Best Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes

If you’re craving a side dish that’s irresistibly crispy, flavorful, and effortlessly prepared, you’ll adore the Best Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes recipe. This simple method transforms everyday potatoes into golden, crunchy delights with beautifully scored tops that soak up every bit of seasoning and roast to perfection in no time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal fuss, making it a new favorite for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: Just a few steps and ingredients create a stunning, restaurant-quality side without complicated techniques.
• Perfect crispy texture: The scored tops allow hot oil and seasonings to penetrate deeply, resulting in an unbeatable crunch.
• Versatility: Ideal for pairing with any main course, from roasted chicken to grilled steaks or even vegetarian dishes.
• Customizable flavors: You can easily tweak the herbs and spices to match your mood or pantry staples.
• One-pan cleanup: Baking on a single sheet pan saves time and keeps your kitchen mess-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Best Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient enhances the final dish with balanced flavor, texture, and visual appeal, bringing out the best in your potatoes.

• Potatoes: Choose medium-sized Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for the perfect balance of fluffy inside and crisp exterior.
• Olive Oil: This provides a rich base for roasting and helps the potatoes brown beautifully.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic or garlic powder adds a warm, aromatic punch.
• Fresh Herbs: Rosemary or thyme complement the earthy potatoes and add vibrant flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
• Paprika (optional): Adds mild smokiness and enhances color for extra appeal.

Variations for Best Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes

Feel free to experiment and adjust the basic recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. The flexibility of these potatoes means endless possibilities for flavor customizations!

• Cheesy twist: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar in the final 5 minutes of baking for a golden, melty crust.
• Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix to bring some heat.
• Herb blend: Swap rosemary for fresh dill or parsley for a fresh, bright herb flavor.
• Vegan option: Use avocado oil and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, savory boost.
• Different potatoes: Try sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter, colorful version with similar scoring and roasting methods.

How to Make Best Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a large sheet pan with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote even crisping. Preheating the oven is key to achieving that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Score the Potatoes

Scrub and dry the potatoes well. Using a sharp knife, make multiple shallow cuts horizontally across each potato, about 1/8 inch apart, being careful not to slice all the way through. These scores allow seasoning and heat to reach deeper, creating extra-crispy surfaces.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

Drizzle olive oil generously over the potatoes, rubbing it into the scored crevices. Sprinkle minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and optional paprika evenly across the potatoes. The oil and seasoning will coat every nook and cranny thanks to the scoring.

Step 4: Roast Until Golden and Crispy

Arrange the seasoned potatoes on the sheet pan with some space between them. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the potatoes are tender inside and the scored tops are beautifully browned and crisp.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This resting allows the crust to set perfectly before serving, maximizing crispness with every bite.

Pro Tips for Making Best Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes

• Use dry potatoes: Make sure potatoes are completely dry after washing to ensure oil and seasoning stick better and crispiness improves.
• Sharp knife is essential: Scoring with a sharp knife helps create neat cuts without cutting through, which ensures even roasting.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave enough space between potatoes for hot air circulation, which is key for that crispy texture.
• Flip halfway through: Turning the potatoes once allows even browning on all sides for uniform crispiness.
• Fresh herbs matter: Add fresh herbs in the last 5 minutes of baking or as a garnish to preserve their bright flavor and aroma.

How to Serve Best Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chopped chives over the potatoes just before serving for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that contrast the crispy edges.

Side Dishes

These scored potatoes pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh mixed green salad for a balanced meal. They also complement creamy dips like garlic aioli or tangy sour cream for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

Place the scored potatoes in a rustic wooden platter with a small bowl of herb-infused olive oil for dipping, or stack them slightly overlapping on a colorful ceramic plate to showcase the golden crust and scoring patterns.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover scored potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them separately from any dips or sauces to maintain crispness as much as possible.

Freezing

While best fresh, you can freeze cooked scored potatoes for up to 2 months. Flash-freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag to prevent sticking together.

Reheating

To restore the crispy texture after refrigeration or freezing, reheat scored potatoes in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) for about 10-15 minutes instead of microwaving, which can make them soggy.

FAQs

What type of potato works best for this recipe?

Medium-sized Yukon Gold or russet potatoes are ideal because they balance a fluffy interior with a crispy exterior after roasting and scoring.

Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh potatoes, as frozen ones tend to release moisture that prevents proper crisping and can result in soggy textures.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional; leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients, plus it crisps beautifully when roasted this way.

How do I make these potatoes more flavorful?

Add fresh herbs, garlic, paprika, or even Parmesan cheese to the seasoning mix to boost aromatic and savory flavor layers.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The Best Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes are naturally gluten-free, as long as the seasonings you use don’t contain any gluten additives.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about homemade crispy potatoes, and with this Best Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes recipe, you get all the flavor and crunch without hassle or long prep times. Give these beautifully scored, golden spuds a try—you just might find your new favorite side dish that’s perfect any day of the week.

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