Country-Style Potatoes

Country-style potatoes are aromatic baked potato wedges that are very easy to make at home in the oven. Country-style potatoes work well for lunch or dinner, and country-style potatoes come out well both with new potatoes and with mature stored potatoes. Country-style potatoes are a simple side dish when a warm, hearty potato dish is needed without complicated preparation.

Country-style potatoes work because each main ingredient has a clear role. Potatoes give the dish its soft centre and hearty texture, and the potato skins help the wedges hold their shape during baking. Olive oil lightly coats the wedges so the seasoning spreads more evenly and the surfaces roast better in the oven. Potato seasoning gives the wedges their aroma, and salt can be adjusted to taste.

Country-style potatoes need careful washing, even cutting and a single layer in the tray to bake properly. A stiff brush is important because the potatoes are not peeled, so the skins need to be cleaned thoroughly before slicing. Long wedges cut lengthwise help the potatoes cook evenly and give the familiar country-style shape. The wedges should be baked at 180°C for 30–40 minutes until done, and the potatoes are ready when the pieces are cooked through and the edges are well roasted.

Country-style potatoes allow a few sensible swaps while keeping the same method. New potatoes and mature potatoes both suit the recipe well, so the choice can depend on the season and what is available. Sweet potato is the closest substitute and can be prepared in the same way, though sweet potato is slightly sweeter and bakes faster, in about 35–40 minutes. Celeriac or parsnip can also give a crisp result, though celeriac and parsnip need a little less oil.

Country-style potatoes are best served hot, straight after baking, when the roasted surface is at its best. Country-style potatoes can be served as a side for lunch or dinner, and country-style potatoes also work well on a festive table because the recipe is simple and familiar. Country-style potatoes need no extra garnish to be complete, because the seasoning and roasted skins already give plenty of flavour.

Country-style potatoes keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a closed container. Country-style potatoes are best reheated in the oven or in a dry frying pan over high heat for 5–7 minutes, because that helps bring back the crust. A microwave will soften the wedges. Ready-made country-style potatoes are better not frozen, because after thawing the wedges lose their crisp crust and become watery. If a make-ahead option is needed, raw cut wedges can be frozen and then baked straight from frozen with an extra 10–15 minutes added to the baking time.

Questions about this recipe

How long does it take to make country-style potatoes?

The total time is 50 minutes, with 10 minutes of active work. The rest of the time the potatoes bake in the oven at 180°C for 30–40 minutes.

How many calories are in country-style potatoes?

The source says country-style potatoes have about 109 kcal per 100 g. A separate note on the page says the value can be around 130–140 kcal per 100 g depending on the amount of oil.

What can I use instead of potatoes in this recipe?

Sweet potato is the closest substitute and can be cooked in the same way. Sweet potato is a little sweeter and usually bakes faster, in about 35–40 minutes, while celeriac or parsnip can also give a crisp result with slightly less oil.

Can I freeze country-style potatoes?

Ready-cooked country-style potatoes are better not frozen, because the wedges lose their crisp crust and become watery after thawing. If a freezer option is needed, freeze the raw cut wedges and bake them straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes.

How do I store and reheat country-style potatoes?

Keep country-style potatoes in the refrigerator in a closed container for up to 3 days. Reheat country-style potatoes in the oven or in a dry frying pan over high heat for 5–7 minutes, because a microwave will soften the wedges.