5 Irresistible Skin-On Potato Recipes You'll Love

Skin-on potatoes are a delightful addition to any meal, bringing both taste and nutrition to the table. They are not only easier to prepare since there's no need to peel, but they also retain more nutrients than their peeled counterparts. In this article, we dive into five irresistible skin-on potato recipes that will surely become your next go-to dishes. These recipes celebrate the versatility and simplicity of potatoes while offering mouthwatering flavors that can cater to any palate.

Crispy Skin-On Oven Roasted Potatoes

There’s something magical about the aroma of roasting potatoes that fills the house. Here’s a simple yet elegant recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 medium-sized russet potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme
• Steps:
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Scrub the potatoes clean and cut them into wedges or bite-sized chunks.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  6. Sprinkle with fresh herbs just before serving.

👨‍🍳 Note: For an extra crispy result, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning to remove excess starch.

Garlic Butter Smashed Potatoes

These garlic butter smashed potatoes are the perfect blend of crispy and creamy:

• Ingredients:
  • 12-15 baby Yukon gold or red potatoes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
• Steps:
  1. Boil potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lightly smash each potato with a fork or glass, keeping the skins intact.
  3. In a small saucepan, melt butter, add garlic, and cook until fragrant.
  4. Brush potatoes with garlic butter, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
  5. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Loaded Skins-on Mashed Potatoes

Take your mashed potatoes to the next level with this loaded version:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 pounds of russet potatoes
  • 1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of chives or green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
  1. Cook potatoes in boiling, salted water until tender, about 20 minutes.
  2. Scrub the skins clean and mash the potatoes, leaving some chunks.
  3. Stir in sour cream, most of the cheese, half the bacon, and chives.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese and bacon, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until cheese melts.

👨‍🍳 Note: For a creamier texture, consider using Yukon gold potatoes, which have a naturally buttery flavor.

Potato and Leek Soup with Crispy Potato Skins

This soup is comforting, flavorful, and highlights the texture of crispy potato skins:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 2 leeks, cleaned and chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil for frying
• Steps:
  1. Cook chopped leeks and onion in a pot until soft, then add chopped potatoes (skins on), and broth.
  2. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender.
  3. Blend or mash until mostly smooth, add cream or milk, and adjust seasoning.
  4. While the soup is simmering, slice potato skins into thin strips, fry until crispy, and use as a garnish.

Skin-on Potato Pancakes (Rösti)

Originally from Switzerland, Rösti is a delightful, crispy potato pancake that’s easy to love:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 large baking potatoes, skins on
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Salt and pepper
  • Butter or oil for frying
• Steps:
  1. Grate potatoes and onion together into a bowl.
  2. Squeeze out excess liquid and combine with egg, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat butter or oil in a skillet. Add potato mixture, press down to form a pancake.
  4. Cook until golden brown on the bottom, flip, and cook until crispy on the other side.

👨‍🍳 Note: Serve Rösti with sour cream, applesauce, or even top with an egg for a complete breakfast.

All these recipes highlight the beauty of skin-on potatoes, showcasing how they can enhance the flavor, texture, and nutritional profile of any dish. By keeping the skin, not only do you save time, but you also enrich your meals with vitamins, fiber, and an extra layer of taste that's hard to resist. Next time you reach for potatoes, remember these recipes, and bring a little extra joy to your dining table. Whether it's the rustic appeal of a potato soup with crispy skin or the communal delight of sharing crispy oven-roasted potatoes, these dishes are sure to delight both your taste buds and your desire for home-cooked goodness.

Why should you keep the skin on potatoes when cooking?

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Potato skins are rich in nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. They also add texture and flavor to dishes, making them not only healthier but also more interesting to eat.

What types of potatoes are best for skin-on recipes?

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Yukon gold and red potatoes are popular choices due to their thin skins which get crispy when cooked. Russet potatoes can also work well, especially for baked or roasted dishes where the skin can turn delightfully crispy.

Can you use old or sprouting potatoes for these recipes?

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If the potatoes have only a few small sprouts, you can still use them, but remove any sprouts and green parts before cooking. However, potatoes that are too old or shriveled might not provide the best flavor or texture.