Potato Stacks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Potato Stacks are both visually appealing and delicious! The thin slices of sweet potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes are stacked into perfect layers, seasoned with a savory herb oil, and baked to golden, crispy perfection. The rich flavors of garlic, thyme, and nutritional yeast create a satisfying and comforting dish. These stacks are an ideal accompaniment to any roast, grilled meat, or even enjoyed on their own as a flavorful vegetarian dish. Not only do they look beautiful on the plate, but they’re also surprisingly simple to make!

Ingredients

For the Stacks:
2 sweet potatoes, medium to large, about 1½ lbs
5 Yukon gold potatoes, medium to large, about 1½ lbs
12 sprigs thyme, small
Flaky salt, to top

For the Herb Oil:
4 ½ tbsp vegan melted butter or olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp dried parsley
2 tsp thyme leaves, finely chopped, fresh or dry
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes. Slice them into thin, even rounds (about 1/8 inch thick). This is key for ensuring the layers cook evenly and get crispy.
2. Make the Herb Oil: In a small saucepan, heat the vegan melted butter (or olive oil) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the dried parsley, chopped thyme, nutritional yeast, and salt. Mix well to combine.
3. Assemble the Potato Stacks: Grease a muffin tin or ramekins with a little extra melted butter or oil. Layer the sliced sweet potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes alternately in the muffin cups, pressing down gently to create neat stacks. Each cup should hold about 5-6 layers, depending on the size of your muffin tin.
4. Add the Herb Oil: Spoon the prepared herb oil evenly over the stacked potatoes. You want each stack to be lightly coated with the oil and seasonings.
5. Bake the Stacks: Add 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme to each stack, tucking them into the layers. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and crispy on top. You can check doneness by inserting a fork into the center of a stack — it should go in easily.
6. Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove the potato stacks from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle with flaky salt for extra flavor. Carefully remove each stack from the muffin cups and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Total time: 1 hour
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

• Herb Variations: You can swap out thyme for rosemary or sage for a slightly different flavor. Both herbs pair wonderfully with potatoes.
• Add Cheese: For a cheesy version, add a sprinkle of shredded cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan) on top of the stacks in the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the herb oil for a bit of heat.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a small amount of brown sugar to the herb oil for a slightly sweeter twist on the stacks.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover potato stacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the potato stacks on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with other types of potatoes, like russet or red potatoes. However, Yukon gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture, and sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that pairs well with the herb oil.

Can I make these potato stacks in advance?

Yes! You can prep the potato stacks in the muffin tin ahead of time, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply follow the recipe instructions.

How can I ensure my potato stacks are crispy?

For crispier stacks, make sure the potato slices are thin and evenly layered. The herb oil helps to crisp up the edges while baking. If you want extra crispiness, you can increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes and check for desired crispness.

Can I make this recipe without vegan butter?

Yes, you can substitute the vegan butter with olive oil, regular butter, or even ghee if you prefer. The herb oil mixture will still work great without the vegan butter.

Can I make these stacks without a muffin tin?

If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can stack the potatoes in a small baking dish or use a sheet pan. Just be sure to press the potatoes into tight stacks, and you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I freeze these potato stacks?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked potato stacks! Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

What should I serve these potato stacks with?

These potato stacks pair well with almost any main dish, including roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. They’re perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or holiday meals.

Can I make the stacks without garlic?

If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can simply omit it from the herb oil. The potatoes will still have great flavor from the thyme, parsley, and nutritional yeast.

Can I make these stacks without nutritional yeast?

Yes, you can skip the nutritional yeast if you prefer. It adds a cheesy, savory flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without it. You can also try using Parmesan or a similar cheese if you prefer.

Can I use pre-sliced potatoes for this recipe?

While pre-sliced potatoes can save time, slicing your own ensures they are the right thickness for the stacks and helps maintain an even texture when baked. If you use pre-sliced potatoes, try to find them in similar thickness to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

These Potato Stacks are a creative and delicious side dish that will elevate any meal. With the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender layers, they’re a great way to add variety to your potato repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, holiday feast, or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The herb-infused oil and layers of sweet and Yukon gold potatoes make for a flavorful, visually stunning dish that everyone will love!

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