I discovered these Crispy Accordion Potatoes while scrolling through TikTok one night and knew I had to try them. What started as kitchen curiosity has become one of my favorite ways to dress up regular potatoes. That amazing accordion shape isn't just for show it creates the most incredible crispy edges while keeping the inside perfectly tender.
Why These Are Pure Magic
There's something so satisfying about transforming humble potatoes into these showstopping beauties. Every time I make them people think I've spent hours in the kitchen but the truth is they're surprisingly simple. The way those edges get golden and crispy while that garlic butter seeps into every fold it's comfort food elevated to art.
Everything You'll Need
- Your Potatoes: I love using big russets they get so perfectly crispy.
- Butter: Unsalted is best so we can control the seasoning.
- Fresh Garlic: Don't skimp here fresh minced garlic makes all the difference.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley brightens everything up.
- Seasonings: My blend of Italian herbs and paprika creates such depth.
- Salt and Pepper: The final touch that brings it all together.
Let's Make These Together
- Getting Our Potatoes Ready
- First we'll clean and peel our potatoes. Getting those slices just right is key not too thick not too thin. I aim for about half an inch it's the sweet spot for perfect crisping.
- The Fun Part
- This is where the magic happens. Using skewers as guides we'll create those beautiful cuts. I love watching the pattern emerge as we work first vertically then those diagonal cuts on the flip side.
- Stretching Into Shape
- Gently pulling those potatoes into their accordion shape is so satisfying. Sometimes I catch myself just admiring the pattern before moving on.
- Adding Flavor
- That garlic butter mixture is everything. When it hits those warm potatoes the smell is absolutely incredible. Make sure to get it into all those little folds.
My Best Tips
Let me share what I've learned from making countless batches. Soaking the potatoes in cold water makes such a difference in crispiness. Those skewers aren't just for show they're essential for getting those cuts just right. And keep those slices close together the tighter the accordion the prettier the result.
Making Them Your Own
Over time I've played with this recipe so many ways. Sometimes I'll use olive oil for a different flavor or add some grated parmesan for extra crunch. When I'm feeling adventurous I'll sprinkle on some smoked paprika or chili powder. Each variation brings something special to the table.
Keeping Them Fresh
Even though these beauties rarely make it past dinner in my house sometimes we have leftovers. They'll keep nicely in the fridge for a couple days and freezing works too if you wrap them well. The key to bringing back that crispy magic is reheating them in the oven never the microwave. Just a few minutes at 350°F and they're almost as good as fresh.
Perfect Pairings
These accordion potatoes have become my go to side dish for so many meals. They're incredible alongside a juicy steak or grilled chicken. For casual snacking I love serving them with different dips ranch and Dijon mustard are family favorites. At parties people can't resist picking them up and pulling apart those crispy layers.
Common Questions Answered
Friends always ask about the cutting technique and honestly it looks trickier than it is. Those skewers are your best friends here guiding every cut. For air fryer fans yes these work beautifully just adjust the time and temperature. And if you're meal prepping you can absolutely get them ready ahead just keep them in cold water in the fridge.
Perfect for Special Occasions
Whenever I want to make dinner feel extra special these potatoes are my secret weapon. During the holidays they're always the first thing to disappear from the table. There's something about their fancy appearance that makes guests feel special even though they're actually quite simple to prepare. I love watching people's faces light up when they realize each accordion-like slice is perfectly crispy.
More Potato Adventures
If you fall in love with these like I did there's a whole world of potato recipes to explore. Those classic Hasselback potatoes were actually the inspiration for this recipe and my garlic parmesan fries have a similar crispy appeal. Each recipe brings its own kind of potato magic to your table but these accordions they'll always have a special place in my heart.
Why These Keep Coming Back
Every time I make these accordion potatoes I'm reminded of why I love cooking so much. It's about taking something simple and familiar and transforming it into something that brings joy to the table. Whether you're serving them at a fancy dinner party or just jazzing up a weeknight meal these potatoes prove that a little extra effort can turn the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why soak the potatoes in water?
Soaking removes excess starch and prevents browning. This helps achieve crispier results when baking and maintains the potato's color.
- → What's the purpose of the skewers?
Skewers act as guides to prevent cutting all the way through the potato, creating the signature accordion pattern.
- → Why let them cool before serving?
Cooling for a few minutes helps the accordion shape set and maintain its structure when serving.
- → Can I use different seasonings?
Yes, you can customize the seasonings to your taste while keeping the basic butter and garlic base for optimal crispiness.
- → What type of potatoes work best?
Large, starchy potatoes like Russets work best as they hold their shape well and get crispy when baked.
Conclusion
Transform regular potatoes into fancy accordion-style crispy treats using a special cutting technique with skewers. Seasoned with garlic and herbs, then baked until golden.