Have you ever craved a side dish that is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with just the right amount of seasoning to tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than crispy potato cubes!
This versatile and easy-to-make dish is a favorite among potato lovers for its irresistible texture and flavor. In this blog post, I will guide you through the process of creating the perfect batch of crispy potato cubes that will have your family and friends coming back for more.
What is Crispy Potato Cubes?
Crispy potato cubes are bite-sized pieces of potatoes that are coated in a mixture of butter, cornstarch, and seasonings before being baked to golden perfection. The result is a delicious side dish that pairs well with just about any meal. Whether you serve them alongside a juicy steak or as a snack on their own, crispy potato cubes are sure to be a hit at your table.
What Does It Taste Like?
Crispy potato cubes are crispy on the outside, thanks to the cornstarch coating, while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. The combination of seasonings, including marjoram, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf, gives these potato cubes a savory and aromatic flavor profile. With a hint of black pepper for a touch of heat, crispy potato cubes are a delightful treat for your taste buds.
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Why This Recipe Works:
1. Cornstarch Coating: Using cornstarch to coat the potato cubes helps create a crispy exterior when baked.
2. Butter Infusion: Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the potatoes as they bake, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
3. Seasoning Blend: The mixture of marjoram, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf provides a depth of flavor that elevates the humble potato to new heights.
4. Even Cooking: By cutting the potatoes into uniform cubes and following the baking instructions closely, you ensure that each piece cooks evenly and achieves the desired level of crispiness.
Ingredients For Crispy Potato Cubes:
Butter:
Adds richness and helps to coat the potatoes evenly, enhancing their flavor and promoting crispy texture when baked.
Cornstarch:
Coats the potato cubes, creating a crispy exterior when baked while also helping to absorb excess moisture, ensuring they’re not soggy.
Potatoes:
Serve as the main ingredient, providing a starchy base for the dish. When baked, they become tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Dried Marjoram:
Adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the potatoes, enhancing their overall taste profile.
Salt:
Enhances the flavor of the potatoes and other ingredients, bringing out their natural taste while also helping to season them adequately.
Garlic Clove
Infuses the potatoes with a delicious garlic flavor, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
Black Pepper:
Provides a hint of spiciness and warmth to the potatoes, balancing out the other flavors in the dish.
Dried Thyme:
Adds a gentle, herby aroma and flavor to the potatoes, complementing the other herbs and spices used in the recipe.
Bay Leaf:
Infuses the potatoes with a subtle, floral aroma, enhancing their overall fragrance and flavor profile.
Step by Step Instructions:
Prepare Seasoning:
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine 1/3 cup of cornstarch, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of dried marjoram, 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. Seal the bag and shake it gently to mix the seasonings.
Coat Potatoes:
Add the peeled and cubed potatoes into the plastic bag with the seasoning mixture. Seal the bag tightly, then shake it vigorously to coat the potatoes evenly with the seasoned flour mixture.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Pour 1/4 cup of melted butter into a 13-inch x 9-inch baking dish, then stir in the minced garlic to infuse the butter with flavor.
Arrange Potatoes:
Once the butter and garlic are combined, add the seasoned potatoes from the plastic bag into the baking dish. Spread them out evenly in a single layer. Place the bay leaf among the potatoes for added flavor.
Bake Covered:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the potatoes to start cooking and absorb the flavors.
Uncover and Stir:
After 20 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish and give the potatoes a gentle stir to ensure they cook evenly and brown on all sides.
Bake Uncovered:
Place the baking dish back into the oven, uncovered, and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become crispy and lightly browned.
Check for Doneness:
After 15-20 minutes, check the potatoes to ensure they are tender and golden brown. If needed, bake for a few more minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
Serve:
Once the potatoes are cooked to perfection, discard the bay leaf. Serve the crispy potato cubes hot as a delicious side dish or snack. Enjoy the crispy exterior and fluffy interior of these flavorful potatoes!
Notes:
– For extra crispy potato cubes, toss them in a bit of cornmeal before baking.
– Experiment with different seasonings, such as paprika or rosemary, for a unique flavor profile.
– To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine.
– Double the batch and freeze the extra cooked potato cubes for a quick and convenient side dish later on.
– To add a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar over the potato cubes before baking.
Nutrition Information:
– Serving size: 1 cup
– Calories: 220
– Total Fat: 8g
– Saturated Fat: 5g
– Cholesterol: 20mg
– Sodium: 350mg
– Carbohydrates: 34g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sugars: 2g
– Protein: 4g
How To Store The Leftovers?
Store any leftover crispy potato cubes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the cubes on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Sides For Crispy Potato Cubes:
1. Garlic Aioli: Whip up a quick garlic aioli dip to serve alongside the crispy potato cubes for a burst of creamy flavor.
2. Green Salad: Pair the potato cubes with a refreshing green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a light and satisfying meal.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Serve the crispy potato cubes alongside grilled vegetables, such as zucchini and bell peppers, for a colorful and nutritious spread.
4. Roasted Chicken: Complete your meal by serving the potato cubes with succulent roasted chicken for a hearty and comforting dinner.
What are some Alternative Choices to the Ingredients in Case They are Not in Your Pantry?
1. Cornstarch: Substitute cornstarch with potato starch or rice flour for a similar coating effect.
2. Marjoram: If you don’t have marjoram, you can use oregano or thyme as a suitable replacement.
3. Thyme: Rosemary or sage can be used in place of thyme to add a different herbaceous note to the dish.
4. Bay Leaf: Skip the bay leaf if you don’t have it on hand; the dish will still be flavorful thanks to the other seasonings.
Equipment
- measuring cups, and spoons
- Spoons and Forks
- strainer
- Spatula
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Large pot
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 5 medium potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine 1/3 cup of cornstarch, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of dried marjoram, 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. Seal the bag and shake it gently to mix the seasonings.
- Add the peeled and cubed potatoes into the plastic bag with the seasoning mixture. Seal the bag tightly, then shake it vigorously to coat the potatoes evenly with the seasoned flour mixture.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Pour 1/4 cup of melted butter into a 13-inch x 9-inch baking dish, then stir in the minced garlic to infuse the butter with flavor.
- Once the butter and garlic are combined, add the seasoned potatoes from the plastic bag into the baking dish. Spread them out evenly in a single layer. Place the bay leaf among the potatoes for added flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the potatoes to start cooking and absorb the flavors.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish and give the potatoes a gentle stir to ensure they cook evenly and brown on all sides.
- Place the baking dish back into the oven, uncovered, and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become crispy and lightly browned.
- After 15-20 minutes, check the potatoes to ensure they are tender and golden brown. If needed, bake for a few more minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
- Once the potatoes are cooked to perfection, discard the bay leaf. Serve the crispy potato cubes hot as a delicious side dish or snack. Enjoy the crispy exterior and fluffy interior of these flavorful potatoes!
Notes
- For extra crispy potato cubes, toss them in a bit of cornmeal before baking.
- Experiment with different seasonings, such as paprika or rosemary, for a unique flavor profile.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine.
- Double the batch and freeze the extra cooked potato cubes for a quick and convenient side dish later on.
- To add a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar over the potato cubes before baking.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can definitely swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes in this recipe. Just be aware that sweet potatoes may cook faster, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q2: I’m on a low-carb diet. Can I make crispy potato cubes using a different vegetable?
A2: Absolutely! You can try making crispy cubes using butternut squash, cauliflower, or even parsnips for a lower-carb alternative that still delivers on crunch and flavor.
Q3: Are crispy potato cubes suitable for freezing and reheating later?
A3: Yes, crispy potato cubes freeze well. Once cooled, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen in a preheated oven until warmed through.
Q4: Can I make these crispy potato cubes in an air fryer instead of baking them in the oven?
A4: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an air fryer. Simply preheat your air fryer, place the coated potato cubes in a single layer, and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, crispy potato cubes are a simple yet delicious side dish that is versatile enough to accompany a wide range of main courses.
With a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, these flavorful bites are sure to become a family favorite. By following the detailed steps in this article and experimenting with different seasonings and variations, you can customize crispy potato cubes to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
So, why not give this recipe a try and elevate your next meal with a batch of homemade crispy potato cubes that are guaranteed to impress!
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more