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Best Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes
Cooking has always been a way to create lasting memories and connections. I recall the first time I tried my hand at a simple sheet pan recipe, anxious yet excited to impress family gathered around the dinner table. The aroma of seasoned potatoes filled the kitchen, and I could almost see the anticipation in their eyes. That’s the beauty of cooking, especially with something as humble yet delightful as potatoes.
Sheet pan scored potatoes make meals feel special while remaining incredibly easy to prepare. As I discovered, a few simple ingredients transform into a delightful dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. Time spent in the kitchen turns into a joyous gathering. The satisfaction of crispy skin and tender flesh proves that simple ingredients can create complex flavors that leave everyone craving more.
Throughout this recipe, the focus remains on your pleasure. As you embark on this culinary adventure, let each step guide you toward a delicious dish that you’ll treasure for years to come. Let’s dive in and explore the delightful world of sheet pan scored potatoes.
Best Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes
Fundamentals
Using baby potatoes as the base for this dish creates an ideal foundation. These little gems boast a tender texture and a creamy flavor that only intensifies when roasted. The scoring technique allows for better seasoning absorption, enhancing every bite with garlicky richness and smoky undertones.
Aside from baby potatoes, gather a few kitchen staples. Olive oil delivers richness and aids in achieving a golden-brown crust. Garlic powder and smoked paprika offer depth and warmth, creating that mouthwatering experience we all crave. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add an aromatic touch, throwing your taste buds into a blissful dance.
Preparation/Setup
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature ensures that those potatoes crisp up beautifully while also cooking through. Prepare your workspace by lining a sheet pan with parchment paper — this helps with easy cleanup and ensures your potatoes won’t stick.
Next, washing and drying the baby potatoes is essential for perfect roasting. Drying them eliminates excess moisture, allowing for better caramelization. Take a sharp knife and score shallow cuts around each potato. This technique increases the surface area and encourages even cooking. The final touch involves tossing the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and any desired herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste, bringing the flavors together.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly.
- Score shallow cuts around each potato to enhance texture.
- Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, optional herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the potatoes cut-side up on the sheet pan.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over hot potatoes for an extra indulgence.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes: Technique
Achieving the perfect texture takes a few techniques that are easy to master. The key here is ensuring an even roast and maintaining that delightful crispy skin. Scoring the potatoes before baking enables better penetration of heat and seasoning.
Set your oven’s temperature wisely. Cooking at a high heat guarantees that your potatoes develop a rich browning without turning mushy. Investing time in tossing the ingredients well coats each potato thoroughly and gives them every opportunity to shine as they roast.
Tips/Tricks
Experimentation makes cooking exciting. If you desire extra flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a bolder taste. Optionally, feel free to try variations of herbs based on your preference, customizing this recipe to suit your palate fully.
Always ensure proper spacing on the sheet pan. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting, hindering that coveted crispy texture. If you’re cooking for a crowd, utilize multiple sheets for the best results.
Mastering Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes
Perfecting your sheet pan scored potatoes comes down to attention to detail. Oven hot spots may require you to rotate the sheet pan halfway through cooking for an even finish. Consider keeping a close watch in the last minutes; achieving that golden color is critical.
If you attempt different toppings, such as additional cheese or herbs, let them melt gently on the potatoes just before they finish cooking. This step elevates the flavors, ensuring they meld into the base of every bite.
Troubleshooting/Variations
Have you ever bitten into a potato that tasted underseasoned? Ensure every inch is coated well with oil and spices before baking. Salt plays a crucial role in enhancing flavors, so don’t hold back!
For variations, try swapping the garlic powder or smoked paprika with other spices like chili powder or Italian seasoning. The versatility of this dish means you can get creative while keeping the foundational flavors intact.
Serving and Storing Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes
Serving up these beautiful sheet pan scored potatoes can turn a simple meal into a gorgeous presentation. They look stunning as the crispy, golden surface shines in the light, enticing your guests.
Arrange them on a platter, and consider garnishing with fresh parsley or even a drizzle of olive oil to elevate their appeal. They pair well with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or fish, making them a flexible side dish for any occasion.
When it comes to storage, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. They’ll hold up well in the fridge for up to 3 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh. Reheating in the oven can help regain that crispy texture, making them almost as delightful as when they first emerged from the oven.
Conclusion
Sheet pan scored potatoes celebrate the art of simple cooking. This recipe shines a spotlight on how a few humble ingredients can come together to create something truly enjoyable. As you explore this recipe, remember the joy it brings not just to your taste buds but also to the moments spent around the table with loved ones. Embrace the process, and let each step bring you closer to a comforting dish that’s sure to impress even the most discerning eaters.
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Best Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful sheet pan scored potatoes with crispy skin and tender flesh, perfect as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly.
- Score shallow cuts around each potato to enhance texture.
- Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, optional herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the potatoes cut-side up on the sheet pan.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over hot potatoes for an extra indulgence.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Ensure proper spacing on the sheet pan to avoid steaming. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness if storing leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: potatoes, sheet pan, scored potatoes, easy recipes, vegetarian side dish
