Salt and Vinegar Fingerling Potatoes are a tangy, crispy, and utterly addictive side dish that brings bold flavor and satisfying crunch to your plate. These golden, roasted potatoes are infused with the sharp bite of vinegar and finished with a sprinkle of flaky salt, creating the perfect balance of tart and savory goodness.
I first made these when I was craving the punchy taste of salt and vinegar chips but wanted something a little heartier. The moment they came out of the oven—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor—I knew they were an instant favorite. The vinegar soak gives them that signature tang, while roasting brings out their natural sweetness and crisp texture.
What’s great about Salt and Vinegar Fingerling Potatoes is their simplicity and versatility. Whether you serve them alongside a juicy steak, pair them with a fresh salad, or enjoy them as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce, they’re always a hit. If you love bold flavors and crispy roasted potatoes, this dish is a must-try!
Perfect for:
- Casual gatherings
- BBQs and cookouts
- Weeknight dinners
- Game day snacks
- Potato lovers craving a tangy twist
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Salt and Vinegar Fingerling Potatoes will become your new favorite side dish:
- Crispy and Golden: Roasted to perfection for a crunchy bite.
- Tangy and Addictive: The vinegar infusion adds a bold and unique flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just a handful of pantry staples.
- Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep work and hands-on time.
- Perfect Side Dish: Pairs well with a variety of mains, from grilled meats to seafood.
- Great for Snacking: Enjoy as a satisfying, salty treat on its own.
- Customizable: Adjust the vinegar intensity to suit your taste.
- No Deep Frying Required: Achieves crispiness with roasting, making it a healthier option.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Boil the potatoes in advance for easy meal prep.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: A crowd-pleasing option for all dietary needs.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
- Key Nutrients: Carbs: 35g, Fat: 7g, Protein: 3g
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds fingerling potatoes
- 1 cup white vinegar (or malt vinegar for a classic twist)
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Ingredient Highlights
- Fingerling Potatoes: Their thin skin crisps up beautifully while the inside stays creamy.
- White Vinegar: Infuses the potatoes with a bold tangy flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Enhances the final flavor and adds texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Boil the Potatoes:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Rinse the fingerling potatoes and slice any larger ones in half for even cooking.
- Boil with Vinegar: In a large pot, combine water, vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer Until Tender: Add the potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart.
- Drain and Dry: Drain the potatoes and let them air-dry for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.
Roast the Potatoes:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss with Seasonings: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using.
- Spread on a Baking Sheet: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer, cut-side down for maximum crispiness.
- Roast to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
- Finish with Flaky Salt: Sprinkle the roasted potatoes with flaky sea salt for extra crunch and flavor.
- Enjoy Hot: Serve immediately as a side dish or snack.
How to Serve
Here are 10 ways to enjoy Salt and Vinegar Fingerling Potatoes:
- With Grilled Steak: The tanginess cuts through the richness of a juicy steak.
- Alongside Seafood: Pairs beautifully with fish, shrimp, or scallops.
- As a Snack: Serve with a dipping sauce like aioli or sour cream.
- In a Breakfast Plate: Enjoy alongside eggs and beef bacon for a savory start.
- With Burgers and Sandwiches: A perfect alternative to fries.
- As a BBQ Side: Complements grilled chicken or ribs.
- Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with parsley or chives for extra freshness.
- With Melted Cheese: Sprinkle with Parmesan or feta for a cheesy twist.
- Drizzled with Balsamic Glaze: Adds a sweet contrast to the tangy potatoes.
- Paired with Pickles: Double down on the vinegar flavor for a punchy snack.
Additional Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes – Fingerling potatoes work best, but baby potatoes or Yukon Golds can be a great alternative for a creamy texture.
- Use Malt Vinegar for Authentic Flavor – While white vinegar works, malt vinegar gives a richer, more traditional tang. Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle sweetness.
- Parboil for Maximum Absorption – Simmering the potatoes in vinegar-infused water allows them to soak up the tangy flavor before roasting or frying.
- Dry Thoroughly Before Roasting – After boiling, let the potatoes air dry to achieve the crispiest texture in the oven.
- Smash for Extra Crispiness – Lightly pressing the potatoes before roasting increases surface area for golden, crunchy edges.
- Roast at High Heat – Baking at 425°F (220°C) ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the insides fluffy.
- Season in Layers – Salt the potatoes while boiling, immediately after roasting, and again before serving for the best balance of flavor.
- Use Flaky Salt for a Finishing Touch – Maldon or sea salt adds a satisfying crunch and enhances the tangy vinegar bite.
- Try a Vinegar Reduction – Drizzle a reduced vinegar glaze over the potatoes for a more intense and slightly caramelized flavor.
- Pair with a Dipping Sauce – Serve with a garlic aioli, herbed sour cream, or even a honey-mustard dip to balance the acidity with a touch of creaminess.
Recipe Variations
- Garlic Herb Infusion – Toss roasted potatoes with minced garlic, fresh thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle heat that complements the tangy vinegar.
- Parmesan Crisp – Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the potatoes right before serving for a rich, salty bite.
- Honey Balsamic Glaze – Swap white vinegar for balsamic and drizzle with honey after roasting for a sweet-and-tangy depth of flavor.
- Dill Pickle Lovers – Mix in finely chopped dill and a splash of pickle brine for an extra punch of acidity.
- Buffalo Style – Toss with melted butter and hot sauce for a Buffalo-inspired variation with a vinegary zing.
- Crispy Beef Bacon & Cheddar – Top with crumbled beef bacon and shredded sharp cheddar for a comforting, indulgent twist.
- Wasabi & Soy – Replace vinegar with rice vinegar and add a dash of soy sauce and wasabi for an umami-packed, Asian-inspired spin.
- Lemon & Black Pepper – Substitute vinegar with fresh lemon juice and finish with cracked black pepper for a zesty, citrusy kick.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning – Sprinkle with a blend of sesame seeds, garlic, onion, poppy seeds, and flaky salt for a bold, crunchy topping.
Special Equipment
- Large Pot: For boiling the potatoes.
- Baking Sheet: For roasting the potatoes evenly.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing Bowl: For tossing the potatoes with seasoning.
- Tongs or Spatula: For flipping the potatoes during roasting.
FAQ Section
- Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, but fingerling potatoes work best for their creamy texture and crispy skin. - Can I use apple cider vinegar instead?
Absolutely! It adds a slightly sweeter tang. - Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, the skin helps with crispiness and adds texture. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - How do I reheat them?
Reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes to regain crispiness. - Can I make them in advance?
Yes! Boil the potatoes ahead of time and roast just before serving. - Can I make them less tangy?
Reduce the vinegar amount or use a milder vinegar like rice vinegar. - Can I add butter instead of olive oil?
Yes, melted butter will add richness to the potatoes. - Can I freeze these potatoes?
It’s not recommended, as the texture may become grainy after thawing. - What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Aioli, ranch, honey mustard, or even spicy mayo are great choices!
Conclusion
Salt and Vinegar Fingerling Potatoes are a crispy, tangy treat that packs the perfect balance of zesty flavor and golden crunch. These bite-sized potatoes are boiled in a vinegar-infused bath, then roasted to perfection, creating a satisfying contrast of fluffy interiors and crispy, crackly skins. Each bite delivers that signature salt-and-vinegar punch, making them an irresistible side dish or snack.
This recipe is simple yet bold, with just a few ingredients transforming humble potatoes into something truly special. Customize them by adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of garlic, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth. Serve them alongside your favorite main dish or enjoy them on their own with a creamy dipping sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
I can’t wait to see how your Salt and Vinegar Fingerling Potatoes turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!