Here is a recipe for a side dish that’s perfect for the holidays, and it sure looks pretty. Flavorful Yukon Gold potatoes are sliced thinly and arranged vertically in the pan so they can crisp and brown where the oven has kissed them.
Salted, they taste like the best French fries, while dried seasonings add an herby goodness. There is also a delicious hint of smoky bacon, but it doesn’t overpower. Or, if you want to keep it meat-free, substitute with additional butter. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, the dish can be served straight to the table.
Save time by using a mandoline to slice the potatoes. But if you don’t have one, use a sharp knife and cut the potatoes as thin as you can, and it will turn out just fine.
Don’t expect the creaminess or cheesiness of scalloped potatoes — this recipe doesn’t add cream or cheese. But it has the satisfying, simple flavor of good potatoes, seasoned well.
This is a relatively easy dish to complement your holiday roast. Take it to a potluck party and relax, then enjoy the meal.
CRISPY ROASTED POTATOES WITH HERBS
Adapted from a recipe by the Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen
>> 2 slices bacon, chopped
>> 4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (substitute red potatoes)
>> 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided (add 2 more tablespoons if not including bacon)
>> 1 tablespoon dried oregano, Italian herbs, thyme, dried rosemary, chopped fresh rosemary leaves or any combination of herbs
>> 1 tablespoon kosher salt
>> 2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper
Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a large cast-iron skillet, cook bacon on medium until crispy, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Set aside skillet with bacon bits and bacon oil.
Wash potatoes but do not peel. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice potatoes into rounds.
If not using bacon, pour 2 tablespoons melted butter into skillet. Arrange potato slices vertically, but at a slight angle in the skillet, filling it completely. Pour melted butter over potatoes and sprinkle with herbs, salt and pepper.
Roast until top edges of potatoes are crisp, about 1 hour. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serves 6 to 8 as a side.
Approximate nutritional information, per serving (based on 8 servings): 270 calories, 9 g fat, 4.5 g saturated fat, 20 mg cholesterol, 800 mg sodium, 41 g carbohydrate, 6 g protein, no fiber or sugar.
”Easy Kine” features simple dishes that start with commercially prepared ingredients. Lynette Lo Tom is excited to hear your tried-and-true suggestions. Contact her at 275-3004, email lynette@brightlightcookery.com or via instagram at brightlightcookery. Nutritional analysis by Joannie Dobbs, Ph.D., C.N.S.
