These potato skewers are a fun and tasty way to enjoy potatoes! Cut into cubes, they’re seasoned and cooked to get that crispy outside and fluffy inside that everyone loves.
Perfect for parties or a quick snack, these skewers are super easy to make. I often toss on some veggies too—they’re always a hit! Plus, who doesn’t love food on a stick? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These are ideal for skewers since they cook evenly and are bite-sized. If baby potatoes aren’t available, you could use regular potatoes cut into similar-sized chunks. I’d recommend using Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamy texture.
Olive Oil: I love olive oil for its flavor, but if you’re looking for a different option, avocado oil or melted butter works great too. Just keep in mind that butter might add richness but can burn more easily at high heat.
Spices: The combination of smoked paprika and ground cumin gives a unique depth. Feel free to swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if you want a milder taste. You can also adjust chili powder and cayenne to suit your heat tolerance.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness to the skewers. For those who aren’t fans, parsley is a good alternative. A sprinkle of lime juice can also brighten up the flavor!
How Do I Ensure My Potato Skewers Cook Evenly?
Cooking evenly is key for the perfect potato skewer. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Choose uniform potatoes. This helps them cook at the same rate—larger pieces take longer, so keep everything similar in size.
- Soak wooden skewers for at least half an hour. This prevents them from burning when cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave a little space between the potato pieces. This helps hot air circulate and cooks them evenly.
- Turn them occasionally. This ensures every side gets that nice crispy finish.
With a little attention, your skewers will come out crispy on the outside and fluffy inside every time!
Spiced Potato Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (preferably small, uniform size)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Spices:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and approximately 25-30 minutes for cooking. Overall, you’ll spend around 35-40 minutes to enjoy these delicious spiced potato skewers from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). This will get everything ready for cooking. While the grill or oven is heating up, wash and dry the baby potatoes to remove any dirt. If some of your potatoes are bigger than others, you can halve or quarter them. Just make sure all the pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly!
2. Mix the Seasoning:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder (or cayenne for a spicy kick), black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This is going to be the tasty coating for our potatoes!
3. Coat the Potatoes:
Now it’s time to toss the clean potatoes into the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to coat the potatoes evenly in that delicious spice blend. Make sure every piece is covered so each bite is flavorful!
4. Skewer the Potatoes:
Take your soaked wooden skewers and thread the seasoned potatoes onto them. Stack the pieces tightly, but do leave a little space between them for even cooking. It’s like creating little potato towers on sticks!
5. Cook the Skewers:
Place those delicious skewers on the grill or on a baking sheet if you’re using the oven. Cook them for about 25-30 minutes. Be sure to turn them occasionally so that they get crispy and golden on all sides while becoming tender inside.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done cooking, remove the skewers from the heat. Sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a pop of color and freshness. These skewers can be served warm as a fun appetizer or as a delicious side dish. Enjoy every bite of these crispy, spiced, and herb-fresh potato skewers!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes work best, you can use larger potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the skewers up to a day in advance! Just assemble them and store in the refrigerator covered. When you’re ready to cook, simply grill or bake from cold, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can work in a pinch. It may lack that smoky flavor, but you can add a tiny amount of liquid smoke or increase the garlic powder for extra flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or gently reheat in the microwave.
