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1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
Place a large sheet pan in the oven while it preheats if you want an especially crisp result. A hot baking sheet helps the potatoes begin roasting immediately when they make contact with the surface.
If you prefer easier cleanup, line the pan with parchment paper. For maximum browning, however, a lightly oiled bare metal sheet pan can produce excellent results.
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2. Prepare the Potatoes
Wash the potatoes thoroughly and scrub away any dirt.
You can leave the skins on, which adds texture and flavor. Pat the potatoes completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.
If your potatoes are larger than bite-size, cut them in half. Very small potatoes can be left whole.
3. Score the Potatoes
Place each potato on a cutting board.
Using a sharp knife, carefully make several shallow cuts across the top of each potato, creating a crosshatch or accordion-style pattern.
Do not cut all the way through. The goal is to create grooves while keeping the potato intact.
Scoring exposes more surface area to the heat, helping the edges become beautifully crisp during roasting.
If you’re making cuts in an accordion pattern, place two chopsticks or wooden spoons alongside the potato. They can help prevent your knife from cutting completely through.
4. Prepare the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.
If you enjoy stronger garlic flavor, you can add another clove. For a spicy version, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
5. Coat the Potatoes
Place the prepared potatoes in a large bowl.
Pour the seasoned oil over them and gently toss until every potato is well coated.
Pay special attention to the scored surfaces. Use a pastry brush or your fingers to work a little of the seasoned oil into the grooves.
This helps the exposed edges become golden and crisp.
6. Arrange on the Sheet Pan
Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven.
Lightly brush it with a little olive oil if necessary.
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer with the scored side facing upward. Leave a little space between each potato.
Avoid overcrowding the pan. If the potatoes are too close together, they may steam instead of roast, preventing them from becoming properly crispy.
7. Roast
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven.
Roast for approximately 35–45 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes.
After about 25 minutes, check their progress. If necessary, rotate the pan so the potatoes brown evenly.
The potatoes are ready when the edges are deeply golden and crisp and the centers are tender when pierced with a fork.
For extra crispiness, roast them for another 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on the edges.
8. Add Parmesan and Garnish
If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the potatoes during the final 5 minutes of roasting.
The cheese will melt and become lightly golden.
Once the potatoes are finished, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can add a bright contrast to the rich, crispy potatoes.
Helpful Tips
Choose the right potatoes. Baby potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent because they become creamy inside while developing a golden exterior.
Dry the potatoes well. Excess moisture can interfere with browning.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give the potatoes enough room for hot air to circulate around them.
Use enough oil. A good coating of oil helps the scored edges crisp beautifully.
For an extra-crunchy finish, you can parboil the potatoes for 5–7 minutes before scoring and roasting. Drain them well and allow them to steam-dry before adding the seasoning.
Flavor Variations
For a Mediterranean version, add oregano, lemon zest, and crumbled feta after roasting.
For a spicy version, replace the paprika with smoked paprika and add chili flakes.
For a cheesy version, sprinkle Parmesan and shredded cheddar over the potatoes during the final few minutes.
You can also finish them with fresh rosemary, chives, or green onions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crispy potatoes alongside roast chicken, steak, grilled fish, burgers, or roasted vegetables.
They are also delicious for breakfast with fried or scrambled eggs.
Add a bowl of sour cream, garlic yogurt, or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra-special side dish.
Final Thoughts
These Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes are proof that simple ingredients can create an impressive side dish. The crispy scored edges, creamy centers, garlic, herbs, and golden seasoning make every bite satisfying.
They’re easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a holiday table. Once you try this scoring technique, you may never want to roast potatoes the ordinary way again!
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