Halloween Skull Potatoes Recipe
Celebrate Halloween with these spooky and delicious Halloween Skull Potatoes. Mini creamer potatoes are carved into skull shapes, marinated in a lemon water bath, seasoned with a blend of spices, and roasted until crispy. These festive bites make a perfect eerie side dish or party snack.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Potato Preparation
- Mini creamer potatoes – 12 to 15 pieces (about 1.5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Cold water (enough to cover potatoes)
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt – to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped parsley – for garnish
- Shredded cheese – for topping
- Bacon bits – for topping
- Green onions – sliced, for garnish
- Prepare the Lemon Water Bath: In a large bowl, mix cold water with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to create a lemon water bath. This will help prevent the potatoes from browning after carving.
- Carve the Potatoes: Using a small paring knife, carefully carve each mini creamer potato to create skull features: carve out eye sockets, a triangle for the nose, and a slit for the mouth. Be gentle to avoid breaking the potatoes.
- Soak the Potatoes: Place the carved potatoes in the lemon water bath and let them soak for 5 to 10 minutes. This step helps maintain their color and adds a subtle tang.
- Drain and Dry: Drain the potatoes from the lemon water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This helps achieve crispness during roasting.
- Season the Potatoes: Toss the dried potatoes in olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, freshly ground pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Ensure each potato is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Roast the Potatoes: Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Roast them for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
- Cool and Serve: Once roasted, let the potatoes cool briefly on the tray. This resting period allows them to crisp up further. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley, shredded cheese, bacon bits, or sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Choose mini creamer potatoes that are uniform in size for even cooking and easier carving.
- Use a sharp paring knife for precise and safe carving of the skull features.
- Be gentle when flipping the potatoes to avoid breaking the carved details.
- These potatoes are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning with other spices like cayenne for heat or herbs like thyme for added flavor.
Keywords: Halloween recipes, spooky snacks, roasted potatoes, party side dish, Halloween party food, creative potato recipe