Accordion Potatoes: The Ultimate Crispy & Flavorful Side Dish
Elevate your potato game with Accordion Potatoes – a visually stunning and incredibly delicious side dish that’s sure to impress. Thinly sliced, artfully skewered, and baked to golden perfection with a rich garlic herb butter, these potatoes are wonderfully tender on the inside with irresistibly crispy edges. A must-try recipe for any occasion!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Accordion Potatoes
Forget plain baked potatoes. Accordion potatoes offer a delightful combination of elegance, flavor, and texture that makes them truly special. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire:
Unforgettable Presentation and Visual Appeal
Accordion potatoes are more than just a dish; they’re a conversation starter. Their unique, fanned-out shape makes them incredibly eye-catching and sophisticated. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or simply want to add a touch of gourmet flair to a weeknight meal, these potatoes will undoubtedly impress your guests. The intricate slices create an elegant silhouette that hints at the delightful textures within.
Irresistible Flavor and Texture Combination
Each slice of potato is individually brushed with a fragrant garlic herb butter, ensuring maximum flavor penetration. This unique preparation method creates a fantastic textural contrast: the interior remains soft and fluffy, while the exposed edges become wonderfully golden and crisp. It’s the best of both worlds – the satisfying tenderness of a baked potato coupled with the addictive crunch of a potato chip. The savory blend of garlic, onion powder, and fresh parsley complements the natural earthiness of the potato perfectly.
Highly Versatile and Customizable
The beauty of accordion potatoes lies in their adaptability. While our garlic herb butter is a classic choice, you can easily customize the seasoning to suit your taste or meal theme. Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, rosemary, thyme, or a touch of cayenne for a kick. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of baking. They’re excellent served as a standalone appetizer with a side of creamy dill dip or sour cream and chives, or as a hearty side dish alongside a variety of main courses. Imagine them next to succulent Crispy Hot Honey Chicken, a perfectly seared Chimichurri Flank Steak, or a savory Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin. They also complement grilled fish, roast lamb, or even a vegetarian lentil loaf beautifully.
Fun and Rewarding to Make
While the slicing technique might seem intricate, it’s surprisingly enjoyable and rewarding. The process itself is part of the culinary adventure, and the results are well worth the effort. It’s a great way to engage with your food preparation and create something truly unique.
Chef’s Expert Tips for Perfect Accordion Potatoes
Achieving those perfectly crisp, tender, and beautifully fanned accordion potatoes is all about a few key techniques. Follow these expert tips for success every time:
Choose the Right Potatoes for Optimal Shape and Texture
For this recipe, starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are your best friends. Their higher starch content helps them hold their shape beautifully after slicing and contributes to that desirable fluffy interior. Russets tend to be drier and crisp up exceptionally well, while Yukon Golds offer a slightly creamier texture. I highly recommend peeling them, especially Russets, as their skin can be a bit tough and detract from the delicate accordion appearance. Ensure your potatoes are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
Precision Slicing is Key to the Accordion Effect
The magic of accordion potatoes lies in the thin, even slices. Aim for slices approximately ¼-inch thick. If they are too thick, they’ll be difficult to manipulate, stretch, and won’t achieve that classic fanned look. Conversely, if they’re too thin, they might fall apart. A sharp chef’s knife is essential here. The technique involves two sets of cuts: first, parallel cuts almost all the way through, followed by diagonal cuts on the other side. This crisscross pattern allows the potato to expand like an accordion. Always use the wooden skewers as guides to prevent cutting entirely through the potato – they act as bumpers, ensuring the integrity of your slices. Take your time and be deliberate with each cut.
Don’t Skip the Soak – It’s Crucial for Crispiness and Skewer Safety
Soaking the skewered potatoes in cold water for at least 10-20 minutes is a non-negotiable step. This process draws out excess starch from the potatoes, which is key to achieving that coveted crispy exterior in the oven. Less starch means a crisper bake! Additionally, soaking the wooden skewers helps prevent them from burning during the high-heat baking process. After soaking, it’s absolutely vital to drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Any residual moisture will steam the potatoes rather than allowing them to crisp up, so ensure they are as dry as possible before seasoning.
Even Seasoning for Maximum Flavor
Once your potatoes are dry, generously brush them with the garlic herb butter mixture. Don’t just coat the surface; gently pull apart the accordion slices slightly to ensure the butter and seasonings penetrate into the crevices. This maximizes flavor in every bite and helps promote even browning. A basting brush is ideal for this task.
Strategic Flipping and the Broiler Finish for Ultimate Crispness
Mid-way through baking (around the 10-minute mark), carefully flip your accordion potatoes. This ensures even cooking and browning on both sides. If you wait too long, they might be too cooked and could potentially break or fall off the skewers. Baking time can vary based on your oven and potato size, but generally expect 30 to 40 minutes. For that truly golden-brown, extra-crispy edge, I highly recommend a quick finish under the broiler. Set your oven to low broil and keep a very close eye on them – just 4 to 5 minutes can transform them from perfectly golden to charred in an instant. Watch for those beautiful, bubbly, crispy bits!
More Delicious Side Dishes You’ll Love
If you enjoy creative and flavorful side dishes, explore some of our other favorites:
- Decadent Lobster Mashed Potatoes
- Simple Grilled Asparagus in Foil
- Flavorful Roasted Kale
- Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Unique Popcorn Soup
Accordion Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter
Cook:
Total:
Yields: 8 servings
Potatoes are artfully sliced, skewered, and gently stretched, then generously seasoned with a fragrant garlic herb butter. Baked to perfection, they emerge with a wonderfully tender interior and irresistibly crispy golden-brown edges.
By Cheryl Malik
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, approximately 4 pounds total
- ¼ cup butter, melted (or dairy-free butter/olive oil for dairy-free option)
- ½ teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (more or less to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
Equipment
- Potato peeler
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- 8-12 wooden skewers
- Large bowl
- Paper towels
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Basting brush
Instructions
To Prepare the Accordion Potatoes
- Fill a large bowl with cold water and set aside. Place peeled potatoes on a cutting board. Carefully slice each potato lengthwise into long, uniform slices, approximately ¼-inch thick. Avoid cutting slices larger than ⅜-inch. Repeat until all potatoes are sliced.
- Clear the cutting board. Place one potato slice horizontally on the board. Position one skewer against the top edge of the potato slice and another skewer against the bottom edge.
- Holding the skewers firmly in place, use your knife to make perpendicular slices across the potato from one end to the other, making cuts every ⅛-inch. The skewers will act as bumpers, preventing the knife from cutting completely through the potato.
- Once the first side is cut, carefully flip the potato slice over. Again, position it horizontally on the cutting board with skewers above and below. This time, make diagonal cuts across the potato from one end to the other, slicing every ⅛-inch. The skewers will again prevent you from cutting through entirely.
- Keeping the potato on the cutting board, gently insert one wooden skewer through the center of the sliced potato, from one end to the other.
- Carefully and gently stretch the potato along the skewer, fanning out the slices to create the accordion effect with even spacing between each cut. Once satisfied, place the skewered potato into the large bowl of cold water. Repeat this process with all remaining potato slices.
To Cook the Accordion Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter (or olive oil/dairy-free butter), salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley.
- After all potatoes have been sliced, skewered, and soaked in cold water for 10 to 20 minutes, line a clean cutting board with paper towels. Carefully remove the potatoes from the water and arrange them on the paper towels to drain and dry thoroughly. This step is crucial for crispiness.
- While the potatoes drain, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Once dry, transfer the skewered potatoes to the prepared baking sheet. Generously brush the potatoes with the butter mixture, ensuring the mixture gets into the spaces between the slices. Flip the potatoes over and brush the other side as well.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully turn all potato skewers over to ensure even browning. Return to the oven and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced and have golden brown, crispy edges.
Optional but highly recommended: For maximum crispiness and a beautiful golden finish, broil on low for 4 to 5 minutes at the very end of the cooking time. Keep a very close eye on them during broiling, as they can burn quickly. - When the potatoes are ready, remove them from the oven. Let them rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of salt if desired, then serve immediately with your side of choice.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: Easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting melted butter with an equal amount of olive oil or a plant-based dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor will still be fantastic!
- Serving Size: The actual number of servings can vary depending on the size and number of potatoes used, and your preferred portion sizes. Our recipe uses 4 large potatoes, yielding approximately 8 servings.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 231kcal | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Total Carbs: 41g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Net Carbs: 38g | Vitamin C: 14mg | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 203mg | Potassium: 955mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. The result will be the weight of one serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accordion Potatoes
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
While Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended due to their starch content and ability to hold shape, you can experiment with other varieties. Red potatoes or new potatoes can work, but they might not fan out as dramatically or achieve the same level of crispiness due to their waxier texture. Sweet potatoes are also a delicious alternative, offering a different flavor profile; just be aware they may require slight adjustments to cooking time and might be a bit more delicate to handle.
How can I make my accordion potatoes extra crispy?
Several factors contribute to ultimate crispiness: 1) Thoroughly drying the potatoes after soaking is crucial to remove surface moisture. 2) Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature. 3) Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; allow space between each potato for air circulation. 4) The broiler finish (as detailed in the instructions) is the secret weapon for those final crispy edges. Keep a close watch under the broiler!
Can I prepare accordion potatoes ahead of time?
For the best texture and crispiness, accordion potatoes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. However, you can prep them partially ahead. You can slice and skewer the potatoes, then store them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to drain and dry them very thoroughly before seasoning and baking. Reheating previously baked accordion potatoes might result in a slightly less crispy texture, but they will still be delicious.
What if I don’t have wooden skewers?
Wooden skewers are great for both holding the shape and preventing burning, but you can still make accordion potatoes without them for the slicing part. The critical function of the skewers during slicing is to act as a barrier to prevent cutting all the way through the potato. You can achieve this by placing two chopsticks or the handles of wooden spoons parallel to each other on either side of the potato slice as you make your cuts. Once sliced, you can still thread them onto skewers for baking or bake them carefully without skewers, though they may not hold their fanned shape as perfectly.
How do I store and reheat leftover accordion potatoes?
Store any leftover accordion potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best method for retaining some crispness is to place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven (around 350°F / 175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again. An air fryer also works wonders for reheating, yielding fantastic results in about 5-8 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy.