New York Salt Potato Recipe

Central New York is popular for these boiled spuds made with salt dripping in melted butter, and if you’re a potato lover, this one will be your new favorite way to cook potatoes.

You can normally find them at church feasts, carnival fair booths, where I grew up in Utica, New York.

Local supermarkets in Central NY sell them with premeasured ingredients packaged right inside the sack of mini potatoes.

The crusty salt that covers the potato makes them so delicious, adding a light white dusty coating, and with the combination of salt and dipping in butter, they’re just addictive and fantastic with any meal you’ve prepared.

These are one of the most iconic regional side dishes to grace a picnic table or backyard BBQ in Upstate New York.

Originally a humble meal for Irish salt miners in the 1800s, this dish has since become a Central NY a fun side dish during the summer.

Tender baby potatoes boiled in heavily salted water and slathered in butter, salt potatoes are creamy on the inside and full of briny, buttery flavor.

You can skip the boxed version! This recipe teaches you how to make authentic Syracuse-style salt potatoes from scratch with just two ingredients!.

These creamy spuds are a wonderful addition to any potato lover’s recipe collection. Give these a try with our printable recipe below, and don’t forget leftovers grilled, fried, baked, or mashed are outstanding too.

Salt Potato Kits

Back home in Upstate New York, these potatoes are so popular that they actually sell kits in grocery stores that consist of potatoes and a salt-packed in that kit.

The method is simple, but the ratio of salt to potatoes is different than just boiling them and adding butter with parsley; these results will give you a creamier and they are teeny tiny small potatoes, and usually just takes one bite, skins and all.

Take a look at the recipe and see the ratio of salt, water, and potatoes, and if you are a spuds lover, do not miss trying “salt potatoes” Upstate New York style, my original recipe from Utica, New York.

Again, you will see seasoned salted potatoes that were also done on a grill below, which happen to be my all-time favorite all summer long.

collage how to make salt potatoes dipped in butter

Why Make Central N.Y. Salt Potatoes

Making salt potatoes from scratch is easier than you think and far better than any packaged mix.
Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
Only 2 main ingredients: baby potatoes and salt!
Budget-friendly and naturally gluten-free
Authentic taste that captures the tradition of Central New York
Perfect for BBQs, clam bakes, and family dinners
No preservatives, no additives; just wholesome goodness

Tips and Serving Suggestions

leftovers are perfect for :
hash browns in a frittata
grilled or fan baked
home fries (air fried)
smashed potatoes
potato salad(so don’t worry if you’ve made too much!)
Corn on the cob and baked beans
BBQ ribs, chicken, or pulled pork
Seafood bakes like clams or shrimp boils
Grilled sausages or hot dogs
As a side for roast beef or steak dinners
Alongside fried fish or Friday night fish fries
The potatoes used in this recipe are small baby potatoes or size B
Broil them and add oregano, parsley, and basi,l dried for herb coating

Utica and Central New York Boiled salt potatoes

Grilling Instructions for Leftover Salt Potatoes

Salt potatoes have a uniquely creamy texture thanks to the salted water sealing the potato skin and leftovers are perfect for grilling.

The inside becomes rich and velvety, while the outside develops a thin salty crust. When grilled the outside will because crispy.

Coat a cast-iron skillet with cooking spray oil, add the potatoes whole of cut in half(your choice) then season them with whatever you like.

Heat the pan on the grill to medium heat, add the potatoes and saute until crispy flipping a few times (these can also be done in the air fryer at 400 degrees for around 11 minutes).

Fresh herbs on top are terrific adding some chopped basil, rosemary and thyme, you can also add some red pepper flakes or chili powder on top.

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Made from Scratch Salt Potatoes

There’s nothing quite like homemade Central NY salt potatoes; they’re nostalgic, easy, and full of flavor

Whether you’re from the region or just exploring New York’s culinary heritage, this side dish will become a new family favorite.

No matter what state you live in, you don’t need a fancy bagged mix to enjoy the traditional taste—just good potatoes, quality salt, and real butter.

Next time you’re planning a summer cookout or just craving a salty, satisfying bite, whip up this classic recipe from scratch, and enjoy a true taste of Central New York.

Salt Potatoes, How to make salt potatoes, Central NY salt potatoes recipe, Syracuse salt potatoes from scratch, New York salt potatoes, Buttered salt potatoes, Boiled baby potatoes with salt, Upstate NY recipes,

potato recipes, utica recipes

American

Yield: 8

Author: Claudia Lamascolo