Scored Potatoes Recipe: Crispy, Buttery, and Perfectly Seasoned Comfort Food

If there’s one side dish that never fails to impress—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive feast—it’s **Scored Potatoes**. Golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with rich, buttery flavor, these potatoes are pure comfort in every bite. The magic lies in the “scoring”—a simple technique that lets butter and seasonings soak deep into every crevice, creating irresistible texture and flavor.

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🥔 What Are Scored Potatoes?

**Scored Potatoes** are baked potatoes that are sliced partway through in a crosshatch pattern, brushed generously with butter, and seasoned to perfection. As they bake, the slits open up, becoming crispy edges that soak up flavor. The result? A beautiful, textured potato that’s part crispy roast, part creamy baked, and entirely addictive.

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🧂 Ingredients and Their Roles

• 6 medium russet potatoes – Russets are the best choice because of their high starch content, which creates a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
• ¼ cup butter (melted) – Adds richness and helps achieve that gorgeous golden-brown crust.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Enhances crispiness and prevents the butter from burning.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Brings out the natural flavor of the potatoes.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a gentle heat and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses the potatoes with savory, aromatic notes.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Gives a smoky touch and beautiful color.
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish) – Adds freshness and a pop of green before serving.

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.

2. Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

   Scrub and rinse the potatoes thoroughly. Pat them **completely dry** with a paper towel—this helps them crisp up beautifully.

3. Step 3: Score the Potatoes

   Using a sharp knife, score each potato by cutting shallow lines about **¼ inch deep**, making a crisscross or diamond pattern across the top. **Be careful not to cut all the way through!**

4. Step 4: Season and Coat

   In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Brush the mixture generously over the potatoes, making sure it **seeps into the scored lines** for maximum flavor.

5. Step 5: Bake to Perfection

   Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for **50–60 minutes**, or until golden and tender inside. Halfway through baking, **brush them again** with the butter mixture for extra flavor and crispiness.

6. Step 6: Garnish and Serve

   Once baked, sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of salt. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

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❤️ Why Everyone Loves Scored Potatoes

• Incredibly easy: Only a few pantry ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Beautiful presentation: The scored pattern gives a gourmet, eye-catching look.
• Versatile: Pairs with just about anything—from steak to roast chicken or grilled fish.
• Crispy and creamy: The best of both worlds in one simple side dish.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Scored Potatoes make an incredible side for:

• Grilled or roasted meats like steak, chicken, or pork chops
• Seafood such as baked salmon or shrimp skewers
• Vegetarian mains like sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies
• **Top them with sour cream, cheese, or bacon bits for a loaded version!**

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✨ Conclusion

These Scored Potatoes are the perfect blend of crispy, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Simple ingredients, a clever technique, and big flavor—that’s what makes this dish so special. Whether you’re serving them at a casual dinner or a festive table, they’ll disappear in minutes.