Description
These Spooky Roasted Potato Skulls are the ultimate savory Halloween side dish! Golden baby potatoes are carved into mini skulls, seasoned with smoky spices, and roasted to crispy perfection. They’re spooky, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit at any Halloween party or family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Essentials:
- 1.5 lb (24 oz) baby potatoes (golden or yellow varieties preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for sprinkling)
- 1/4 tsp ground pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Optional Add-Ons:
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for extra aroma
- Grated Parmesan or cheddar for a cheesy finish
Substitutions & Shortcuts:
- Use larger potatoes and cut them into smaller pieces if baby potatoes aren’t available.
- Pre-cut or pre-washed potatoes can save prep time.
- Substitute garlic powder with minced fresh garlic—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Instructions
- Prep Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C), the perfect temperature for roasting potatoes until golden and crispy.
- Carve Your Potatoes: Using a small paring knife, carve each baby potato into a skull shape. Don’t worry about perfection—quirky faces make them even more fun and spooky!
- Mix Olive Oil and Spices: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir well until evenly mixed.
- Coat the Potatoes: Add the carved potatoes to the bowl and toss gently until all are well coated with the flavorful spice mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the potatoes face-up on the prepared baking sheet, giving each piece room to roast evenly.
- Roast to Perfection: Bake for 25–35 minutes, until golden brown and easily pierced with a fork. The smaller the potatoes, the quicker they’ll cook—keep an eye on them toward the end.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with a little extra salt, and serve warm. For an extra treat, pair them with ketchup, spicy aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- To make carving easier, use slightly chilled potatoes—they hold shape better.
- For a smoky twist, try adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked salt before roasting.
- Serve alongside burgers, grilled meats, or Halloween-themed mains like Bloody Spaghetti for a complete spooky dinner spread!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Halloween Recipe
- Method: Roast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spooky roasted potatoes, Halloween side dish, potato skulls, roasted baby potatoes, Halloween food ideas, easy Halloween recipes, savory Halloween treats