Crispy Potato Squares Recipe

Crispy Potato Squares are a savory, bite-sized potato snack that’s crunchy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. They’re perfect for parties, family movie nights, game days, or as a comforting side dish for almost any main course. Simple, versatile, and universally loved, these golden squares make the humble potato feel just a bit more special.

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 25–30 minutes (baked) or 5–7 minutes per batch (fried)

• Serves: 4

Ingredients

Main ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Optional additions

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor)

• Fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped (for an herby touch)

• A squeeze of lemon juice, for serving (for freshness)

Tips for the Best Crispy Potato Squares

• Use starchy potatoes like russets for a fluffy interior and crisp exterior.

• After cutting, soak the potatoes in cold water for 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch and boost crispiness.

• Dry the potato pieces very well with a clean towel before seasoning. Moisture = soggy.

• Cut into even-sized cubes so they cook at the same rate.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan if frying—this drops the oil temperature and makes them soft, not crisp.

• Always start with a preheated oven if baking.

How to Make Crispy Potato Squares

Prep the Potatoes

• Wash and (optionally) peel the potatoes.

• Cut them into square-shaped pieces, about 1-inch cubes.

• Place the potato cubes in a bowl of cold water and soak for 20–30 minutes.

• Drain and pat completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Season the Potatoes

• Add the dried potato squares to a large bowl.

• Toss with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any optional additions you like (cayenne, Parmesan, herbs).

• Make sure each piece is evenly coated.

Cooking Method – Baked

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

  Cooking classes online

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

• Spread the seasoned potato squares in a single layer on the tray, leaving a little space between each piece.

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squares are golden brown and crispy on the edges.

Cooking Method – Fried

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat (around 350°F / 175°C).

• Add the potato squares in small batches, making sure they aren’t crowded.

• Fry for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden and crisp.

• Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.

• Sprinkle with a little extra salt while they’re still hot, if desired.

Serve

• Transfer the crispy potato squares to a serving plate.

• Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

• Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, garlic aioli, ranch, spicy mayo, or cheese sauce.

Description

Crispy Potato Squares deliver everything you want in a comfort snack: a deep golden crust that crunches when you bite, and a tender, fluffy center. The simple seasoning blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika highlights the natural flavor of the potato, while optional Parmesan, herbs, or cayenne can push the flavor in any direction you like—cheesy, herby, or spicy.

They work as a snack, appetizer, or side dish and pair beautifully with burgers, grilled meats, roasted chicken, or just a movie and some dipping sauce.

Approximate Nutrition (per serving – about one quarter of the recipe)

These values will vary depending on whether you bake or fry and how much oil is absorbed.

• Calories: ~180–250

• Fat: ~10–15 g

  • Saturated fat: ~1–2 g

• Carbohydrates: ~24–30 g

  • Fiber: ~2–3 g

  • Sugars: ~1 g

• Protein: ~3–4 g

• Sodium: ~350–450 mg

• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Final Thoughts

Crispy Potato Squares are an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that you can customize endlessly. Bake them for a lighter option, fry them for extra crunch, spice them up, or keep them classic—either way, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.