Best Easy Vegan Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes Recipe
Potatoes are a beloved staple in many households, and for good reason. Their versatility, natural flavor, and ability to take on a variety of seasonings and textures make them a favorite in countless recipes. Among the many ways to prepare potatoes, scored sheet pan potatoes are a standout—crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and full of flavor. This vegan recipe for Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes takes the traditional preparation to new heights, using simple, wholesome ingredients and plant-based seasonings to create a dish that is both satisfying and delicious.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step of making these vegan scored potatoes, along with tips for perfecting your dish and variations to keep things interesting. Whether you’re preparing a meal for your family or looking for a simple yet flavorful side dish to accompany a larger spread, these vegan sheet pan scored potatoes are sure to impress.
What Makes These Scored Potatoes Stand Out?
Scored potatoes, also known as “criss-crossed” potatoes, are cut in a unique way that maximizes both texture and flavor. The thin slits allow the seasoning to penetrate deep into the potato, while the edges of each slit become perfectly crisp during baking. When done right, scored potatoes offer the best of both worlds: a tender interior paired with a crunchy, golden exterior.
In this vegan recipe, we take advantage of plant-based oils and seasonings to give the potatoes an extra boost of flavor while keeping them completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly. We’ll explore the benefits of using whole-food, plant-based ingredients, and how they contribute to a satisfying and health-conscious meal.
Why You Should Make These Vegan Scored Potatoes
- Vegan and Dairy-Free: Unlike traditional roasted potato recipes that often include butter or cheese, these vegan sheet pan scored potatoes are made with plant-based ingredients, making them suitable for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet. They are also free from animal products while still delivering a rich, savory flavor.
- Versatile and Easy to Customize: Whether you prefer your potatoes seasoned with classic garlic and rosemary or want to try something bold like smoked paprika or nutritional yeast, this recipe can be easily customized to your taste. The scoring technique allows for even seasoning, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- Healthier Option: By baking the potatoes on a sheet pan rather than deep-frying them, you’ll achieve a healthier, lower-fat dish without sacrificing the crispy texture. Additionally, the use of olive oil and other plant-based fats provides heart-healthy fats that are better for your body compared to animal fats.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is ideal for meal prepping. You can prepare the potatoes in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a quick meal or snack throughout the week. The versatility of the dish means it can be paired with virtually any entrée, making it a great go-to side.
- Family-Friendly: Potatoes are a universal favorite, making this recipe perfect for feeding a crowd, including picky eaters. The crispy edges and tender interior are sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Vegan Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes
To make this simple yet flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes (or any potato of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or your preferred oil like avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds a lovely smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh, finely chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor without dairy)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-ins and Variations:
- Fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil for a different flavor profile
- Lemon zest or lemon juice for a citrusy twist
- Chili flakes for a bit of heat
- Tahini drizzle for an added creamy element after baking
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Vegan Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help achieve the crispiness that we’re aiming for in the scored potatoes. The heat will also help the seasonings and olive oil to penetrate the potato slices, creating a beautiful caramelization.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by scrubbing the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have a starchy texture, which crisps up well when baked. Pat the potatoes dry with a kitchen towel.
Using a sharp knife, score the potatoes by making shallow diagonal cuts about 1/4-inch apart across the top of each potato. Be sure to not cut all the way through the potato; the goal is to create slits without slicing the potato into separate pieces. This technique allows the oil and seasonings to soak into the potato, resulting in crispy edges and tender insides.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are scored, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes, making sure the oil seeps into the slits. You can also brush the oil directly onto the potatoes using a pastry brush for more even coverage.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to the bowl and toss the potatoes to coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture. If you’re using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, sprinkle it over the potatoes as well. The oil and seasonings should coat the potatoes in a thick layer, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Bake the Potatoes
Place the seasoned, scored potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the potatoes with the scored side facing up. This allows the edges to crisp up while the interior stays tender.
Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. The exact baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the potatoes, so be sure to check for doneness by poking the center with a fork. If it slides in easily, the potatoes are ready.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or any other fresh herbs of your choice. Serve immediately as a side dish or enjoy them as a main dish with your favorite vegan dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information for Vegan Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes
Here’s the breakdown of the nutrition per serving (assuming the recipe makes 4 servings):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Net Carbs: 31g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Calcium: 15mg
- Iron: 2mg
- Vitamin C: 10% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin A: 2% of the DV
These sheet pan scored potatoes are a healthy, satisfying dish that is rich in fiber, helping with digestion and providing energy. With healthy fats from the olive oil and nutritional yeast, this dish provides a nice balance of nutrients without any animal products.
Tips for Success
- Use a high-starch potato: While russet potatoes work perfectly in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other varieties such as Yukon gold or sweet potatoes for different flavors and textures.
- Make it extra crispy: For an even crispier texture, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 5-10 minutes of baking, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Customize the seasonings: You can switch up the flavor profile by using different spices such as cumin, coriander, or turmeric for an earthy twist, or even try a sweet version with a touch of cinnamon and maple syrup.
Conclusion
These vegan sheet pan scored potatoes are a perfect side dish for any meal, whether you’re serving them with a hearty salad, a plant-based protein, or enjoying them on their own as a satisfying snack. The crispiness combined with the savory, herb-infused flavors makes them an irresistible treat for anyone following a vegan or low-carb diet.
Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe brings out the best in potatoes while keeping everything plant-based. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or preparing a quick dinner for your family, these vegan scored potatoes will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.