What are Nashville Hot Potatoes and how are they made?

Nashville Hot Potatoes are a spicy, seasoned baked potato dish inspired by Nashville’s famous hot chicken. They are typically made by baking or boiling potatoes, then cutting them open and smothering them in a hot sauce mixture that includes cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and melted butter or oil. The potatoes may also be topped with pickles or onions for a crunchy contrast. This fiery side dish offers a flavorful twist that pairs well with grilled meats or as a snack.

How spicy are Nashville Hot Potatoes compared to traditional Nashville Hot Chicken?

Nashville Hot Potatoes have a bold, spicy flavor similar to Nashville Hot Chicken but are usually milder. The heat level can vary depending on the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce used in the seasoning. This makes them a great option for those who want the distinctive Nashville heat without the intensity of fried chicken. You can easily adjust the spice by altering the spice blend to suit your taste.

Can I use different types of potatoes for Nashville Hot Potatoes?

Yes, you can use various types of potatoes to make Nashville Hot Potatoes. Russet potatoes are the most common due to their starchy texture and ability to absorb flavors well. However, Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also work if you prefer a creamier or firmer texture. The choice depends on your preference for softness and flavor absorption. Make sure to cook the potatoes thoroughly before adding the spicy topping.

What are some easy side dishes to serve with Nashville Hot Potatoes?

Nashville Hot Potatoes pair well with milder side dishes that balance their heat. Popular companions include coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, and a crisp green salad. These sides add freshness and texture contrast to the spicy potatoes. For a full meal, grilled or smoked meats like chicken or brisket complement the bold flavors perfectly.

How can I make Nashville Hot Potatoes healthier without losing flavor?

To make Nashville Hot Potatoes healthier, use less butter and swap it with heart-healthy oils like olive or avocado oil. Reduce the amount of salt and balance the spice with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or chives. Baking the potatoes instead of frying keeps the calorie count lower. Adding a Greek yogurt-based topping can also add creaminess while cutting calories and adding protein. These tweaks maintain flavor while making the dish lighter.

Nashville Hot Potatoes Recipe With Spicy Crisp Texture

Name: Nashville Hot Potatoes
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups buttermilk; 4 medium Russet potatoes, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup hot sauce; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1 teaspoon granulated onion; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying (about 4 cups or as needed); Ranch dressing and pickle slices for serving; 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 cup hot oil reserved from frying the potatoes

Description

🔥 Nashville Style Hot Potatoes bring a spicy kick with crispy texture, perfect as a bold vegetarian side or snack.
🥔 The flavorful seasoning blend and buttermilk soak create a unique twist on classic comfort food that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups buttermilk

4 medium Russet potatoes, thinly sliced

1/4 cup hot sauce

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dry mustard powder

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 teaspoon granulated onion

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground thyme

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying (about 4 cups or as needed)

Ranch dressing and pickle slices for serving

2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon light brown sugar

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/4 cup hot oil reserved from frying the potatoes

Instructions

1-First: combine the buttermilk, thinly sliced Russet potatoes, hot sauce, fresh thyme leaves, Kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard powder, granulated garlic, granulated onion, paprika, dried oregano, and ground thyme in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to let the flavors soak in.

2-In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with a bit of salt and pepper. For extra crispiness, add a small amount of buttermilk to create coarse crumbs. Coat the potato slices in this flour mixture and let them air dry for about 10 minutes.

3-Heat the vegetable oil to 365°F (185°C) in a deep fryer or large pot. Fry the potatoes in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they’re golden and crispy. Drain them on a wire rack and keep them warm while you prepare the next batch.

4-To make the Nashville sauce, whisk together the cayenne pepper, light brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and the hot oil reserved from frying. Pour this sauce over the hot fried potatoes for that perfect spicy coating.

5-Serve immediately with ranch dressing and pickle slices to balance the spiciness and add a fresh touch. This step ensures the flavors absorb well, making your Nashville Hot Potatoes irresistible.

Notes

⏳ Avoid soaking potatoes longer than 2 hours to prevent browning.
✨ Adding some buttermilk to the flour mixture helps achieve a crispier coating.
🔥 Season immediately after frying and add spicy sauce while potatoes are still hot for best flavor absorption.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Soaking, Deep Frying, Mixing
Cuisine: American, Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: nashville hot potatoes,spicy potatoes,crispy potato side,vegetarian nashville