Sliced Baked Potatoes – Longhorn Steakhouse Copycat Recipe

Sliced baked potatoes are a comfort food classic that perfectly combine crispy golden edges with soft, fluffy centers. This dish is famous at Longhorn Steakhouse, where guests love its rich flavors, buttery texture, and irresistible cheese topping. The great news is that you can recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps. Whether you want to serve it as a side dish for steak, chicken, or fish, or make it the star of your dinner table, these potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit.

In this article, we will explore the origins of sliced baked potatoes, break down the step-by-step recipe, cover helpful preparation tips, share delicious variations, and answer the most common questions home cooks have about this dish. By the end, you will have everything you need to master this Longhorn Steakhouse copycat recipe and make it part of your own family’s dinner rotation.

What Are Sliced Baked Potatoes?

Sliced baked potatoes are made by thinly slicing russet potatoes, layering them with butter, cheese, and seasonings, and then baking them until tender inside and crispy on top. Unlike mashed potatoes or roasted potato wedges, this dish brings together the best of both worlds: a creamy interior paired with a crisp golden crust. At Longhorn Steakhouse, the dish is typically served hot, bubbling with melted cheese and topped with fresh herbs.

This recipe is similar in concept to scalloped potatoes or au gratin potatoes, but it has its own unique twist. Instead of a heavy cream sauce, these potatoes rely more on butter, seasonings, and cheese for flavor, which makes the dish lighter yet still decadent.

Ingredients for Sliced Baked Potatoes

To make this Longhorn-inspired dish at home, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• ½ cup sour cream (for serving)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped

Ingredient Notes

Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal because of their fluffy interiors and ability to crisp on the outside. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well if you prefer a slightly creamier texture.

Butter: Melted butter coats the slices, helping them bake evenly and achieve that golden finish.

Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika give depth of flavor. You can adjust the spices to your taste.

Cheese: Cheddar is the traditional choice, but mixing in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack adds delicious variety.

Chives: Fresh herbs add brightness and a pop of color to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skins on for extra flavor and texture. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the potatoes into thin rounds, about ¼-inch thick.

Step 2: Season the Slices

In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3: Arrange in Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Layer the seasoned potato slices in the dish, slightly overlapping them like shingles on a roof. This ensures even baking and a beautiful presentation.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the first layer of potatoes, then add another layer of slices on top. Finish with the remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions. Serve warm with sour cream on the side.

Variations of Sliced Baked Potatoes

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some creative variations you can try:

• Bacon and Cheddar: Sprinkle cooked bacon bits between the layers for a smoky, savory kick.
• Tex-Mex Style: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a drizzle of salsa for a spicy twist.
• Creamy Version: Pour a mixture of heavy cream and parmesan cheese between the layers for a scalloped potato effect.
• Garlic Parmesan: Swap cheddar cheese for freshly grated parmesan and add extra garlic for an Italian-inspired version.
• Loaded Potato Style: Top with sour cream, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and green onions just before serving.

What to Serve with Sliced Baked Potatoes

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Some of the best pairings include:

• Grilled steak or ribeye for a classic steakhouse experience
• Roasted or grilled chicken
• Baked salmon or grilled fish
• Pork chops with gravy
• Vegetarian meals such as sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables

It can also be enjoyed on its own as a hearty snack or light meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, allow the potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the potatoes soggy.

To freeze, assemble the dish without baking, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Tips for Success

• Slice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
• Do not skip the butter—it helps the potatoes crisp and prevents sticking.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for the best melt and flavor.
• Resting the dish after baking allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
• For extra crispiness, broil the top for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make sliced baked potatoes ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I need to peel the potatoes? No, leaving the skin on adds flavor and nutrients, but you can peel them if you prefer.

What type of cheese works best? Cheddar is the most popular choice, but you can experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or fontina for different flavors.

Can I make this dish healthier? Yes, you can reduce the butter, use part-skim cheese, or add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers between the potato layers.

How do I get extra crispy edges? Arrange the potato slices in a single layer around the edges of the dish and brush them with extra butter before baking.

Final Thoughts

Sliced baked potatoes are a comforting, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen. This Longhorn Steakhouse-inspired recipe is simple to prepare, requires just a handful of ingredients, and delivers delicious results every time. Whether you enjoy it as a side for steak and chicken, or serve it as a satisfying main dish, it is sure to become a family favorite. Try the variations, pair it with your favorite mains, and enjoy the timeless combination of crispy, cheesy, buttery potatoes hot out of the oven.