Nashville-Style Hot Potatoes: A Spicy, Crispy Delight

When you think of Nashville, you might picture hot chicken, live music, and Southern charm. But there’s another spicy treat you need to try—Nashville-Style Hot Potatoes. These crispy, golden slices of potato, drenched in a fiery oil-based spice blend, bring the bold flavors of Nashville hot cuisine to your plate.

If you’re craving something crunchy, spicy, and full of flavor, this recipe is for you. Let’s dive into how you can make this irresistible dish at home.

Why You’ll Love Nashville-Style Hot Potatoes

These potatoes combine the best of two worlds: the crispy texture of fried potatoes and the mouthwatering spice of Nashville hot seasoning. They’re perfect as a snack, side dish, or even the star of your meal. Plus, you can customize the heat level to suit your taste, making this a versatile dish everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients for Nashville-Style Hot Potatoes

Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare these spicy potatoes:

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation
Buttermilk	2 cups	No preparation needed
Russet Potatoes	3-4 medium	Sliced ¼-inch thick
Hot Sauce	1 tsp	No preparation needed
Fresh Thyme Leaves	2 tsp	No preparation needed
Kosher Salt	1 tsp	Divided
Black Pepper	1 tsp	Divided
Mustard Powder	1 tsp	No preparation needed
Granulated Garlic	2 tsp	No preparation needed
Granulated Onion	2 tsp	No preparation needed
Paprika	2 tsp	Divided
Dried Oregano	½ tsp	No preparation needed
Ground Thyme	¼ tsp	No preparation needed
All-Purpose Flour	2 cups	No preparation needed
Vegetable Oil	For frying	No preparation needed
Cayenne Pepper	3 Tbsp	No preparation needed
Light Brown Sugar	1 Tbsp	No preparation needed
Chili Powder	½ tsp	No preparation needed
Garlic Powder	½ tsp	No preparation needed

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Value
Calories	300
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	15g
Sodium	650mg
Fiber	3g

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nashville-Style Hot Potatoes

1. Prepare the Buttermilk Marinade

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of hot sauce, 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of mustard powder, 2 teaspoons of granulated garlic, 2 teaspoons of granulated onion, and 1 teaspoon of paprika.
• Add the sliced potatoes to the bowl and mix well to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

2. Make the Dredging Mixture

• In another bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
• For an extra crunchy texture, stir in 3 tablespoons of buttermilk to create small clumps in the flour mixture.

3. Coat the Potatoes

• Remove the potatoes from the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off.
• Dredge each potato slice in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
• Place the coated slices on a baking sheet and let them air dry for about 10 minutes.

4. Fry the Potatoes

• Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 365°F.
• Fry the potatoes in batches, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes per batch or until golden brown and crispy.
• Transfer the fried potatoes to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels. Keep them warm in a 200°F oven while you fry the remaining batches.

5. Make the Nashville Hot Sauce

• In a heatproof bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of paprika.
• Carefully add ¾ cup of the hot frying oil to the spice mixture, whisking until smooth.

6. Coat the Potatoes

• Drizzle or brush the hot sauce mixture over the fried potatoes, ensuring each slice is well-coated.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the Nashville-style hot potatoes immediately. Garnish with additional thyme leaves or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flair.

Serving Suggestions for Nashville-Style Hot Potatoes

Nashville-style hot potatoes are versatile and pair well with many dishes:

1. As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside fried chicken, burgers, or barbecue ribs.
2. As an Appetizer: Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
3. In a Platter: Combine with coleslaw, pickles, and cornbread for a Southern-inspired spread.
4. For Game Day: These potatoes make the perfect snack for a crowd.

Tips for Perfect Nashville-Style Hot Potatoes

1. Use Russet Potatoes: Their starchy texture creates the crispiest results.
2. Slice Evenly: Aim for uniform ¼-inch slices for even cooking.
3. Don’t Skip the Marinade: The buttermilk mixture adds flavor and tenderizes the potatoes.
4. Fry in Batches: Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy potatoes.
5. Adjust the Heat: Add more or less cayenne pepper to the spice mix depending on your heat tolerance.

Creative Variations of Nashville-Style Hot Potatoes

1. Sweet and Spicy Potatoes

Use sweet potatoes instead of Russets for a unique flavor twist.

2. Extra Crispy Potatoes

Double-dip the slices in the buttermilk marinade and flour mixture for an ultra-crunchy coating.

3. Vegan Hot Potatoes

Replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a splash of vinegar for a plant-based alternative.

4. Loaded Hot Potatoes

Top with shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and sour cream for a loaded potato experience.

5. Nashville Hot Fries

Cut the potatoes into thin strips and follow the same process to create spicy fries.

How to Store and Reheat Nashville-Style Hot Potatoes

1. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
3. Freezing: Freeze uncooked dredged potato slices on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Fry directly from frozen when ready.

FAQs About Nashville-Style Hot Potatoes

1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F on a greased baking sheet, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

2. How spicy are these potatoes?
The spice level is adjustable. Reduce cayenne pepper for milder heat or add extra for a fiery kick.

3. Can I use a different oil for frying?
Yes, peanut oil or canola oil work well for frying.

4. What’s the best way to ensure crispy potatoes?
Let the dredged potatoes air dry before frying and maintain a consistent oil temperature.

5. Can I make the spice mix ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store the dry spice mix in an airtight container for up to a month.

6. Are Nashville-style hot potatoes gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Why Nashville-Style Hot Potatoes Are Worth Trying

Nashville-style hot potatoes bring the heat and crunch you didn’t know you needed. They’re bold, flavorful, and easy to customize, making them perfect for any occasion. Plus, their versatility ensures they’ll become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Conclusion: Bring the Heat with Nashville-Style Hot Potatoes

If you’re ready to spice up your potato game, Nashville-Style Hot Potatoes are the way to go. Their crispy texture and bold seasoning make them an unforgettable dish that’s sure to impress.

Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy the fiery goodness of these Nashville-inspired potatoes today!

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