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Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skins on. Pat them dry with a towel.
- Place each potato on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make thin slices about ⅛ to ¼ inch apart, cutting almost all the way through the potato but leaving the bottom intact. To help with this, you can place chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the potato to prevent cutting all the way through.
2. Season the Potatoes:
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil (or melted butter), minced garlic, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Carefully brush the seasoned oil mixture over the top and in between the slices of each potato. Be generous, as the oil helps the edges crisp up beautifully as they bake.
- Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake the Potatoes:
- Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, depending on their size. The potatoes should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with the slices fanning out.
- Halfway through the baking time, you can brush the potatoes with additional oil or butter to enhance crispiness.
- If the tops start to brown too quickly but the potatoes aren’t fully cooked, cover them loosely with foil for the remaining cooking time.
4. Add Toppings (Optional):
- During the last 10 minutes of baking, if you’d like, sprinkle grated cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or any cheese of your choice) over the potatoes. Allow it to melt into the crevices for extra flavor.
- Once the potatoes are fully baked and crispy, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a minute before adding optional toppings like sour cream, bacon bits, chives, or fresh herbs.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the sliced baked potatoes to a serving platter and garnish with extra herbs or a drizzle of butter.
- Serve hot as a side dish to your favorite main course, or enjoy them on their own as a snack.
Tips for Perfect Sliced Baked Potatoes:
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have the right balance of starch and moisture, resulting in a fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
- Make Uniform Slices: The thinner and more even your slices, the crispier the potato will be. Be careful not to cut all the way through—this will allow the potato to hold its shape and fan out beautifully as it bakes.
- Add Flavors Between the Slices: For extra flavor, try stuffing thin slices of garlic, cheese, or herbs between the potato slices before baking. This helps infuse the potato with even more deliciousness.
- Crisp Up the Edges: To get the edges extra crispy, brush the potatoes with additional oil or butter about halfway through baking. This ensures the exposed slices develop a nice golden crust.
- Customize with Toppings: Sliced baked potatoes are incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with toppings. From melted cheese and bacon to a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs, the possibilities are endless.
Why You’ll Love Sliced Baked Potatoes:
- Crispy and Tender: These potatoes offer the best of both worlds—crispy edges with a soft, tender interior. The unique slicing method ensures every bite is flavorful and texturally interesting.
- Impressive Presentation: Sliced baked potatoes are as beautiful as they are delicious. Their fanned-out, accordion-like appearance makes them an eye-catching dish, perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
- Simple and Customizable: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, yet the results are incredibly satisfying. Plus, you can easily customize the flavors and toppings to suit your preferences.
- Great Side Dish: These potatoes pair well with a variety of main courses, from steaks and roasts to grilled chicken or fish. They also make a great alternative to traditional mashed or baked potatoes.
Conclusion
Sliced Baked Potatoes are a perfect side dish that combines simplicity with elegance. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these potatoes will impress with their golden, crispy edges and soft, fluffy insides. Plus, the versatility of toppings allows you to create endless variations to suit any meal. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of prep, you can make this delicious, restaurant-worthy dish at home.
Enjoy the irresistible combination of textures and flavors that make sliced baked potatoes a true crowd-pleaser!