I love potatoes! They are so versatile, and today I want to share two simple yet fantastic potato recipes that are perfect for any meal. Whether you need an easy side dish or something a little more special, these ideas for sliced baked potatoes and crispy smashed potatoes are sure to be a hit. I think you’ll find them super straightforward to make.
These recipes focus on getting great texture and flavor with minimal fuss. I picked them because they are comforting and easy to pair with almost anything. Let’s get cooking!
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Easy Sliced Baked Potatoes Recipe
These sliced baked potatoes come out perfectly tender on the inside and nicely browned on the outside. They make a wonderful side dish for chicken, fish, or any main course you like.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Sliced Potatoes
- Potato Choice: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they get fluffy inside and crispy outside when baked.
- Even Slices: Make sure your potato slices are all about the same thickness. This helps them cook evenly so you don’t have some raw and some burnt.
What You Need for Sliced Baked Potatoes
- 2-3 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Garlic powder, paprika, fresh herbs for garnish
⏱️ Time: 45-55 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Sliced Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes & Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the potatoes well and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. I like to leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients, but you can peel them if you prefer.
Step 2: Season & Arrange
In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are all lightly coated. If you like, add garlic powder or paprika here. Spread the seasoned slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this helps them get crispy.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20-25 minutes, then flip the potatoes over and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender when poked with a fork and golden brown on both sides. Serve immediately as a delicious side.
📝 Final Note on Sliced Potatoes
These potatoes are best enjoyed right out of the oven. If you have leftovers, you can reheat them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to bring back some crispness.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes Side
If you love potatoes with extra crispy edges, these smashed potatoes are for you! They are boiled until tender, then lightly smashed and roasted until golden and crunchy. I think they are fantastic as a side for any main dish.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Smashed Potatoes
- Small Potatoes: Use smaller potatoes like baby Yukon Golds or red potatoes. They get the best texture when smashed and roasted.
- Gentle Smash: Don’t smash them too hard! You want them flattened but still mostly together. A potato masher or the bottom of a glass works well.
What You Need for Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- 1.5 lbs small potatoes (baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh rosemary or thyme, grated Parmesan cheese
⏱️ Time: 40-50 minutes🍽️ Yields: 3-4 servings
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Wash the small potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well.
Step 2: Smash & Season
While the potatoes are draining, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the tender, drained potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a potato masher, the bottom of a glass, or a fork, gently press down on each potato until it flattens to about 1/2-inch thick. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any herbs you like.
Step 3: Roast to Crispy Perfection
Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until the smashed potatoes are golden brown and crispy around the edges. If you want extra crispness, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch them closely so they don’t burn. Serve hot and enjoy!
📝 Final Note on Smashed Potatoes
For even more flavor, try sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese over the smashed potatoes during the last 10 minutes of roasting. It adds a delicious salty and cheesy crust.