Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love Accordion Potatoes for their crispy texture, buttery flavor, and eye-catching presentation. They combine the best parts of fries and roasted potatoes — crunchy edges and soft centers — all while looking like a gourmet dish. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite seasonings, herbs, or sauces. Whether baked, air-fried, or grilled, they always turn out golden and flavorful.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs (like parsley, rosemary, or thyme)
- Wooden skewers (optional, for handling while baking)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel and slice the potatoes lengthwise into thick slabs, about ½ inch thick.
- Place two chopsticks or wooden skewers on either side of a potato slab. Using a sharp knife, make thin vertical slices across the potato, stopping when the knife hits the chopsticks so you don’t cut all the way through.
- Flip the potato over and make diagonal slices on the other side, again stopping before cutting through. This creates the “accordion” pattern.
- Gently thread a skewer through the center lengthwise if desired, then stretch each potato slightly to open up the cuts.
- Brush the potatoes with olive oil or melted butter, making sure it seeps into the cuts. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with chopped herbs and serve warm with dipping sauces of your choice.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Variations
- Cheesy version: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Spicy twist: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a kick.
- Herb butter flavor: Mix melted butter with rosemary, thyme, and garlic, then brush over the potatoes before baking.
- Air fryer option: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through for extra crispiness.
- Vegan version: Use olive oil instead of butter for a fully plant-based side dish.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Accordion Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until hot and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soft. You can also prepare the sliced raw potatoes ahead of time and keep them submerged in cold water in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
FAQs
Why are they called Accordion Potatoes?
The name comes from the crisscross cuts that make the potatoes fan out like an accordion when baked.
What type of potato works best?
Russet potatoes are ideal for crispiness, while Yukon Golds offer a creamier texture.
How do I keep the slices even?
Use chopsticks or skewers as guides to prevent cutting all the way through the potato.
Can I make Accordion Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can cut and soak them in cold water up to a day in advance to prevent browning.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional — leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.
Can I grill Accordion Potatoes?
Absolutely. Brush with oil and grill over medium heat for about 15 minutes per side until crisp.
What sauces go well with these potatoes?
They pair beautifully with garlic aioli, ranch, spicy mayo, or sour cream and chive dip.
Why aren’t my potatoes opening up?
You may need to gently stretch them before baking to help the cuts separate.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time due to their density.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Use plenty of oil, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, and flip them halfway through baking.
Conclusion
Accordion Potatoes are the ultimate combination of creativity and comfort food. With their crisp, golden edges and soft centers, they make a stunning side dish that’s sure to impress. Whether served alongside steak, chicken, or as a snack on their own, these beautiful potatoes turn an everyday ingredient into something truly special.
PrintAccordion Potatoes
Accordion Potatoes are crispy, golden, and beautifully patterned potato slices cut in a crisscross design that fan out as they bake. Crunchy on the outside and tender inside, they’re an impressive and delicious twist on classic roasted potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Global
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 4 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, or thyme)
- Wooden skewers (optional, for handling while baking)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel and slice potatoes lengthwise into thick slabs, about ½ inch thick.
- Place two chopsticks or skewers on either side of a potato slab. Make thin vertical slices across the potato, stopping before cutting all the way through.
- Flip the potato and make diagonal slices on the other side, again stopping short of cutting through to create the accordion effect.
- If desired, thread a skewer through the center lengthwise and gently stretch to open the cuts.
- Brush potatoes with olive oil or melted butter, making sure it seeps into the cuts. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Garnish with chopped herbs and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Use Russet potatoes for crispiness or Yukon Gold for a creamier texture.
- Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch for extra crispiness.
- Flip halfway through baking for even browning.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes as a quicker alternative.
- Serve with garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or sour cream dip for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
