Crispy Accordion Potatoes

Crispy Accordion Potatoes are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional roasted potatoes. These potatoes are sliced thinly, but not all the way through, creating a “fan” or “accordion” effect. The slices are seasoned with herbs and spices, then roasted or baked to crispy perfection. The result is a golden, crispy exterior with a tender, fluffy interior that’s packed with flavor. They’re often garnished with fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.

I first made Crispy Accordion Potatoes for a dinner party, and they quickly became the star of the show! The unique presentation and crispy texture make them feel special, while the seasoning gives them a savory, satisfying taste. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can customize the seasoning to your liking, add cheese in between the layers, or even top them with bacon bits for extra flavor. Crispy Accordion Potatoes are perfect as a side dish for steak, chicken, or any roasted meat!

Perfect for:

  • Dinner parties
  • Holiday meals
  • Barbecues
  • Weeknight dinners
  • Potato lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Crispy Accordion Potatoes will quickly become your go-to side dish:

  • Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside: The accordion cut ensures maximum surface area for crispy edges, while the inside remains fluffy and soft.
  • Flavorful Seasoning: The garlic, herbs, and butter infusion make every bite packed with savory goodness.
  • Eye-Catching Presentation: The accordion style of the potatoes creates an elegant and unique presentation for any meal.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these potatoes are easy to prepare yet taste gourmet.
  • Versatile Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices based on your preferences—experiment with rosemary, thyme, or even paprika.
  • Perfectly Balanced: The combination of butter and olive oil provides the right amount of richness without being too greasy.
  • Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive celebration, these potatoes fit every menu.
  • Make-Ahead Potential: You can prepare them in advance and bake them right before serving, saving time on the big day.
  • Customizable Size: You can adjust the size of the cuts to create larger or smaller servings based on your needs.
  • Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the crispy, buttery texture of these potatoes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

  • 4 medium-sized russet potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Russet Potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for roasting, offering a fluffy interior and crispy exterior when cooked right.
  • Butter and Olive Oil: The combination creates a crispy golden exterior and rich flavor.
  • Garlic and Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, and garlic bring depth to the flavor of the potatoes, enhancing their natural taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Wash and Cut Potatoes: Thoroughly wash and scrub the potatoes. Slice each potato thinly, but not all the way through—leave about ¼ inch at the bottom to keep the slices connected.
  3. Season the Potatoes: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the mixture over the potatoes, making sure it gets in between the slices.
  4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.

Bake the Potatoes:

  1. Roast the Potatoes: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the edges. You may need to baste the potatoes halfway through with the remaining butter mixture for extra crispiness.
  2. Optional Crisping: For extra crispiness, place the potatoes under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Crispy Accordion Potatoes:

  • As a Side Dish: Serve alongside a juicy steak or roasted chicken for a hearty meal.
  • With a Dipping Sauce: Pair with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or sour cream.
  • On a Salad: Chop up and add to a fresh salad for an extra crunch.
  • At a Barbecue: A perfect companion to grilled meats and vegetables.
  • For Breakfast: Serve with eggs and bacon for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
  • With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal.
  • As a Party Snack: These potatoes are perfect for snacking at gatherings or parties.
  • Topped with Cheese: Add shredded cheese on top and bake for the last few minutes for a cheesy twist.
  • With Steak or Beef Chops: Their crispiness pairs wonderfully with meaty mains.
  • As a Comfort Food: Enjoy them as a cozy and satisfying comfort food on a chilly evening.

Additional Tips

  • Cut Evenly: Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking and crisping.
  • Baste for Extra Crispiness: Baste the potatoes halfway through cooking to maximize crispiness.
  • Serve Immediately: These potatoes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re still hot and crispy.
  • Try Different Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

Recipe Variations

  • Garlic Parmesan Accordion Potatoes: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the garlic-butter mixture for a cheesy, garlicky flavor.
  • Spicy Accordion Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
  • Lemon and Herb Potatoes: Add fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, citrusy twist.
  • Beef Bacon-Wrapped Accordion Potatoes: Wrap beef bacon strips around the potatoes before baking for added richness.
  • Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and olive oil to make this recipe dairy-free.
  • Smoked Paprika Potatoes: Add smoked paprika to the butter mixture for a smoky flavor.

Special Equipment

  • Mandoline Slicer – For evenly slicing the potatoes into thin, consistent pieces.
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife – For cutting and preparing potatoes if a mandoline is not available.
  • Wooden Skewers – To skewer the potatoes for accordion-style cutting.
  • Cutting Board – To safely slice and prep the potatoes.
  • Oven Tray – For roasting the potatoes in the oven.
  • Parchment Paper – To line the oven tray for easier cleanup.
  • Basting Brush – To evenly apply oil or butter to the potatoes for crispiness.
  • Large Mixing Bowl – To toss potatoes with seasonings and oil.
  • Tongs – For handling and flipping the potatoes when cooking.
  • Cooling Rack – To allow excess oil to drain off and ensure even crisping.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use other types of potatoes?
    Yes, Yukon gold or red potatoes will also work well, though the texture may differ slightly.
  2. Can I make these potatoes in advance?
    These potatoes are best served fresh out of the oven, but you can prepare them ahead of time, refrigerate, and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
  3. How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking?
    Make sure to use enough oil or butter, and line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  4. Can I freeze these potatoes?
    While these potatoes are best fresh, you can freeze the leftovers. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.
  5. Can I make these potatoes without butter?
    Yes, you can substitute olive oil for the butter for a lighter version.
  6. How do I get the potatoes to cook evenly?
    Make sure the slices are of similar thickness, and rotate the pan halfway through cooking for even browning.
  7. What can I use instead of fresh herbs?
    You can use dried herbs if fresh isn’t available, though fresh herbs give a better flavor.
  8. How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?
    Basting the potatoes halfway through and placing them under the broiler at the end will give them extra crispiness.
  9. Can I make a larger batch?
    Yes, you can double the recipe and use two baking sheets.
  10. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Conclusion

Crispy Accordion Potatoes are a fun and delicious twist on traditional roasted or fried potatoes. These potatoes are sliced in a way that resembles an accordion, giving them more surface area to crisp up perfectly in the oven or fryer. The result is a crispy, golden exterior with a soft, fluffy interior, making every bite a satisfying combination of textures.

These crispy accordion potatoes make for a great side dish or snack, and their unique presentation is sure to impress your guests. They’re perfect for serving at gatherings, BBQs, or anytime you’re in the mood for a potato dish with extra crunch.

I can’t wait to see how your Crispy Accordion Potatoes turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!