How To Boil Then Bake a Crispy Potato

If you want potatoes with the perfect crunch-to-softness ratio, try to boil potatoes before baking. This method may take several steps, but it can make a wow-worthy side dish that you can customize for any meal.

Read more: Fiber in Potatoes

There are several methods people use to boil potatoes before baking them. Recipes may call for different types of potatoes, fat and spices. However, most recipes call for the same basic steps and equipment, so you can customize this dish to fit your needs. To make this dish, you'll need certain kitchen tools, such as:

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Spatula
• Potato peeler (optional)
• Large pot for boiling
• Strainer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking liner

The ingredients you need may vary depending on the flavors and health benefits you want from your meal. However, you will generally need:

• Potatoes
• Water
• Oil
• Spices and herbs

This method works well for any type of white potato, including russet, red, yellow and purple potatoes. However, if you want the biggest nutritional boost, you may want to choose purple potatoes. A June 2016 study in Preventive Nutrition and Food Science found that these potatoes are highest in antioxidants.

Read more: Are Baked Potatoes Healthy?

When choosing an oil, you can reach for the coconut or olive oil in your pantry if you already have these. The American Heart Association also recommends heart-healthy fats like canola, corn, peanut and sunflower oils. Beware that oils often have distinctive tastes that may change the flavor of your dish.

When considering spices and herbs, think about what would go well with the rest of your meal. You may also think about health benefits of certain spices. For example, Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends turmeric to fight inflammation or garlic for improved heart health.

When you have picked your ingredients and you're ready to make this dish, the first step is to prepare the potatoes for baking. First, make sure to thoroughly wash the potatoes. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends scrubbing potatoes with a brush.

Then, take the following steps to boil and prepare the potatoes for baking:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
• If you do not like potato skins, peel the potatoes
• Cut potatoes into the desired shape
• Place into a large pot and cover with water
• Bring the water to a boil on the stovetop
• Boil until the potatoes are soft enough to easily stick with a butter knife
• Remove the potatoes from heat and drain

Read more: Are Red Potatoes Healthier Than White Potatoes?

At this point, you have prepared potatoes for baking. Your potatoes should be nice and soft, so it's time to make them crispy on the outside:

• Cover the potatoes in your preferred oil, herbs and spices
• The potatoes should have a thin layer of oil, but it shouldn't drip
• Spread the potatoes across a lined baking sheet
• Place the pan into the preheated oven and cook for 20 minutes
• With a spatula, carefully stir the potatoes
• Cook for an additional 20 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally
• Remove the potatoes when they are brown and crispy on the outside

Once you remove from the oven, serve this tasty dish immediately.