Make crispy Anna potatoes with thinly sliced potatoes, garlic butter, and thyme. This classic French potato side dish has golden edges and tender layers!
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and slice the potatoes into thin slices using a mandolin slicer. Soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes.
Transfer them to a kitchen towel and wipe off all the excess moisture from the surface.
In a small bowl, combine softened butter with the minced garlic and some thyme.
Grease a medium skillet with oil or butter and arrange the potato slices.
Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper and spoon the garlic butter mixture all over the sliced potatoes.
Place on the stovetop and cook for 5-7 minutes. Then, cover the skillet with kitchen foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
Get the skillet out, remove the foil and place another heavy skillet on the potatoes. Pop this back in and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes.
Remove, allow to cool and serve.
Notes
Use Russet potatoes for the best results, as their starchy texture helps create tender layers with crispy, golden edges. Yukon Gold potatoes are a good alternative.
Slice the potatoes as thinly and evenly as possible using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure they cook uniformly.
Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 10–15 minutes, then drain and pat them thoroughly dry to remove excess moisture.
Use softened butter when mixing it with the garlic and thyme so the mixture spreads easily over the potato layers.
Arrange the potato slices in overlapping layers, keeping the thickness as even as possible throughout the skillet.
Use an oven-safe skillet with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution. Cast iron works particularly well for this recipe.
Keep the stovetop heat moderate during the initial cooking stage to prevent the butter and garlic from burning before the potatoes are fully cooked.
Make sure the second skillet used to weigh down the potatoes is also oven-safe, including its handles.
Check the potatoes for doneness by inserting a knife into the center. It should slide through easily without resistance.
Swap thyme for fresh rosemary, or add a little grated Parmesan cheese between the layers for extra flavor.
Allow the potatoes to rest for a few minutes before slicing to help the layers hold together.
Serve warm with roasted chicken, steak, pan-seared fish, or sautéed vegetables.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until thoroughly heated and the edges turn crispy again.