Crispy Balsamic Thyme Potato Torte
Crispy Balsamic Thyme Potato Torte is a stunning yet simple potato dish that combines thinly sliced potatoes with rich olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, and fragrant fresh thyme. Baked until golden and crisp on the outside while tender and layered on the inside, this torte makes an impressive side dish for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy family meals. Despite its elegant appearance, it requires just a handful of ingredients and very little hands-on effort.
The magic of this dish lies in its layering. As the potatoes bake, they absorb the balsamic and garlic-infused oil, creating deep flavor throughout every slice. The top becomes beautifully crisp, while the interior stays soft and creamy. It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy on the table but feels comforting with every bite.
Ingredients
1.2 kg potatoes (Yukon gold or white potatoes)
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, finely grated
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a round cake pan, springform pan, or oven-safe skillet with olive oil to prevent sticking and help the potatoes crisp.
Wash the potatoes thoroughly and peel them if desired. Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, slice the potatoes very thin, about 2–3 mm thick. Thin, even slices are key to achieving a tender interior and uniform cooking.
Place the sliced potatoes in a large mixing bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, grated garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and salt. Pour this mixture over the potatoes and gently toss until all the slices are evenly coated.
Arrange the potatoes in the prepared pan, layering them tightly in overlapping circles. Press down gently as you build the layers to create a compact torte. Once all the potatoes are in the pan, drizzle any remaining oil mixture over the top.
Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften and absorb the flavors. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and return the pan to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 30–35 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden and crisp.
Remove the torte from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Crispy Balsamic Thyme Potato Torte as a side dish alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad for a vegetarian meal. Garnish with extra thyme leaves or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving for a finishing touch.
Elegant, crispy, and full of flavor, this potato torte is guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any meal. 🌿🥔