Description

Create a spooky and fun Halloween-themed side dish with these delicious carved mini skull potatoes. Tender mini red potatoes are carved into skull faces, soaked in lemon water to prevent browning, seasoned with a zesty paprika and garlic blend, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for festive Halloween parties or themed dinners!

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

1 ½ Pounds potatoes (red mini creamer or similar mini potatoes)

Soaking Mixture

4 Cups water
2 Tablespoons lemon juice (for soaking)

Seasoning Oil

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 Teaspoon salt
1 Teaspoon onion powder
1 Teaspoon garlic powder
1 Teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
½ Teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

Parsley flakes (fresh or dried)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 385°F to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the potatoes evenly and thoroughly.
Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Wash potatoes: Rinse the mini red potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris, then set them aside.
Prepare lemon water soak: In a bowl, combine 4 cups of cold water with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. This mixture will help prevent the cut potatoes from browning.
Carve skull faces: Using a sharp paring knife, carefully carve spooky skull faces into each mini potato. Handle with care to create distinct features without breaking the potatoes. Immediately place each carved potato into the lemon water to soak and keep fresh.
Mix seasoning oil: In another bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. This will create a flavorful coating for the potatoes.
Toss potatoes in seasoning: Drain the soaked potatoes well, then toss them thoroughly in the prepared seasoning oil mixture to ensure even coverage of spices.
Arrange and bake: Place the seasoned potatoes face side up on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
Garnish and serve: Once baked, lightly sprinkle with parsley flakes and additional salt if desired to enhance flavor and presentation. Serve warm to enjoy your spooky Halloween treat!

Notes

Use mini red creamer potatoes for the best size and texture for carving.
If carving proves challenging, practice on one potato first or adjust the skull design to simpler shapes.
Soaking in lemon water prevents oxidation, keeping the potatoes looking fresh and white before baking.
Feel free to use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor or regular paprika for more mild seasoning.
Serve as a fun appetizer or side dish at Halloween parties and gatherings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Halloween recipe, spooky potatoes, carved potatoes, baked potatoes, party side dish, Halloween snack