BEST EASY SHEET PAN SCORED POTATOES RECIPE

Instructions for Making Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes

Making Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to crisp up the potatoes.

2. Prep the Potatoes

Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry with a towel to remove any excess moisture. You don’t need to peel them unless you prefer to.

Using a sharp knife, carefully score each potato. To do this, make several deep cuts along the surface of the potato, about 1/4 inch apart, without cutting all the way through. The cuts should be deep enough to create slits but not to completely slice the potato. This step is essential for creating the crispy edges!

3. Season the Potatoes

Place the scored potatoes onto a large sheet pan. Drizzle the olive oil (or melted butter) over the potatoes, making sure to coat them evenly. Use a brush or your hands to ensure the oil gets into the slits and all over the surface of the potatoes.

Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the potatoes. You can adjust the seasonings based on your personal preference. Feel free to get creative and add other herbs or spices like Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

4. Bake the Potatoes

Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake the potatoes for 40-50 minutes. The baking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes, so be sure to check for doneness. The potatoes are ready when the skin is crispy and golden, and a fork easily slides into the center of the potato.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the potatoes are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for added color and flavor.

Serve the scored potatoes as a side dish to complement your favorite meal, or enjoy them on their own with a dipping sauce like sour cream, ketchup, or a tangy ranch dressing.

Tips for Perfect Scored Potatoes

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the classic choice for this recipe due to their starchy texture, which helps achieve that crispy exterior. However, you can experiment with other varieties like Yukon Gold or Red Potatoes for different textures and flavors.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For the crispiest results, make sure the potatoes are arranged in a single layer with some space between them. If you overcrowd the sheet pan, the potatoes will steam rather than crisp up.
• Optional Add-ins: Feel free to sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the potatoes in the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist. You could also top the potatoes with crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor.
• Use a Brush for Even Oil Coating: A pastry brush can help you evenly spread the oil and seasonings across the potatoes, ensuring every part is flavorful and crispy.

Why Scored Potatoes Are So Delicious

The scoring technique is what sets this recipe apart from traditional roasted or baked potatoes. By making shallow cuts in the potatoes, you create more surface area for the seasoning and oil to penetrate, resulting in a crispier texture. The cuts also allow the heat to reach the inside of the potato, ensuring that the interior remains tender and fluffy. This combination of crispy skin and soft, pillowy inside is what makes these scored potatoes so irresistible.

Variations to Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few variations to make your Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes even more exciting:

• Cheesy Scored Potatoes: Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan cheese over the top of the potatoes in the last 5 minutes of baking. This will give them a gooey, melty layer of cheese.
• Loaded Scored Potatoes: After baking, top with crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions for a loaded potato experience.
• Spicy Scored Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or paprika for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes are the perfect side dish for almost any meal. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving them with a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or enjoying them as a snack with dipping sauces, these crispy, tender potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Give this recipe a try at your next dinner or gathering, and enjoy the unbeatable combination of crispy edges and soft, fluffy centers. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time in the oven, you’ll have a side dish that’s sure to steal the show!