Introduction
Pan Scored Potatoes are a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for any meal, whether as a side dish or a main event.
The unique technique of scoring the potatoes allows for a crispy, golden exterior while maintaining a tender, fluffy interior.
With minimal ingredients and just a few steps, you can create a delicious and visually appealing dish that will impress any guest.
Ingredients
4 medium-sized potatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring that it’s fully heated before placing the potatoes inside. Wash the potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing off any dirt, then pat them dry with a towel.
Using a sharp knife, carefully score the potatoes by making shallow cuts across the surface.
Ensure that you don’t cut all the way through; the cuts should be about halfway down the potato to create little grooves.
This will allow the oil and seasoning to seep into the flesh, creating a crispy texture when baked.
Once scored, place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over each potato, ensuring all the cuts are coated.
Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried rosemary generously over the potatoes.
making sure to season both the tops and the cuts. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the cuts for maximum flavor.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside, with a soft and tender interior.
Halfway through baking, use a spoon or tongs to baste the potatoes with the oil that has pooled on the baking sheet.
This will help create an even crispiness and keep the potatoes from drying out.
Once the potatoes are finished baking, remove them from the oven. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the texture settle, and the flavors will have a chance to meld together.
How to Make
To create Pan Scored Potatoes, you begin by selecting the right type of potatoes, usually medium-sized ones that have firm flesh. After cleaning them.
the key is to score the potatoes with a sharp knife. The shallow cuts will expose more surface area for seasoning, ensuring the flavors penetrate deeply.
The next step is crucial: you want to coat the potatoes with a generous amount of olive oil. This helps the potatoes crisp up in the oven, giving them that desired golden crust.
Olive oil is preferred for its rich flavor and high smoking point, making it ideal for roasting.
Once the oil is applied, season the potatoes with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried rosemary.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the garlic powder, or add some crushed fresh garlic for an extra punch.
When it comes to baking, the key is to monitor the potatoes as they roast. The ideal cooking time is typically between 40 to 45 minutes.
but this can vary depending on the size of the potatoes and your oven. Be sure to check for tenderness by inserting a fork or knife into the flesh.
A great tip for an even crisper texture is to baste the potatoes with the oil from the pan halfway through baking.
This will help the skin become even more crispy without burning, ensuring a perfect finish every time.
Once done, let the potatoes rest for a few minutes. This helps redistribute the moisture, ensuring a soft and moist interior while maintaining a crispy exterior.
Your pan scored potatoes are now ready to be served as a flavorful side dish.
Variations
If you’re looking to add a little variety to the flavor profile, consider swapping out the rosemary for fresh thyme or oregano.
These herbs add a unique twist to the dish while still maintaining a savory, fragrant flavor.
For a spicier kick, try adding cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the seasoning mix. This will give your potatoes a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the savory herbs.
If you’re a fan of cheese, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes in the final few minutes of baking.
This will melt into the grooves, creating a crispy, cheesy crust that’s hard to resist.
For a richer flavor, consider adding a drizzle of melted butter or even some bacon bits after the potatoes have finished baking. These additions will elevate the dish, giving it an indulgent touch.
For those with dietary restrictions, the olive oil can easily be replaced with avocado oil or coconut oil.
Both of these alternatives work well for high-heat roasting and can provide a slightly different flavor profile.
Try adding a dash of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after baking. This brightens the dish and adds a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.
For a more substantial meal, you can turn the pan scored potatoes into a loaded version. After baking, top the potatoes with sour cream, chives, and crispy bacon for a comforting, hearty dish.
Tips
Make sure to score the potatoes deeply enough for the seasoning to penetrate but not so deep that you cut all the way through.
The goal is to create grooves that will hold the oil and seasoning while allowing the interior to cook evenly.
When baking, try to leave some space between the potatoes on the baking sheet. This allows for proper airflow, which ensures even cooking and a crispier finish on all sides.
If you’re working with larger potatoes, you may need to adjust the baking time. Larger potatoes will need more time to cook through.
so check their tenderness with a fork before removing them from the oven.
To prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet, line the sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
This ensures easy cleanup and prevents any part of the potato from sticking.
If you’re looking for a richer flavor, consider using garlic-infused olive oil. It adds a subtle but deep garlic flavor that enhances the overall dish.
You can experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the recipe. Fresh parsley, thyme, or even paprika can give the potatoes a different flavor, so feel free to get creative with your seasonings.
For extra crispiness, you can broil the potatoes for the last few minutes of baking. This adds an extra layer of crunch to the exterior, making the potatoes even more delicious.
Conclusion
Pan Scored Potatoes are a fantastic, easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can transform ordinary potatoes into a flavorful, crispy delight that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you enjoy them as a side dish, snack, or main course, these potatoes are sure to impress. With endless variations and tips to customize.
you can make this recipe your own and delight in the crispy, savory goodness every time you prepare it.