If you’re looking for a simple side dish that makes an ordinary dinner feel a little more special, these Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes are exactly what you need. Crispy around the edges, beautifully golden on top, and soft and fluffy in the center, these potatoes are proof that a few basic ingredients can create something seriously delicious.
The best part is that you don’t need complicated equipment or a long list of ingredients. Russet potatoes are sliced almost all the way through, brushed with olive oil, seasoned with garlic and herbs, and roasted on a sheet pan until the edges fan out and become wonderfully crisp.
These scored potatoes make an excellent side dish for roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked fish, or almost any weeknight dinner. They’re also impressive enough to serve when you have guests over.
What Are Scored Potatoes?
Scored potatoes are often associated with Hasselback potatoes, a Swedish-style preparation in which thin slices are made across a whole potato without cutting completely through it.
As the potato roasts, the slices gently separate and fan outward. The exposed edges become crisp and golden, while the center remains tender and fluffy.
This technique gives you some of the best qualities of roasted potatoes and baked potatoes in one dish. You get plenty of crispy edges to enjoy, while the inside stays soft and comforting.
And despite how impressive they look on the dinner table, they’re surprisingly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons these sheet pan potatoes can quickly become a regular part of your dinner rotation:
- Simple ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples.
- Easy preparation: The potatoes require minimal prep.
- Crispy and fluffy: Thin slices create plenty of golden edges.
- One-pan convenience: Everything cooks on one sheet pan.
- Versatile: They pair beautifully with meat, seafood, or vegetables.
- Easy to customize: Add cheese, spices, or fresh herbs to change the flavor.
- Beautiful presentation: They look much more impressive than ordinary roasted potatoes.
Ingredients
For this easy roasted potato recipe, you’ll need:
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Russet potatoes are a great choice because they have a fluffy interior and work especially well for roasting.
Try to choose potatoes that are relatively similar in size. This helps them cook at roughly the same rate.
If your potatoes are very large, they may need additional roasting time. Smaller potatoes will cook more quickly.
How to Make Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skins on. The skins become deliciously crisp during roasting, so there’s no need to peel them.
Pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Place each potato on a cutting board.
2. Score the Potatoes
Using a sharp knife, carefully make thin slices across each potato.
The most important part is not cutting all the way through. Leave approximately ¼ inch of potato intact at the bottom so the slices remain connected.
Try to make the slices fairly close together and evenly spaced. They don’t have to be perfect—this is a rustic side dish—but consistent slices help the potato cook evenly and create that attractive fan-like appearance.
Easy Cutting Tip
If you’re worried about accidentally slicing through the potato, place a chopstick, wooden spoon handle, or similar utensil along each side of the potato.
When your knife reaches the utensil, it will stop you from cutting completely through.
Repeat with the remaining potatoes.
3. Make the Garlic Herb Oil
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried rosemary, and dried thyme.
Add a generous pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper.
Stir everything together.
This simple mixture gives the potatoes plenty of flavor while helping the exposed edges become beautifully golden as they roast.
4. Season the Potatoes
Place the scored potatoes on a sheet pan, cut side facing upward.
Brush the garlic-herb oil generously over each potato.
Try to work some of the oil into the spaces between the slices. You don’t need to force the slices apart, but gently brushing between them will help the exposed surfaces crisp.
Season with additional salt and black pepper if desired.
Make sure the potatoes have some space between them on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can trap moisture and prevent the edges from becoming as crispy as you’d like.
5. Roast Until Golden
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven.
Roast the potatoes for approximately 45–60 minutes, depending on their size.
As they cook, the slices should begin to separate slightly and fan outward. The exposed edges will become golden brown and crisp while the centers soften.
After about 30 minutes, check the potatoes. If some areas appear dry, you can brush them with a little additional olive oil.
The potatoes are ready when a fork or thin knife slides easily into the center and the outside is beautifully browned.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Serve immediately while the potatoes are hot and crispy.
Tips for Perfect Scored Potatoes
Don’t Cut All the Way Through
This is the most important part of the recipe. Leaving the bottom intact keeps the potato together while allowing the slices to fan out during roasting.
Dry the Potatoes Well
After washing the potatoes, pat them completely dry. Excess moisture can interfere with browning and crisping.
Use Enough Oil
You don’t need to drench the potatoes, but make sure the exposed surfaces are coated. The olive oil helps create those crispy golden edges.
Don’t Crowd the Pan
Give each potato enough room for hot air to circulate around it. If they’re touching, they may steam rather than roast.
Use a Sharp Knife
A sharp knife makes creating thin, even slices much easier and safer. Take your time rather than rushing through this step.
Adjust the Cooking Time
Potatoes vary in size, so use tenderness rather than the clock as your final guide. If a fork slides easily into the center, they’re ready.
Easy Flavor Variations
Once you have the basic technique down, there are many ways to change the flavor.
Cheesy Scored Potatoes
During the final few minutes of roasting, sprinkle shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese over the potatoes. Return them to the oven until the cheese melts and becomes lightly golden.
Spicy Potatoes
Add ½ teaspoon of paprika and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic and herb oil for a little heat.
Lemon Herb Potatoes
After roasting, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the potatoes and sprinkle with chopped parsley. The bright citrus balances the richness of the roasted potato beautifully.
Garlic Butter Version
Replace some of the olive oil with melted butter for an especially rich side dish. Add the garlic and herbs to the melted butter before brushing it over the potatoes.
Extra Herb Flavor
Fresh rosemary, thyme, chives, or parsley can be added after roasting for a fresh finishing touch.
What to Serve With Scored Potatoes
These potatoes are incredibly versatile and can accompany almost any main course.
Serve them alongside roasted chicken for a comforting family dinner. They’re also delicious with grilled steak, pork chops, roasted turkey, or baked fish.
For a lighter meal, pair them with roasted vegetables and a simple green salad.
If you’re serving these potatoes for a special dinner, add a creamy sauce or herb dip on the side for an extra layer of flavor.
Can You Prepare Them Ahead of Time?
You can wash and score the potatoes several hours before cooking.
If preparing them in advance, place the cut potatoes in cold water to prevent them from discoloring. Before roasting, drain them thoroughly and pat them completely dry.
For the best texture, prepare the garlic-herb oil shortly before roasting and cook the potatoes just before serving.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftover potatoes to cool before placing them in an airtight container.
Refrigerate and use within a few days.
To bring back some of their crispiness, reheat the potatoes in an oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. The microwave will warm them quickly but can make the exterior soft.
A short period in a hot oven will help restore the golden edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are an excellent choice because their fluffy texture works beautifully with this roasting method. Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used if you prefer a naturally buttery texture.
How thin should the slices be?
Aim for slices approximately ⅛ inch thick. They don’t have to be perfectly uniform, but thinner slices generally create more crispy edges.
Why are my potatoes not crispy?
There are several possible reasons. The potatoes may have been too wet, the pan may have been overcrowded, or there may not have been enough oil. Make sure the oven is fully preheated before roasting.
Can I use other herbs?
Absolutely. Rosemary and thyme are delicious, but oregano, Italian seasoning, parsley, chives, or sage can also work wonderfully.
Can I make these potatoes without garlic?
Yes. Simply leave out the garlic and increase the herbs slightly, or season the potatoes with paprika, onion powder, or your favorite spice blend.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes are a perfect example of how a simple cooking technique can transform an everyday ingredient. With just potatoes, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper, you can create a side dish that’s crispy, fluffy, flavorful, and beautiful enough for a special occasion.
The key is taking your time when making the cuts and giving the potatoes plenty of space on the baking sheet. Once they go into the oven, most of the work is done.
Serve them fresh from the oven with your favorite main course, garnish them with parsley, and enjoy those irresistible crispy edges and fluffy centers. This is one of those easy potato recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American-inspired
Method: Oven-roasted
Difficulty: Easy