Perfectly Baked Small Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide to Fluffy Deliciousness

Small potatoes, often overlooked in favor of their larger counterparts, are a culinary gem when prepared correctly. Their tender flesh and thin skins make them ideal for baking, resulting in a side dish that’s both comforting and incredibly versatile. Whether you call them new potatoes, baby potatoes, or fingerlings, these little spuds transform into fluffy, flavorful delights with just a few simple steps. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to bake small potatoes to perfection, from choosing the right potatoes to serving suggestions.

Why Bake Small Potatoes?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore why baking small potatoes is such a fantastic cooking method:

• Even Cooking: Their smaller size means they cook more evenly and quickly than larger potatoes. You won’t have to worry about a raw center while the outside is overcooked.
• Skin-On Goodness: Baking allows the skins to become beautifully crisp and flavorful, adding a textural contrast to the fluffy interior. Plus, the skins are packed with nutrients!
• Versatility: Baked small potatoes are incredibly versatile. They can be seasoned in countless ways, used as a side dish, or incorporated into main courses.
• Simplicity: The process is straightforward, requiring minimal hands-on time. Once prepped, the oven does most of the work.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Baked potatoes store well in the fridge, making them a great option for meal prepping. They can be quickly reheated or added to salads, bowls, or other dishes.

Choosing the Right Small Potatoes

The type of small potato you choose can influence the final texture and flavor. Here’s a quick guide to some common varieties:

• New Potatoes: These are harvested early in the season and have a thin, delicate skin and a slightly sweet flavor. They’re perfect for baking and will become very tender.
• Baby Potatoes: These are essentially small, young potatoes, often available in white, red, and yellow varieties. They share similar characteristics to new potatoes, offering a creamy texture when baked.
• Fingerling Potatoes: These are elongated, finger-shaped potatoes with a waxy texture. They tend to hold their shape well when baked and have a slightly nutty flavor.
• Cremini Potatoes: While not technically a variety, cremini potatoes are young and small with a firm texture. They have a more subtle flavor and creamy consistency when baked

When selecting your potatoes, look for ones that are firm, smooth, and free from blemishes, sprouts, or soft spots. The size should also be fairly consistent to ensure even cooking.

Essential Ingredients and Equipment

Before you get started, gather your ingredients and equipment:

Ingredients:

• Small Potatoes: About 1.5 to 2 pounds, any variety will work.
• Olive Oil or Melted Butter: 2-3 tablespoons, for coating and flavor.
• Salt: About 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
• Black Pepper: About ½ teaspoon, or to taste.
• Optional Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano), or your favorite spice blends.

Equipment:

• Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet to accommodate the potatoes without overcrowding.
• Large Bowl: For tossing the potatoes with oil and seasonings.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate measurements.
• Pastry Brush (Optional): For evenly distributing oil.
• Fork: For piercing the potatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Small Potatoes

Now for the fun part! Follow these step-by-step instructions for baking perfectly fluffy and delicious small potatoes:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and become nicely browned. Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven for the best results.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Thoroughly wash the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. You can use a vegetable brush to scrub them clean if needed. It’s not necessary to peel them, as the skin will become wonderfully crispy during baking.

Once washed, dry the potatoes completely with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is important because excess moisture can prevent them from browning properly.

If the potatoes are larger than 1.5-2 inches in diameter, you may want to cut them in half. This will help ensure even cooking and reduce the baking time. For smaller potatoes, leaving them whole is perfectly fine.

Use a fork to pierce each potato a few times. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents them from bursting. Pierce them on a few sides to make sure the steam is released.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

Place the prepared potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil or melted butter. The amount will vary a bit depending on how many potatoes you are using, but you want to ensure each potato is coated without being saturated in oil. You can either drizzle the oil or melted butter over the potatoes, or use a pastry brush to ensure an even coating. This oil or butter helps the potatoes crisp up and ensures that the spices adhere properly.

Season the potatoes generously with salt and black pepper. Add any optional seasonings you like, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favorite dried herbs. For example, a combination of rosemary and thyme is a fantastic addition. Get creative and use your favorite spices to complement any flavors you might be looking to add to your dishes.

Toss the potatoes in the bowl with your hands or a spoon until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Make sure the seasonings are well distributed for optimal flavor in every potato.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded. If you are baking a large batch, you may need two baking sheets to prevent the potatoes from steaming instead of baking. If you overcrowd the baking sheet the heat and air will not flow evenly, and your potatoes will be soft rather than crispy.

The goal is to provide each potato with enough space for the heat to circulate effectively, resulting in evenly cooked and perfectly crisp potatoes.

Step 5: Bake the Potatoes

Place the baking sheet with the potatoes in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and their skins are golden brown and crispy. Baking time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes and your oven.

To check for doneness, pierce a potato with a fork. If the fork easily slides in and out without any resistance, the potatoes are done. If there’s resistance, bake for another 5-10 minutes and check again.

For extra crispness, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on the potatoes to prevent them from burning. The broiler adds a nice touch of char, but can quickly burn the potatoes so be watchful.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help you handle them a bit easier. Serve the baked small potatoes hot and enjoy their fluffy insides and crispy skins.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Small Potatoes

To ensure the best results every time you bake small potatoes, here are some additional tips:

• Don’t Overcrowd: As mentioned before, overcrowding can cause the potatoes to steam instead of bake. Give them enough space on the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation.
• Use a Good Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet that distributes heat evenly is essential for consistent baking.
• Adjust Baking Time: Baking times can vary depending on the size of the potatoes and your oven. Keep an eye on them and adjust the baking time as needed.
• Use the Right Oil: Olive oil or melted butter both work well for baking potatoes, but feel free to experiment with other oils like avocado oil or coconut oil.
• Add Aromatics: For even more flavor, add some whole garlic cloves or sprigs of fresh herbs to the baking sheet alongside the potatoes.
• Salt After Baking: Some cooks prefer to add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt after baking for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
• Reheating: Leftover baked potatoes can be reheated in the oven or microwave. For crispy skins, use the oven or a toaster oven.
• Seasoning Variations: Get creative with your seasonings! Try using different spice blends, such as Italian seasoning, curry powder, or smoked paprika. You can also use a sprinkle of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Baked small potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Classic Side Dish: Serve them alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish.
• Potato Salad: Use cooled baked small potatoes in your favorite potato salad recipe.
• Loaded Potatoes: Top them with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, green onions, or chives.
• Bowls: Add baked small potatoes to grain bowls or salad bowls for a hearty and nutritious addition.
• Breakfast: Serve them with eggs, bacon, or sausage for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
• Roasted Vegetable Mix: Add them to a mix of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, onions, and bell peppers.
• Soup Topping: Add diced baked small potatoes to your favorite soup for a heartier meal.
• Mediterranean: Season with Mediterranean spices such as oregano and garlic and pair with feta, olives, and roasted tomatoes.

Recipe Variations

Here are some variations you can try with your baked small potatoes:

• Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Toss the baked potatoes with minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Herb Roasted Potatoes: Use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano for an aromatic flavor.
• Lemon Herb Potatoes: Toss with lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like parsley and dill.
• Spicy Chipotle Potatoes: Season with chipotle powder, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a smoky and spicy flavor.
• Sweet Potatoes: Substitute with sweet potatoes and sprinkle with cinnamon or brown sugar after baking.
• Balsamic Roasted Potatoes: Toss the potatoes with balsamic vinegar and honey before baking.

Conclusion

Baking small potatoes is a simple and rewarding cooking method that yields delicious results every time. By following these detailed steps and tips, you’ll be able to create perfectly fluffy and flavorful potatoes that are sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a classic side dish or a versatile ingredient for your favorite recipes, baked small potatoes are a fantastic option. So go ahead, grab those little spuds and get baking!