The potato on a stick, also commonly known as the potato skewer, is a popular food item consisting of a whole potato that has been skewered onto a wooden stick before being cooked over an open flame or baked in an oven. While versions of the potato skewer likely originated centuries ago out of necessity, it has evolved into a beloved snack and street food item found all over the world.
Origins and History
There is no definitive history on the origins of the potato skewer, but many food historians believe it likely first emerged centuries ago as a way for impoverished people and travelers to easily cook potatoes over an open fire. With few resources for pots and pans, skewering potatoes onto sticks allowed them to be held over a flame or embers to be roasted. This method was a simple, low-cost way to cook and eat a nutritious vegetable.
Archaeological evidence shows that ancient Peruvians were eating potatoes as early as 750 BC. As the vegetable spread to other regions like Europe in the 16th century, it’s likely that cooking potatoes on sticks over an open fire became a common practice, especially among the lower classes who did not have access to more sophisticated cooking equipment. This trend would have continued through the centuries.
By the 19th and 20th centuries, versions of the potato skewer became popular fair and street foods, though they went by different regional names. They were sold by vendors at markets, fairs, and public events as an easy food to eat by hand while walking around. Over time, seasonings and sauces were added to give more flavor. Now the potato skewer is found all over the world as a classic street food.
Regional Versions and Names
Though the basic concept is the same, the seasoned and cooked potato on a stick goes by different colloquial names depending on the country and region:
- United States – potato on a stick, baked potato on a stick
- United Kingdom – jacket potato
- Australia – potato scallop, potato cake
- New Zealand – potato fritter
- Canada – pontoon, Western pontoon
- South Africa – slap chip, slap tattie
- Netherlands – vlaamse braadworst
- Germany – kartoffelwurst
These different versions can vary in terms of the type of potato used, seasonings and sauces added, and cooking methods. But they all employ the use of skewering the potato to cook and eat it by hand portably.
Cooking Methods
There are two main methods used to cook a potato on a stick:
Over an Open Flame
This traditional technique involves skewering a washed, whole potato onto a wooden stick or long metal skewer. The skewer with the potato is then held over hot coals, an open campfire, or gas flame, slowly rotating to cook the potato evenly on all sides. This method gives the potato a rustic, charred exterior while the interior becomes fluffy and tender when fully cooked through.
Baked in an Oven
A more modern approach is to skewer the potato and then bake it in the oven, either at home or in high-volume food service operations. The potato can be brushed with oil or other seasonings before baking. This results in a potato that is creamy and soft inside with a crispy, browned exterior.
Oven baking can also accommodate larger batches of skewered potatoes at once. The oven method lends itself well to adding seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and more to add lots of flavor.
Serving Styles
Beyond the cooking method, potato skewers can then be served in different styles:
Plain
This simple preparation involves a potato roasted or baked on a skewer without any additional seasonings or toppings. The potato by itself can make for a tasty, comforting snack.
Seasoned
Adding a spice rub before cooking gives the potato lots of extra flavor. Popular seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, curry powder, barbecue seasoning, lemon pepper, and more.
Loaded
Loaded potato skewers take inspiration from loaded baked potatoes. After cooking, the potato is topped with butter, cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, chives, broccoli, ranch dressing, and any other favorite loaded potato toppings.
With Sauces
For extra moisture and flavor, cooked potato skewers can be served with sauces for dipping or drizzling. Options like ketchup, hot sauce, ranch dressing, cheese sauce, barbecue sauce, and spicy mayo complement the potatoes nicely.
Potatoes to Use
The most common types of potatoes used for skewers include:
Russet
The large, starchy russet makes an ideal skewer potato. It holds up well on a stick and becomes light and fluffy inside when cooked. Russets are readily available in most grocery stores.
Yukon Gold
Yukon gold potatoes are perfect for skewers thanks to their buttery flavor and moderate starch content. They get tender and creamy when cooked but maintain their shape without falling apart.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes add vibrant color to skewers and turn extra sweet and tasty when roasted. The dense, starchy texture holds up well for skewering. Choose smaller sweet potatoes for easier piercing.
Baby Potatoes
Cute miniature potatoes like baby reds or other specialty varieties can be skewered whole for appetizer-sized portions. Their tiny size cooks quickly while retaining a firm bite.
Making Potato Skewers
Making your own potato skewers at home is simple. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
- Potatoes, washed and dried
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes if not using metal
- Oil, seasoning, sauces, and toppings of choice
Instructions
- Cut a small slit into each potato, being careful not to cut all the way through. Insert the skewer through the slit opening.
- Brush potatoes with oil or dry seasonings if desired. For oven baking, line a baking sheet with foil.
- To flame roast: Hold the skewered potatoes over hot coals, rotating frequently for even cooking until tender, about 20 minutes.
- To oven bake: Place skewers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 40-60 minutes until tender.
- Once cooked, serve potatoes plain, seasoned, loaded, or with sauces.
Tips for the Best Potato Skewers
Follow these tips for potato skewer success:
- Choose potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes.
- Cut a slit deep enough for the skewer to pierce through but not all the way through.
- Soak wooden skewers before using to prevent burning.
- Cook over indirect heat, turning frequently for even cooking.
- Use two parallel skewers to keep loose potatoes from spinning.
- Season just before cooking so flavors really permeate the potatoes.
- Cook until potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add sauces and toppings just after cooking while potatoes are still hot.
Popular Flavor Combinations
Experiment with fun seasonings and toppings using these tasty combinations:
| Flavor Profile | Seasonings | Toppings |
|---|---|---|
| BBQ | Brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic and onion powder | Shredded cheese, bacon, barbecue sauce |
| Spicy Southwest | Cumin, chili powder, cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic powder | Melted pepper jack, pico de gallo, guacamole |
| Greek | Lemon pepper, dried oregano, garlic powder | Feta cheese, tzatziki, gyro meat |
| Buffalo Ranch | Garlic powder, dried parsley | Buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese crumbles |
| Pizza | Oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder | Shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, pizza sauce |
| Sweet Cinnamon Sugar | Cinnamon, brown sugar | Butter, maple syrup |
Buying Potato Skewers from Vendors
Beyond making them at home, potato skewers can also be purchased ready to eat from various food vendors and establishments:
Fairs and Carnivals
Roasted potato skewers are staple treats at outdoor fairs, festivals, and carnivals. They make for an easy walking snack while enjoying all the sights and activities.
Street Food Carts
In cities around the world, street food carts sell versions of the potato skewer quickly cooked over an open flame. They’re a popular on-the-go meal.
Food Trucks
Gourmet food trucks often offer loaded baked potato skewers with fun flavored seasonings and toppings. Follow food trucks on social media to find their locations.
Restaurants
Some family friendly restaurants have baked potato skewers on their appetizer menus, served with choices of dipping sauces.
Grocery Store Hot Bars
Self-serve hot bars at many grocery stores and supermarkets will have potato skewers among their prepared foods. They make for a quick hot meal to go.
Nutrition
Potato skewers can make for a tasty snack or light meal. Here is some of their nutrition information:
- One medium baked potato without toppings contains about 160 calories.
- Potatoes offer high levels of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and fiber.
- The potato’s skin contains the highest concentration of nutrients.
- Seasonings like garlic and chili powder provide additional antioxidants and health benefits.
- Loading with healthy toppings like broccoli, cheese, and Greek yogurt adds more vitamins and protein.
Overall, potato skewers can be a wholesome option as long as excessive amounts of less healthy toppings like bacon, butter, and fatty sauces are avoided. Enjoy them in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
Cost Comparison of Buying vs. Making at Home
Here is a cost comparison of buying ready-made potato skewers versus making them at home:
| Buying Potato Skewers | Making at Home |
|---|---|
|
|
Buying pre-made potato skewers can be quick and convenient but is often much more expensive, with skewered potatoes costing several dollars each. Making them at home provides big savings with each skewer costing only around $1 or less. Just be sure to account for the cost of ingredients when budgeting.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
To store leftover cooked potato skewers:
- Allow skewers to cool completely, then remove potatoes from skewers.
- Place potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days.
- To reheat, place in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes until hot.
- Microwaving is not recommended as it makes the texture soggy.
- Reheated potatoes are best served with fresh toppings and sauces.
Store any extra uncooked skewered potatoes in a sealed bag in the refrigerator up to 3 days before cooking. Soaking the wooden skewers in water first helps prevent them drying out.
Food Safety Tips
Follow these tips when making and serving potato skewers:
- Wash potatoes thoroughly and skewer only unbruised, firm potatoes.
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw potatoes vs. cooked to avoid cross-contamination.
- Cook potatoes thoroughly until a fork inserts easily into the center.
- Do not leave cooked potatoes or toppings sitting out for more than 2 hours.
- Refrigerate all leftovers within 1 hour and reheat fully when ready to eat.
- Discard any potatoes that smell or look bad.
Common Questions
Can you use sweet potatoes for skewers?
Yes, sweet potatoes make delicious skewers. Choose smaller, firm sweet potatoes and skewer through the thicker middle section. Brush with oil and seasonings before cooking until tender.
How long do potato skewers take to cook?
Over an open flame, allow about 15-20 minutes rotating frequently. In a 425°F oven, bake for 40-60 minutes depending on size until fork tender.
How do you keep potatoes from spinning on the skewer?
Use two parallel skewers per potato, or make a second slit to form a cross shape before skewering to help hold the potato securely in place.
What is the best way to reheat leftover potato skewers?
For the best texture and flavor, reheat leftover cooked potatoes in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes until hot. Microwaving makes the texture soggy.
Can you eat the potato skin?
Yes, the skin of the roasted or baked potato is edible and contains beneficial fiber and nutrients. Thoroughly washing the potatoes helps remove any dirt or bacteria.
Conclusion
From its rustic beginnings centuries ago to modern fairground favorite, the beloved potato on a stick has come a long way while remaining a delicious, portable finger food. Whether you seek out seasoned, loaded skewers from food vendors or make simple homemade versions, potatoes cooked on skewers are the perfect hearty snack or light meal. Just be sure to use fresh ingredients and proper food safety practices. With so many seasoning possibilities, the opportunities for flavorful potato skewers are endless.