After tasting this, I'm never having potatoes any other way again!. 𝗜𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 : 4 medium-sized potatoes 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

 

hy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes Are Awesome

Scored potatoes are a simple technique that transforms ordinary roasted potatoes into something special:

• Crispy edges: The scoring (making shallow crosshatch cuts) increases the surface area, letting more of the potato crisp up in the oven. en.paperblog.com+2recipestasteful+2

• Flavor absorption: The cuts act like little channels so oil, garlic, herbs, and seasonings get deeper into the potato, not just on the exterior. Lidia Recipes+2It's Not About Nutrition+2

• Visual appeal: Scored potatoes look elegant and rustic — a great side dish for weeknights or special meals. Lidia Recipes

• Easy cleanup: Everything cooks on one sheet pan. No need for multiple pots or pans. recipestasteful+1

• Versatility: You can easily tweak the seasonings (herbs, spices, cheese) to match different meals. recipestasteful

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Ingredients (for ~4 servings)

Here’s a solid base recipe, combining multiple versions:

• 4 medium potatoes (Russet is preferred for crispiness, but Yukon Gold or other varieties also work) Lidia Recipes+1

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or a mix of olive oil + melted butter) recipestasteful+2gardentips.familyfreshrecipes.com+2

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder recipestasteful+1

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) It's Not About Nutrition+1

• ½ teaspoon black pepper recipestasteful

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or thyme, or a mix) recipestasteful+2Skinny Daily Recipes+2

• Optional: 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked) for color and extra flavor gardentips.familyfreshrecipes.com+1

• Optional garnish:

  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for a cheesy crust) recipestasteful

  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped gardentips.familyfreshrecipes.com+1

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Equipment You’ll Need

• A sharp knife (to score the potatoes)

• A baking sheet / sheet pan

• A small mixing bowl (for seasonings)

• A basting brush or your hands (for putting oil into the cuts)

• Oven preheated to 425°F (220°C) theenglishkitchen.co+2recipestasteful+2

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). theenglishkitchen.co+1

2. Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove dirt. Don’t peel them — the skin helps with texture and flavor. It's Not About Nutrition+1

3. Dry the potatoes completely with a clean towel or paper towels. Moisture will prevent crispiness. recipestasteful

2. Score the Potatoes

1. Cut each potato in half lengthwise so you have a flat surface to work on. Lidia Recipes+1

2. Score the cut side: using a sharp knife, make shallow crisscross cuts (a crosshatch pattern), about ¼ inch deep. Be careful: you don’t want to cut all the way through. theenglishkitchen.co+1

3. Place each scored potato, cut side up, on your sheet pan. Make sure they’re spaced out so hot air can circulate. recipestasteful

3. Make the Seasoning Mixture

1. In your mixing bowl, combine:

   • Olive oil (or butter)

   • Garlic powder

   • Salt

   • Black pepper

   • Dried rosemary (or thyme)

   • Paprika (if using)

2. Stir well so that the oil and seasonings are fully blended.

4. Season the Potatoes

1. Brush or drizzle the oil mixture generously over the scored potatoes. Make sure to work some of the seasoned oil into the cuts — this is key for flavor to penetrate deeply. It's Not About Nutrition+1

2. Use your fingers or a brush to massage the seasoning into the cuts, helping it soak in. theenglishkitchen.co

5. Bake

1. Slide your sheet pan into the preheated oven.

2. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until:

   • The tops are golden brown and crispy. theenglishkitchen.co+1

   • A knife or fork easily pierces the potato flesh, showing it's cooked through. theenglishkitchen.co

3. (Optional) For extra color or crispiness: you can rotate or flip the potatoes halfway—though many recipes don’t require flipping. recipestasteful

6. Rest & Garnish

1. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the potatoes rest for a few minutes (5 min or so). This helps the cut edges stay crisp and allows them to settle. It's Not About Nutrition

2. If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the potatoes in the last few minutes of baking, or right after they come out for a melty, golden finish. recipestasteful

3. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for color and a fresh touch. gardentips.familyfreshrecipes.com+1

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Tips for Perfect Scored Potatoes

• Scoring depth matters: Cuts should be deep enough to let oil and seasoning soak in, but shallow enough that potatoes don’t fall apart. Lidia Recipes

• Use the right potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russet crisp up beautifully; waxier potatoes (Yukon Gold) are creamier. Lidia Recipes

• Don’t skip drying: Wet potatoes lead to steam, which prevents crisping.

• Preheat matters: Make sure your oven is fully up to temperature before baking.

• Space them out: Avoid overcrowding the sheet pan. Leave enough room for hot air to circulate.

• Flavor variations: Try adding other herbs (thyme, oregano), or even red pepper flakes for heat. Skinny Daily Recipes

• Cheesy twist: Parmesan or other cheeses (cheddar, gruyère) can be added near the end of baking for a savory crust. recipestasteful

• Rest before serving: Let the potatoes sit for a few minutes after baking — helps the texture lock in.

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Variations & Flavor Twists

Here are some ideas to adapt this base recipe to different flavors or dietary preferences:

1. Herby & Garlic: Use fresh rosemary and thyme, plus a bit of minced garlic instead of garlic powder.

2. Smoky Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a slightly smoky flavor.

3. Cheesy Parmesan: As mentioned, add Parmesan in the last few minutes, or even broil briefly to melt and brown the cheese.

4. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne to the oil mixture.

5. Truffle Touch: Drizzle a tiny bit of truffle oil after baking for an indulgent twist.

6. Lemon Herb: After baking, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs (parsley, chives).

7. Bacon or Pancetta: Top with crispy bacon bits or pancetta after baking for richness and crunch.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken, steak, or fish.

• Use them in a vegetable platter alongside roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.

• Add to a buffet or holiday table — they’re attractive and scale up easily.

• Pair with a dipping sauce: sour cream, Greek yogurt with herbs, or even garlic aioli works great.

• Use leftovers (if any!) the next day: gently reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some problems you might face — and how to fix them:

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Potatoes aren’t crispy	Too much moisture, overcrowded pan, low oven temp	Dry potatoes well, space them out, make sure oven is hot enough
Potatoes stuck to pan	Using foil or not enough oil	Use parchment paper or a well-seasoned pan; apply enough oil; preheat pan if possible
Seasoning didn’t absorb	Cuts weren’t deep enough	Score more deeply (but carefully); massage the oil mixture into the cuts
Potatoes burnt on outside but raw inside	Oven too hot, or potatoes too large	Lower the oven slightly or cut potatoes smaller; rotate during cooking
Cheesy layer burnt	Cheese added too early	Add cheese in the last 5–10 minutes of baking or broil briefly at the end

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Why This Recipe Works (From a Technique Perspective)

• High heat + scoring = maximum browning: Scoring increases surface area, and high oven temperature helps develop that crisp crust. It's Not About Nutrition+1

• Oil in the cuts = deep seasoning: By brushing oil into the cuts, you ensure flavor isn’t just on the surface. recipestasteful+1

• Resting matters: Letting the potatoes rest after baking allows steam to escape and texture to firm up. It's Not About Nutrition

• Simple but flexible: With a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, you can make these in under an hour, and customize any way you like.

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Nutrition Note (Rough Estimate)

• Calories: Depends on size and how much oil you use, but roughly 200–250 kcal per potato (medium) when roasted with olive oil and seasoning.

• Potatoes provide good amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, especially when you roast them with skin on.

• Using moderate oil and flavoring gives a balance between indulgence and health.

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Final Thoughts

Sheet pan scored potatoes are one of those deceptively simple recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. They look elegant, taste amazing, and only need a few ingredients. By scoring the potatoes and letting the seasoned oil seep into the cuts, you get a magical contrast of crispy ridges and soft, fluffy interiors.

Whether you're cooking a weeknight dinner, prepping for a gathering, or just craving a hearty side, this scored potato recipe is a winner. You can keep it classic with rosemary and garlic, or experiment with cheese, herbs, or spice. Either way, you’ll end up with potatoes that are anything but boring.