Crispy Baked Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

Looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for oven fried potatoes and onions. These crispy, golden bites of potato perfection are sure to become a staple at your family dinners, just like they have at mine. The secret lies in parboiling the red potatoes until just tender, then roasting them in the oven with a generous amount of garlic-infused olive oil. And let’s not forget about the thinly sliced onions that add a touch of caramelized sweetness to every bite.

What I love most about these oven fried potatoes and onions is that they strike the perfect balance between crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors, creating a textural symphony that will have everyone coming back for more. The best part? This recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers that restaurant-quality crispiness without the need for deep frying. Trust me, once you try these crispy potato magic, they’ll become a regular on your dinner table too.

Quick Benefits

• Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand
• Delivers restaurant-quality crispiness without deep frying
• Provides excellent potassium and vitamin C
• Creates a perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Baked Potatoes with Caramelized Onions Recipe

• Versatile Side Dish: Perfectly pairs with nearly any meal, making it a go-to side dish for any occasion.
• Crispy Perfection: Achieves a balance of crispy exterior and tender interior that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
• Easy and Convenient: Uses pantry staples, minimal hands-on time, and the oven does most of the work.
• Healthier Alternative: Delivers restaurant-quality crispiness without deep frying, making it a healthier option.
• Family Favorite: Loved by all, even kids who call it “crispy potato magic.” It’s sure to be a hit at family dinners.
• Nutrient-Rich: Provides potassium and vitamin C, adding a nutritious element to your meal.
• Make-Ahead Option: Can be prepared ahead, making it perfect for meal planning, especially during busy holidays.
• Customizable Flavors: Easily adaptable with different herb and spice combinations to suit your taste preferences.
• Cooking Tips: Offers useful tips like thoroughly drying the potatoes for maximum crispiness and pre-heating the baking sheet for better browning.

Ingredients for Crispy Baked Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

• 1 1/2 tsp kosher fine salt
• 2 tsp chopped chives
• 1 white onion, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 lbs red potatoes
• 1 tsp flaky sea salt
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Pro Tips for Crispy Baked Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

To achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior, ensure your potatoes are thoroughly dried after parboiling. This step helps create that coveted golden crust while maintaining a fluffy inside. Additionally, heating your baking sheet before adding the potatoes promotes immediate browning, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.

For a flavor boost, consider adding different herbs and spices to customize the dish to your liking. Create a Mediterranean-inspired version by incorporating rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest during the last few minutes of cooking. If you’re feeling adventurous, spice things up with a mix of paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder mixed with the olive oil before roasting. These variations can elevate the taste profile of the oven-fried potatoes and onions, adding a unique twist to the classic recipe.

How to Make Crispy Baked Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

Step 1: Step 01

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Step 02

1. Cut potatoes into quarters and place in a pot. Fill with enough water to cover the potatoes, add kosher salt, and stir. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 3: Step 03

After the water boils, remove from heat, drain the potatoes, and set aside.

Step 4: Step 04

As the potatoes boil, combine olive oil and garlic on a rimmed baking sheet and heat in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 5: Step 05

Carefully take the pan out of the oven. Place potatoes in a single layer on the pan, cut side down, without overlapping. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Step 06

Take the pan out of the oven and turn the potatoes over so the opposite cut side is facing down. Sprinkle the sliced onions over the potatoes.

Step 7: Step 07

Continue roasting for an additional 20-30 minutes until the potatoes are crispy on the bottom, stirring occasionally to prevent the onions from burning.

Step 8: Step 08

Take the pan out of the oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, black pepper, and chives.

Storage Tips

To store the finished oven-fried potatoes and onions, you have a couple of options. If you have prepared the dish in advance, you can parboil the potatoes and refrigerate them for up to a day before roasting. Ensure they come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe. Alternatively, if you have completed the first roasting stage, allow the potatoes to cool, then refrigerate. When ready to enjoy, add the onions and finish the second roasting just before serving. This method is particularly helpful for planning ahead for holiday meals when timing and oven space are at a premium.

For those looking to reheat leftovers, these potatoes reheat beautifully in a hot oven or air fryer. The dish maintains its crispy texture and delicious flavors upon reheating. Simply place the potatoes and onions in a preheated oven or air fryer until heated through. With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the crispy goodness of oven-fried potatoes and onions even after they have been prepared in advance.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have red potatoes, you can substitute them with Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. While these varieties may yield slightly different textures, they will still work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that red potatoes hold their shape better when roasted compared to other types.

Feel free to customize the flavor profile of this dish by adding different herbs and spices. For a Mediterranean twist, consider incorporating rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest during the last few minutes of cooking. If you prefer a bit of heat, mix paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder with the olive oil before roasting. You can also turn this side dish into a complete meal by adding diced bell peppers and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese towards the end of the cooking time.

If you’re looking to make this recipe vegan-friendly, you can rest assured that it already is! By using olive oil and plant-based ingredients, this dish is suitable for those following a vegan diet. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and vegetable additions to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative twist on serving these crispy oven-fried potatoes and onions, consider turning them into a loaded potato side dish. Top the golden potatoes with sour cream, crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions for a decadent and flavorful treat. Serve them as an indulgent appetizer or a hearty side dish at your next gathering to impress your guests with this elevated comfort food creation.

To elevate the presentation of these oven-fried potatoes and onions, serve them in individual mini cast-iron skillets or small ramekins for a charming and rustic touch. Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the top before adding the final garnish of chopped chives and flaky sea salt. This individualized serving style not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows each guest to enjoy their own perfectly portioned dish of crispy and savory goodness.

FAQs for Crispy Baked Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Yes, any waxy or starchy potato such as Yukon Gold or Russets would work well, but red potatoes hold their shape better when roasted.

How should I add the onions to the dish?

Add the onions midway through roasting and stir occasionally to ensure they caramelize without burning.

Can I skip the parboiling step?

Pre-boiling helps achieve a tender interior while roasting results in a crispy outside. Skipping this step may result in uneven cooking.

How can I enhance the flavor of the dish?

You can try smoked paprika, dried rosemary, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to add more depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, these oven fried potatoes and onions are a delicious and versatile side dish that will elevate any meal. The simplicity of this recipe, combined with the incredible flavors and textures it delivers, truly make it a standout in your repertoire. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.

The magic of oven fried potatoes and onions lies in the careful balance of crispy exteriors and tender interiors, enhanced by the aromatic garlic, caramelized onions, and flavorful seasonings. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability – feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, these potatoes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a side dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.