Description

When it comes to comfort food, few things can compare to the simple yet utterly delicious appeal of baked potatoes. Whether you enjoy them as a side dish or as the main event, there's something uniquely satisfying about the combination of soft, fluffy insides and crispy, golden skins. This recipe for Sliced Baked Potatoes takes that classic baked potato concept and gives it a new twist by slicing the potatoes thinly, allowing the edges to crisp up beautifully while keeping the centers tender. This method ensures that each bite is full of contrasting textures, making it an elevated experience for any potato lover.

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional, for a cheesy topping)
• Sour cream, chives, or bacon bits for serving (optional)

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
2. Wash and dry the potatoes, keeping the skins on.
3. Slice the potatoes thinly using wooden spoons or chopsticks to prevent cutting all the way through.
4. Place the sliced potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
5. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the potatoes, ensuring it seeps into the slices.
6. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on top. Add fresh herbs if desired.
7. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
8. Optional: Add shredded cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking.
9. Serve with sour cream, chives, or bacon bits for extra flavor.

Tips and Conclusion

To achieve even crispier edges, consider using a fan-assisted convection oven setting, if available. This helps circulate the heat more evenly and speeds up the crisping process. If your potatoes are large, you can also increase the cooking time slightly, checking every 5 minutes after the 50-minute mark to ensure they reach your preferred texture.

Sliced Baked Potatoes are a versatile dish that strikes the perfect balance between crispy and tender. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and the ability to customize it to suit your tastes—whether you prefer a classic potato seasoned with just salt and pepper or one loaded with cheese, bacon, and sour cream. These potatoes make for an excellent side dish for everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables, but they can easily stand alone as a satisfying snack or light meal. The slicing technique not only gives the potatoes an impressive appearance but also ensures that each slice gets that coveted golden, crispy edge.

Give these Sliced Baked Potatoes a try at your next meal and watch them disappear from the table—crispy, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious!