Baked Potato Slices

If there’s one thing I know to be true, it’s that you can never go wrong with potatoes—especially when they’re baked to crispy perfection and easy enough to make any night of the week. These Baked Potato Slices are the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show. Whether you’re making a cozy family dinner or looking for something snack-worthy for game day, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

There’s something so comforting about the way these potato slices come out of the oven—golden-brown on the edges, tender in the center, and full of flavor from the garlic, paprika, and olive oil. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy tools or complicated ingredients. This is one of those recipes that proves the simplest dishes are often the most satisfying.

I actually started making these on a whim one night when I didn’t feel like peeling a whole batch of potatoes for mashed potatoes. I sliced them up, tossed them with a few spices, and popped them in the oven. The result? A perfectly crisp, flavor-packed side dish that had my family reaching for seconds—and thirds!

So whether you’re trying to sneak more veggies onto the plate or just want a healthier alternative to fries, you’re going to want to keep this recipe close. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love These Baked Potato Slices

• Quick and easy: Just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes in the oven.

• Customizable: Add cheese, fresh herbs, or even bacon to take it to the next level.

• Perfect texture: Crispy edges with soft, tender centers.

• Healthy-ish: A lighter alternative to deep-fried potatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get to the how-to, here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious baked potato slices:

• 3 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy twist)

STEP 1: PREHEAT YOUR OVEN

Set your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup super easy. You could also use a silicone baking mat if you have one on hand.

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STEP 2: SLICE YOUR POTATOES

Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. Try to keep the slices as even as possible so they bake uniformly. No one wants half-burnt, half-undercooked potatoes!

Optional tip: If you have some extra time, soak the potato slices in a bowl of cold water for 20 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, which means crispier potatoes in the end. Just make sure to dry them thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels before seasoning.

STEP 3: SEASON THEM UP

Place the sliced potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the slices are evenly coated. This is where all that delicious flavor starts to build.

STEP 4: ARRANGE ON BAKING SHEET

Lay the seasoned potato slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they don’t overlap—this is key to getting that crispy edge on every slice. If they’re too crowded, use a second baking sheet.

STEP 5: BAKE TO PERFECTION

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. When they’re done, the edges should be golden and crispy, and the centers soft and tender.

If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it on during the last 5 minutes of baking so it melts into gooey, golden perfection.

Alright, now that we’ve got our golden, crispy slices baking away in the oven, let’s talk about how to really make this recipe your own. Whether you like your potatoes cheesy, herby, or loaded with toppings, this dish is super easy to customize. That’s part of what makes it such a winner—you can serve it plain and simple, or dress it up into something a little extra special.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. One day it’s a quick weeknight side dish, and the next it’s the star of your snack board at a get-together. So let’s keep going and talk about what happens after the oven—and how to get the most flavor and crunch out of every bite.

STEP 6: ADD OPTIONAL TOPPINGS

If you’re going the extra mile with toppings like cheese, now is the time to add it. Pull the tray out of the oven during the last 5 minutes of baking and sprinkle the potato slices with shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you love).

Let it melt and bubble until it just starts to brown—then you know it’s perfect.

You can also get creative here:

• Try a sprinkle of Parmesan for a salty, nutty twist.

• Crumble cooked bacon on top for loaded baked potato vibes.

• Add thinly sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream after baking for a full-on appetizer moment.

STEP 7: COOL SLIGHTLY & GARNISH

Once your slices are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes right on the baking sheet. They’ll continue to crisp up slightly as they rest.

If you’re using fresh parsley, now’s the time to add it. It’s not just for looks—it adds a pop of freshness that balances out the richness of the potatoes and cheese. A little chopped chives would be great too if you have some on hand.

Tips for Perfect Baked Potato Slices

Even though this recipe is simple, a few smart tips can take it from good to absolutely delicious. Here are a few things I’ve learned from making this dish more times than I can count:

• Slice evenly: Try to keep your potato slices as uniform as possible. This ensures even cooking and avoids some slices burning while others are still underdone.

• Don’t skip the parchment: It prevents sticking and helps the potatoes brown more evenly.

• Use high-starch potatoes: Russet potatoes work best because they get nice and crispy. You can also use Yukon Golds for a creamier texture and a slight buttery flavor.

• Space them out: If the slices are overlapping or too crowded, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Use two trays if needed.

• Flip halfway: This helps both sides get that nice golden-brown crispiness.

Tasty Variations to Try

This base recipe is super flexible, and you can switch things up depending on what you’re craving or what’s in your pantry:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder along with the paprika for a little heat.

• Italian Style: Swap garlic powder and paprika for dried oregano, basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

• Ranch Lovers: Toss the potatoes in a bit of ranch seasoning before baking.

• Loaded Baked Style: Top with shredded cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions.

• Smoky BBQ: Add a bit of BBQ dry rub or smoked paprika for a smoky, savory flavor.

These are just a few ideas, but once you get the basic recipe down, you’ll find it super easy to adapt it to your taste—or the theme of your meal.

How to Serve Baked Potato Slices

These slices are more than just a side dish. Here are a few ways to serve them:

• As a side: Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or burgers.

• As an appetizer: Serve on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, or chipotle mayo.

• As a snack: Perfect for movie night or game day.

• As a base: Use them as a foundation for toppings like pulled pork, chili, or sautéed mushrooms.

Honestly, once you’ve made them once, you’ll start seeing the possibilities everywhere.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), they store really well.

• To Store: Place cooled potato slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• To Reheat: For best results, reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer until crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make them a little soggy.