How do I keep the potato slabs from breaking while cutting?

Support each slab with chopsticks or wooden spoons as you cut—this stops the knife from slicing all the way through and gently holds the potato together. Using a steady slicing motion and a sharp knife also makes a world of difference.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work beautifully, though they may be slightly softer once baked. Keep an eye on them as they may cook a little quicker, and don’t skip the seasoning to balance their natural sweetness.

What if I don’t have vegan butter?

Regular unsalted butter is a perfect swap if dairy isn’t an issue. Olive oil is another great substitute, giving a slightly fruitier taste and golden finish.

Why aren’t my potatoes crisping up?

A hot oven is key—make sure it’s fully preheated. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, so there’s plenty of space for air to circulate and create those irresistible crispy edges.

Accordion Potatoes Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this fun and irresistibly crispy Accordion Potatoes recipe! These potatoes are not just a treat for the taste buds but an absolute showstopper for your dinner table. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can transform ordinary potatoes into golden, herb-flecked, buttery bites that are as appealing to the eyes as they are delicious to eat. The best part? It’s way easier than it looks, making this the perfect go-to side for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: No fancy tools or tricky steps required—just basic pantry ingredients and a little knife work.
Visually Stunning: The accordion cut makes these potatoes stand out and crisp up beautifully, so they’re a joy to pull out of the oven.
Flavor-Packed: Every bite is infused with savory vegan butter, herbs, and just the right amount of garlic.
Customizable: Whether you want to keep it classic or experiment with new flavors, there’s endless room for creativity here.
Satisfyingly Crispy Outside, Tender Inside: Expect snackable golden edges and a soft, creamy center—potato perfection!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet are the top picks for their perfect balance of creaminess and crispness. Go for large potatoes so you get those gorgeous, long accordion cuts.
Vegan Butter: This is your secret weapon for crisp edges and rich, buttery flavor. You can swap in regular butter if preferred, but the vegan option keeps it dairy-free.
Thyme (Dried): Adds earthy, aromatic notes. Dried thyme is stronger than fresh, so a little goes a long way.
Oregano (Dried): Brings a Mediterranean touch with its punchy, slightly minty aroma.
Garlic (Minced): Freshly minced is best! Garlic infuses every fold of the potato with savory flavor.
Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural potato flavors.
Pepper: Cracked black pepper offers just the right amount of heat.
Fresh Parsley (Chopped): This is for finishing—fresh parsley brightens up everything and adds a pop of color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on these accordion potatoes? Here are a few ideas:

Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle a little vegan or regular parmesan halfway through baking for a melty, salty crust.
Spicy Kick: Dust with smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra warmth and color.
Lemon Zest: Add grated lemon zest to the herb butter for a citrusy burst.
Herb Swap: Try rosemary, dill, or basil if you prefer other herbs.
Add Protein: Serve alongside crispy chickpeas or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a heartier side.

How to Make Accordion Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and peel the potatoes if desired—leaving the skin on works great too for more texture. Slice each potato lengthwise into ¼ inch-thick slabs.

Step 2: Create the Accordion Cuts

Take each slab and place it between two chopsticks or wooden spoons. Carefully make parallel cuts across one side of the slab, about ⅛-inch apart, going almost all the way through (the chopsticks help prevent cutting through completely). Flip the potato over and make diagonal cuts in the opposite direction to get that classic accordion pattern.

Step 3: Infuse with Flavor

Melt the vegan butter and mix in the dried thyme, oregano, garlic, sea salt, and pepper. Brush both sides of each potato slab thoroughly with the seasoned butter mixture, making sure some gets into the cuts.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Lay the potatoes flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy along the edges. Flip halfway through for even browning.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once done, immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy every glorious, herby bite!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Slices: Use a sharp knife for the prettiest, most consistent cuts. Thin, uniform slices ensure even cooking.
Don’t Skip the Basting: Brush the butter mixture into the slits to maximize flavor inside and out.
Watch the Oven: Every oven is different—check at the 25-minute mark to avoid overbrowning.
Serve Immediately: For the crispiest texture, these are best straight from the oven.

How to Serve

These accordion potatoes are the ultimate versatile side. Here’s how to enjoy them:

Garnishes:

Scatter extra fresh parsley or a grating of parmesan right before serving for color and oomph.

Pairings:

They’re dreamy alongside roasted vegetables, paired with a green salad, or tucked into a bowl with plant-based sausages.

Dipping Sauces:

Try with garlic aioli, classic ketchup, spicy sriracha mayo, or a herbed yogurt dip.

Main Courses:

Serve alongside grilled mains, veggie burgers, or as crispy nibbles for a snack platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Accordion potatoes can be frozen, though they’re best fresh. If you do freeze, arrange in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, reheat straight from frozen.

Reheating

To revive their crispiness, simply reheat in a hot oven or air fryer for 7-10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but will soften the edges.

FAQs

How do I keep the potato slabs from breaking while cutting?

Support each slab with chopsticks or wooden spoons as you cut—this stops the knife from slicing all the way through and gently holds the potato together. Using a steady slicing motion and a sharp knife also makes a world of difference.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work beautifully, though they may be slightly softer once baked. Keep an eye on them as they may cook a little quicker, and don’t skip the seasoning to balance their natural sweetness.
What if I don’t have vegan butter?

Regular unsalted butter is a perfect swap if dairy isn’t an issue. Olive oil is another great substitute, giving a slightly fruitier taste and golden finish.
Why aren’t my potatoes crisping up?

A hot oven is key—make sure it’s fully preheated. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, so there’s plenty of space for air to circulate and create those irresistible crispy edges.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about transforming everyday potatoes into these golden, herby accordion delights. It’s a simple recipe that delivers a big pay-off—crunchy, flavorful, and endlessly fun to eat. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, give this recipe a try and see just how much joy an accordion potato can bring to your table!