Scored Potatoes Recipe – Crispy, Buttery & Far From Boring (The Upgrade Your Baked Potato Deserves!)

🔪 Scored Potatoes Recipe

Serves 4 | Prep: 10 min | Bake: 40–50 min | Total: ~60 min

🛒 Ingredients

4 large Russet potatoes (ideal for fluffiness)

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (divided)

1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet — your choice!)

1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or chives, thyme, or rosemary)

Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Optional upgrades: garlic powder, grated Parmesan, crumbled bacon

🍗 Perfect Pairings: Grilled chicken, steak, roast veggies, or chili

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep & Preheat

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a baking sheet or shallow dish with parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup).

2️⃣ Cut the Potatoes

Wash and dry potatoes thoroughly.

Slice each lengthwise in half, creating 8 long halves.

3️⃣ Score the Tops (The Magic Step!)

Place each half cut-side up.

Using a sharp knife, make 5–6 shallow cuts across the rounded top, about ½ inch apart.

Don’t cut all the way through — leave about ¼ inch uncut at the base so the halves stay intact.

💡 Pro Tip: Think “hedgehog” or “accordion” — they should fan slightly when brushed with butter.

4️⃣ Arrange on Pan

Place potato halves cut-side up on the baking sheet.

Leave space between them for air circulation and even browning.

5️⃣ Butter & Season

Brush the tops generously with 1 tbsp melted butter.

Sprinkle with: