Simple Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes Recipe

Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes

Introduction:

Sheet pan meals have become a go-to for home cooks, thanks to their simplicity, speed, and delicious results. The Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes are a perfect example of why sheet pan cooking has gained so much popularity.

This dish is the epitome of effortless comfort food: crispy, golden potatoes on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, with aromatic herbs and garlic elevating the flavor to new heights.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and ease of preparation. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavorful side dish that pairs well with virtually any main course.

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a casual get-together, these scored potatoes are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients:

The following ingredients will yield approximately 4 servings of Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes:

4 medium-sized russet potatoes – Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their high starch content, which helps them become crispy on the outside while staying fluffy on the inside.

2 tablespoons of olive oil – Olive oil adds richness and helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully in the oven. It also carries the flavors of the herbs and garlic.

2 cloves of garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is essential to infuse a savory aroma and taste into the potatoes. You can adjust the garlic to suit your personal preference.

1 teaspoon of dried rosemary – Rosemary pairs wonderfully with potatoes, bringing a fragrant, slightly piney taste that complements the rich flavors of the garlic and olive oil.

1 teaspoon of dried thyme – Thyme adds an earthy, lemony flavor to the dish. Its subtlety blends perfectly with rosemary and garlic, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Salt and black pepper, to taste – These are the fundamental seasonings for bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – Fresh parsley not only adds a vibrant pop of color to the dish but also provides a refreshing herbal finish, balancing the richness of the roasted potatoes.

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures the potatoes crisp up nicely while allowing the herbs and garlic to roast to perfection.

Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly. Cut off any blemishes or imperfections.

Using a sharp knife, make shallow, horizontal cuts across each potato, about 1/4 inch apart, without cutting all the way through.

This scoring technique helps the seasonings penetrate the potatoes, ensuring a crisp, flavorful crust. Be sure not to cut all the way through; you want to maintain the shape of the potato.

Season the Potatoes: Place the scored potatoes on a large baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the potatoes, making sure it gets into the cuts.

Next, sprinkle the minced garlic, dried rosemary, and dried thyme over the potatoes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Use your hands or a basting brush to ensure the seasonings are well-distributed and that the oil reaches the crevices between the scores.

Bake the Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender on the inside and golden and crispy on the outside.

You can check the doneness by inserting a fork into the center of the potato—if it goes in easily, the potatoes are ready.

Garnish and Serve: Once the potatoes are fully roasted, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley (optional) for a burst of color and a refreshing herbal note. Serve the potatoes hot, and enjoy the crispy, golden goodness!

Tips:

Choice of Potatoes: While russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can also experiment with other varieties, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes.

However, keep in mind that different potatoes may yield slightly different textures and flavors.

Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. This will give the potatoes a subtle, spicy kick.

Customize the Herbs: Feel free to switch up the herbs based on your preferences or what you have available.

Fresh herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, work wonderfully, but you can also use dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand.

Cheese Lovers: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese over the potatoes in the last 5 minutes of baking. This will give the potatoes a crispy, cheesy crust.

Add Vegetables: To make the meal even more nutritious, consider adding other vegetables to the sheet pan, such as halved baby carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts.

Toss them in the same olive oil and seasoning mixture and roast them alongside the potatoes.

Scoring Tips: Scoring the potatoes helps the seasonings penetrate deeper, but be gentle when scoring.

Too deep a cut may cause the potatoes to fall apart. Keep the cuts shallow to ensure they remain intact during roasting.

Storage:

Refrigeration: The Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Make sure the potatoes have cooled completely before storing them to avoid moisture buildup inside the container.

Reheating: Reheat the potatoes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispness.

You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they heat through evenly.

Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze already-cooked potatoes due to potential texture changes, you can freeze uncooked scored potatoes.

Simply prep the potatoes, score them, and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight bag or container.

When you’re ready to bake them, no thawing is necessary; just bake at 400°F (200°C) for 50 minutes or until tender and crispy.

Serving Suggestions:

These Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes are versatile and can complement a wide variety of dishes. Here are a few serving ideas:

With Grilled Meats: Pair the scored potatoes with grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops for a hearty, satisfying meal. The crispy potatoes add a nice texture contrast to tender meats.

As a Side to Roasted Veggies: Serve these roasted potatoes with other roasted vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a nutritious, well-rounded meal.

With Dips and Sauces: Serve the potatoes with dipping sauces like sour cream, garlic butter, or ketchup. For a more gourmet touch, try pairing them with aioli or a spicy mayo.

Vegetarian Meal: Serve the potatoes as a main dish for a simple vegetarian meal. Pair with a fresh salad or a bowl of soup to complete the meal.

For Meal Prep: These potatoes are perfect for meal prep. Make a batch to serve throughout the week alongside your favorite proteins and vegetables for quick, healthy lunches or dinners.

Conclusion:

The Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes recipe is a delightful and straightforward way to prepare potatoes that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of savory flavors.

Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish for a busy weeknight or a crowd-pleasing addition to a larger meal, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and ease of preparation.

The use of minimal ingredients makes it an affordable option for everyday meals, while the option to customize the flavors makes it a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit your tastes.

With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that is both satisfying and impressive. These potatoes will soon become a staple in your recipe collection, perfect for pairing with almost any entrée.