Crusty New Potatoes: A Simple Comfort

My grandmother, bless her heart, wasn’t known for elaborate cooking. Her repertoire was small, but each dish was imbued with love and a certain rustic charm. These Crusty New Potatoes remind me of her. They are simple, honest food – potatoes transformed with a bit of buttery magic into something truly special. I remember sneaking extra potatoes off the baking sheet as a child, the salty, crunchy coating irresistible. This recipe captures that comforting simplicity perfectly, and I hope it brings the same joy to your table.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 8 small red new potatoes
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ teaspoon Lawry’s seasoned salt
• 1 cup crushed corn flakes

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Fork
• Colander
• Peeler
• Small bowl
• Glass baking dish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
2. Place the unpeeled potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
3. Boil the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork, approximately 20 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them; they should be easily pierced, but not falling apart.
4. Drain the potatoes in a colander. Allow them to cool slightly before handling.
5. Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them.
6. While the potatoes are boiling, melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in the Lawry’s seasoned salt until well combined.
7. Place the crushed corn flakes in a separate bowl.
8. Roll each potato in the seasoned butter, ensuring it is evenly coated.
9. Next, roll each potato in the crushed corn flakes, pressing gently to help them adhere. You want a generous coating of corn flakes for maximum crustiness.
10. Place the coated potatoes in a glass baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the corn flakes are golden brown and the potatoes are heated through.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispy potatoes, consider broiling them for the last few minutes of cooking, but watch them carefully to prevent burning.
• If you don’t have Lawry’s seasoned salt, you can use a mixture of regular salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of black pepper.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. If necessary, use two dishes to ensure even browning.
• Using a fork or toothpick, poke each potato a few times before coating with the butter and cornflakes. This will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the potato.
• For a richer flavor, use clarified butter (ghee) instead of regular butter. It has a higher smoke point and won’t burn as easily.
• If you want to prepare these ahead of time, you can boil and peel the potatoes, then coat them with butter and cornflakes. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Crusty New Potatoes are delicious served immediately after baking. They make a fantastic side dish for grilled chicken, steak, or fish. They are also great with roasted vegetables or as part of a vegetarian meal.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the corn flakes are crispy again. You can also reheat them in a skillet with a little butter for extra crispness.

While freezing is not recommended due to the texture of the potatoes and the corn flake coating, you can freeze them if necessary. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly altered.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	778 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	24g	36%
Saturated Fat	15g	73%
Cholesterol	61mg	20%
Sodium	345mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate	131g	43%
Dietary Fiber	15g	61%
Sugars	7g	N/A
Protein	15g	29%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the melted butter for a spicy twist.
• Herbaceous: Mix chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the crushed corn flakes.
• Cheesy: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes before baking.
• Garlic Lovers: Add minced garlic to the melted butter for a garlicky flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free corn flakes or crushed rice cereal for a gluten-free option.
• Vegan: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use different types of potatoes?
A: Yes, you can use other small potatoes like Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes. Just adjust the boiling time as needed.

Q: Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs instead of corn flakes?
A: Yes, seasoned breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute. However, corn flakes provide a unique crunch and slightly sweet flavor that complements the potatoes well.

Q: How do I prevent the corn flakes from falling off?
A: Make sure the potatoes are thoroughly coated in the melted butter before rolling them in the corn flakes. Press the corn flakes gently onto the potatoes to help them adhere.

Q: Can I make these potatoes in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can air fry them! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.

Q: Can I add other seasonings to the butter mixture?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs.

Final Thoughts

These Crusty New Potatoes are a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, prepared with care, can create something truly satisfying. I urge you to try this recipe and experience the comforting flavors for yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and variations to make it your own. Share your creations with friends and family and let me know what you think! They pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea. Happy cooking!