Half Baked Potatoes

This isn’t some half-baked idea! When compared to whole spuds, half baked potatoes shave off some cooking time and double up on crispiness. And with basically no effort, you’ll end up with presentation-ready potatoes. If you love working your way through all the different ways to make potatoes, you’ll love this one on steak night.

Thanks to a quick scoring technique, these baked potato halves will be fluffy and buttery on the inside and golden on the edges—a lot like fries. Scoring means slicing the surface of the potato, which allows more flavor to soak into the flesh. The thinner the slices, the crispier that oven heat will make your spuds.

Half Baked Potatoes Ingredients

• Baking potatoes: Of all the types of potatoes, Russet potatoes are the best choice for baked potatoes thanks to their high starch content. They bake up fluffy on the inside, perfect for this recipe. Their thicker outer skin crisps up, keeping the shape of the spud consistent as it cooks.
• Butter: The magic ingredient that makes your potatoes golden and crispy is creamy butter. It adds richness and deep flavor, and when brushed onto the scored potatoes it seeps into the cuts, making every bite indulgent. Plus, it helps the seasonings stick better! Unsalted is the best type of butter for this dish; it gives you control over your sodium levels.
• Paprika: This spice brings a mild earthiness to our potatoes. It’s a simple way to add color and a little extra flavor without overpowering the dish. You can also try smoked paprika for a deeper, bolder taste.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright green note, balancing out the richness of the butter. Plus, its pop of color looks beautiful sprinkled over the golden potatoes.
• Salt and pepper: The essential duo for any good potato! Salt enhances the potato’s natural flavors, while pepper adds a subtle heat. Together, they ensure your spuds are perfectly seasoned without complicating the flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the potatoes

Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes

With a sharp knife, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Slice each half widthwise six times, but not all the way through. Fan the potatoes out slightly.

Editor’s Tip: Always wash your potatoes well. Be careful about eating sprouted spuds and green potatoes, and store the potatoes appropriately before you cook them.

Step 2: Bake the potatoes

Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes

Place the potatoes in a shallow baking dish. Brush them with 1 tablespoon of butter, then sprinkle them with paprika, parsley, salt and pepper. Bake the potato halves, uncovered, at 350°F for 50 minutes or until they’re tender. Drizzle the cooked potatoes with the remaining butter.

Editor’s Tip: As an alternative method, try baking the potatoes face down/skin-side up with butter and salt on the skin for the first 20 minutes. Flip them over, brush them with more butter and sprinkle with the herbs and seasoning. Begin checking for doneness at about 40 minutes.

Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes

Half Baked Potatoes Variations

• Try sweet potatoes: Baked sweet potatoes can also benefit from a quick slice down the center. A sweeter and nutrient-packed option, they have a naturally rich flavor and become caramelized when baked. You can get even sweeter by seasoning them with cinnamon and a drizzle of honey, or stay savory with olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Use olive oil and other seasonings: Want a lighter option? Replace the butter with olive oil for a heart-healthy alternative that still delivers crispy edges. Since olive oil has a different, slightly fruity flavor, it opens the door to experimenting with seasonings like garlic powder, rosemary or even a dash of chili flakes for some heat.
• Add toppings: Turn each half of your baked potato into a fully loaded treat! How about adding some cheddar for the last few minutes of the bake? Melted cheese makes them extra indulgent, while chives bring a fresh oniony kick, and sour cream adds a cool, tangy contrast. Mix and match these toppings or pile them all on for the ultimate potato experience.
• Make a potato bar: Setting up a DIY baked potato bar is a snap, and everyone gets to customize their own potato masterpiece. Bake your half potatoes and then lay out a spread of toppings like bacon bits, cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, salsa or even guacamole. It’s perfect for a casual gathering!

How to Store Half Baked Potatoes

The best baked potato is fresh from the oven, but if you do have leftovers, make sure they are cool. Then, you can store them in an airtight container. Throw them in the fridge, and you are set. Never store baked potatoes in foil! Not only will they taste bad, the two can also create a toxic chemical reaction that leaves aluminum residue on the potato.

How long do half baked potatoes last?

A good window for freshness is about two days, but they won’t go bad before day four. As always, if it looks or smells off, pitch it. Always store your baked potatoes in the refrigerator.

How do you reheat half baked potatoes?

To reheat your scored potatoes, put them in a 350° oven for about 15 minutes. If you like, add a little butter to keep them moist! Microwaving is possible but can ruin the texture of the potato, so take it slow. Start with 90 seconds. Microwaved potatoes won’t be crispy like potatoes reheated in the oven.

Half Baked Potatoes Tips

Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes

Can you bake a potato halfway and finish cooking it later?

Yes, especially if you are using these baked potatoes for other recipes like hash browns. To save even more time, salt and butter your half potatoes and roast them for about 20 to 25 minutes the day before, storing them in an airtight container overnight. When you are ready to serve them, brush them with butter and seasonings and pop them in the oven for another 20 to 25 minutes.

What can you serve with half baked potatoes?

Baked half potatoes are a terrific side for almost any meal! A traditional steak dinner with all the sides pops into my head first, but what is remarkable about these scored potatoes is that they can go with anything. Try them with a roasted chicken and a side salad, or make them a complete meal by topping them with chopped chicken, broccoli and cheese.

What else can you do with baked half potatoes?

Baked half potatoes can be the starting point for many recipes. Use them as a base for twice-baked potatoes, two-tone baked potatoes and bacon cheddar potato skins.