Golden, crispy layers of thinly sliced potatoes, baked with a rich infusion of balsamic vinegar and herbs, come together to create this beautifully elegant Crispy Balsamic Potato Torte. It looks like something you’d find in a fine restaurant, but it’s made with humble pantry staples and only a few easy steps.


This dish is all about contrast — crisp edges with creamy centers, savory herbs with sweet balsamic, and a stunning presentation that belies its simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or upgrading your weeknight side dish, this torte is an unforgettable crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Balsamic Potato Torte
- Show-stopping appearance: That golden top layer is guaranteed to impress.
- Deliciously balanced flavor: Sweet tang from balsamic meets earthy herbs.
- Easy to prepare ahead: Make it in advance and reheat perfectly.
- Naturally gluten-free: Great for guests with dietary preferences.
What Kind of Potatoes Work Best?
For best results, use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Yukon Golds offer a creamy interior and hold their shape well. Russets crisp up beautifully and provide those ultra-golden edges. Just be sure to slice them evenly and thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife.
Ingredients for the Crispy Balsamic Potato Torte
To build a dish with depth and elegance, every ingredient plays a starring role:
- Yukon Gold or Russet Potatoes – The foundation of this torte; they offer the perfect blend of crispness and tenderness.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Adds a rich, sweet acidity that caramelizes during baking.
- Butter – For golden, indulgent layers and essential crisping.
- Olive Oil – Balances the butter and helps the potatoes roast evenly.
- Garlic – Brings a warm, aromatic bite.
- Fresh Thyme – Earthy herb that enhances the flavor complexity.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing each bite.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional) – Adds a nutty, salty kick if you’re feeling cheesy.
How To Make the Crispy Balsamic Potato Torte
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Potatoes
Peel and slice the potatoes very thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife. The thinner, the better for those crisp edges.
Step 2: Infuse the Butter
In a small saucepan, melt butter with olive oil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and thyme. Let the mixture simmer briefly so the flavors marry.
Step 3: Layer the Torte
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Brush a round baking dish or cast-iron skillet with the infused butter. Start layering the potato slices in overlapping circles. Between layers, drizzle with the butter mixture, sprinkle salt, pepper, and optional Parmesan.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until the top is crisp and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with extra thyme sprigs and a light sprinkle of sea salt before slicing into wedges.

Serving and Storing This Potato Torte
This Crispy Balsamic Potato Torte feeds 6–8 people as a side. It’s ideal for Sunday dinners, special holidays, or adding flair to a simple weeknight meal.
To store, cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to revive the crispness.
What to Serve With Crispy Balsamic Potato Torte?
🥩 Garlic Butter Steak
The richness of a juicy steak complements the balsamic notes beautifully.
🍗 Parmesan Crusted Chicken
A crispy chicken dish is a texture match made in heaven.
🥬 Sautéed Greens
Think Swiss chard or spinach to lighten things up and add a pop of color.
🐟 Baked Salmon
The acidity from the torte pairs well with the fatty richness of salmon.
🥣 Creamy Mushroom Soup
Earthy, velvety soups mirror the savory depth of the potato dish.
🥗 Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Herbs
The citrusy lift balances the richness — try our Avocado Egg and Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Herbs.
🍔 Cheeseburger Bombs
Make it playful with our Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs.
Want More Potato Ideas?
If you love this Crispy Balsamic Potato Torte, these other comforting favorites will hit the spot:
- Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes for a classic indulgence.
- Duchess Potatoes: A Crispy Buttery Delight for fancy dinner plating.
- Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole for hearty family-style comfort.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts to pair with your potato creations.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need an elegant but easy side dish.
Did you try it with Parmesan or skip it for a dairy-free twist? How thin did you go on your potato slices? Let me know in the comments — I always love hearing how you make it your own.
Explore more savory bakes and veggie-forward recipes on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest!
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🥔 Crispy Balsamic Potato Torte
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Elevate your dinner table with this Crispy Balsamic Potato Torte — a dish that looks gourmet but is refreshingly simple to make. Thinly sliced layers of potatoes are brushed with a balsamic-garlic herb butter, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme. This savory, crispy-on-the-outside and tender-inside masterpiece is perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy family meals. It’s gluten-free, made with whole ingredients, and pairs beautifully with meats, greens, or even soups. Whether you’re seeking new dinner ideas, a side dish with flair, or quick comfort food, this easy recipe has you covered.
Ingredients
900g Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter with olive oil. Add garlic, balsamic vinegar, and thyme. Simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a cast-iron skillet or baking dish with the infused butter mixture.
4. Layer the potato slices in overlapping circles, brushing each layer with the butter mixture. Season each layer with salt, pepper, and Parmesan (if using).
5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
7. Rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra thyme and sea salt.
Notes
Use a mandoline for uniform thin slices — this helps achieve that restaurant-quality crispness.
For a dairy-free version, skip the Parmesan and use all olive oil in place of butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: potato recipe, crispy torte, balsamic potatoes, easy side dish, elegant potato bake