Oh my goodness, let me tell you about crack potatoes! These little gems are the ultimate side dish, boasting a crispy texture that just begs to be savored. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering, and it quickly became a staple at our dinner table. There’s something so satisfying about cracking open those tender, fluffy potatoes and watching them soak up all the delicious flavors from the seasonings. Trust me, once you try these crack potatoes, you’ll find yourself making them again and again! They’re the kind of dish that’ll have your friends and family asking for seconds, or even thirds—because who could resist that golden-brown crunch?
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, washed and scrubbed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Prepare Crack Potatoes
Prepping the Potatoes
Alright, let’s get those baby potatoes ready! Start by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, carefully toss in your washed and scrubbed baby potatoes. You’ll want to boil them until they’re tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. To check if they’re ready, just poke one with a fork—if it slides in easily, they’re good to go! Once they’re tender, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes. This step is super important because we don’t want to burn our fingers when we crack them!
Cracking the Potatoes
Now comes the fun part! Grab a fork or just use your hands (make sure they’re clean!) and gently crack each potato. You want to press down just enough to break the skin and create a few fissures, but don’t go smashing them into oblivion! The goal is to create more surface area for that crispy exterior. Trust me, this little step makes all the difference in the final crunch!
Seasoning and Baking
Once your potatoes are cracked, it’s time to flavor them up! Drizzle the olive oil generously over the cracked potatoes, making sure each one gets a good coating. Then, sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Feel free to adjust the spices to match your taste—maybe you love a bit more paprika for that smoky flavor! Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread those seasoned beauties out on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible, and you won’t be able to wait to dig in!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers aren’t set in stone. But generally speaking, one serving of crack potatoes contains about 250 calories, 14g of fat, 4g of protein, and 32g of carbs. They’re a delicious addition to any meal, and with the right balance of flavors, you won’t even feel guilty indulging in them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—just the way potatoes should be!
- Loaded with flavor thanks to the perfect blend of spices.
- Versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with any main course.
- Customizable—feel free to adjust the spices or add your favorite toppings.
- Always a crowd-pleaser; your family and friends will keep coming back for more!
Tips for Success
To make sure your crack potatoes turn out absolutely perfect, here are my top tips! First, don’t skip the boiling step; it’s crucial for achieving that tender inside. If you want to really amp up the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the seasoning mix. Also, when you’re drizzling the olive oil, don’t be shy—this helps them crisp up beautifully! For even cooking, make sure the potatoes are spaced out on the baking sheet; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Lastly, if you like them extra crispy, you can broil them for the last few minutes of baking—just keep a close eye on them, so they don’t burn. Trust me, these little tweaks will take your crack potatoes to the next level!
Variations
If you want to mix things up with your crack potatoes, there are so many delicious options! For a herbaceous kick, try adding fresh rosemary or thyme to the seasoning mix—wow, it really elevates the flavor! You can also swap out the paprika for chili powder if you’re in the mood for a little heat. Feeling cheesy? Sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top just before baking for a savory crust. Or, for a twist on classic ranch, toss in some ranch seasoning for that creamy, zesty flavor. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting and find your perfect combo!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving crack potatoes, the options are practically limitless! They make a fantastic side for grilled meats like juicy steaks or tender chicken. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, pair them with a fresh garden salad topped with a zesty vinaigrette—trust me, the crunch of the potatoes complements the crispness of the salad perfectly! You can also serve them alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. And don’t forget, they’re amazing with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any crack potatoes left over (which is rare, but it happens!), storing them properly is key to keeping that delicious crunch. Allow the potatoes to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, don’t just pop them in the microwave—this can make them soggy! Instead, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and crispy again. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort for that delightful texture!
For more delicious potato recipes, check out this garlic herb roasted potatoes recipe or this creamy garlic mashed potatoes recipe.
Print
Crack Potatoes: 5 Steps to Perfectly Crispy Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful crack potatoes for a delicious side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Boil the baby potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and gently crack them using a fork or your hand.
- Drizzle olive oil over the cracked potatoes.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the potatoes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use any small potatoes for best results.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: crack potatoes, crispy potatoes, side dish
