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

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skins on for extra crispiness.
Place a potato between two wooden spoons or chopsticks on either side, and use a sharp knife to make thin, even slices across the potato. The spoons will help ensure you don’t cut all the way through. The goal is to create slices that are still attached at the base, allowing the potato to fan out as it bakes.
Arrange the sliced potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Drizzle them generously with olive oil or melted butter, ensuring that the oil seeps into the crevices of each slice. This will help the edges crisp up as they bake.
Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the potatoes. You can also add a pinch of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
Bake the potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy, and the centers are tender when pierced with a fork.
If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle a bit of shredded cheese over the tops of the potatoes in the last 5 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt into the crevices. For added texture and flavor, serve with a dollop of sour cream, chives, or crispy bacon bits.

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!