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, but it’s not necessary.
• In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all the seasonings are evenly mixed.
• Drizzle the seasoned olive oil mixture over the potatoes, making sure to coat them evenly. You can also use a basting brush to help spread the oil and seasoning evenly across each potato, ensuring that the score lines are well covered.
• If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it generously over the potatoes at this stage. The cheese will melt and form a delicious golden crust on the potatoes during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Potatoes

• Transfer the sheet pan to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You may need to flip them halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the potatoes over.
  • Tip for crispy potatoes: If you want an extra crispy result, you can increase the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Optional Butter Finish

• While the potatoes are baking, you can prepare some melted butter to drizzle over the potatoes once they’re done. This adds an extra layer of richness and flavor.
  • In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over low heat. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for additional flavor.
  • Pro Tip: If you’re serving the potatoes with lemon wedges, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the melted butter before drizzling adds a nice, zesty flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Once the potatoes are fully cooked and have a crispy, golden crust, remove them from the oven.
• Drizzle the melted butter (if using) over the potatoes for added richness, and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color.
• Serve the potatoes immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra freshness, or as a side dish to any main course.

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Notes and Tips:

• Potato Variety: You can use different varieties of potatoes based on your preference. Yukon Gold potatoes are particularly good for this recipe because they have a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the crispy exterior. Russet potatoes are also a great choice for a fluffier interior. You can also use red potatoes for a slightly waxier texture.
• Seasoning Variations: Feel free to get creative with the seasoning. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat, or try adding dried thyme, oregano, or chili powder for a more savory flavor profile.
• Make it Vegan: This recipe is easily adaptable for vegans by simply omitting the Parmesan cheese and the butter. You can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil for the finishing touch.
• Meal Pairing Suggestions: These crispy, scored potatoes can be served as a side dish with virtually any meal. They pair beautifully with grilled vegetables, tofu, chicken, steak, or roasted meats. They also work wonderfully as a snack on their own, perhaps with a dipping sauce like ketchup, aioli, or vegan sour cream.
• Make-Ahead: While scored potatoes are best served immediately after baking, you can prep them ahead of time. Scoring the potatoes and seasoning them in advance and storing them in the fridge for up to 1-2 hours before baking is a great time-saver.
• Leftovers: Leftover scored potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a hot oven (375°F) for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.

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Why This Recipe Works:

The key to achieving crispy potatoes lies in the scoring process. By cutting shallow lines into the potatoes, you allow more surface area to crisp up in the oven, while the interior remains soft and creamy. The combination of olive oil and seasonings not only helps achieve the perfect crisp but also infuses the potatoes with incredible flavor. The optional addition of Parmesan cheese further elevates the dish with a savory, cheesy crunch.

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Conclusion:

This Simple Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes recipe is a versatile and delicious dish that’s easy to make, yet incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a simple dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. With minimal effort and ingredients, you can create a side dish that’s crispy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Enjoy!