How to Make the 15-Hour Potato
How to Make the 15-Hour Potato is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 560 calories per serving. Recipe by Rachael Ray Show on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 3 hrs 16 min | Total: 4 hrs 21 min
Cost: $13.80 total, $2.30 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Russet Potatoes (starchy potatoes, peeled and sliced thin)
- 200 g Beef Tallow (melted; can use beef dripping from the butcher or specialty store)
- 1 handful Kosher Salt (generous seasoning for the potatoes before baking)
- 2 sheets Parchment Paper (to line the loaf pan and cover the top)
- 2 L Neutral Vegetable Oil (for deep‑frying; any plain oil with high smoke point)
- to taste Flaky Kosher Salt (for finishing after frying)
Instructions
Peel the Potatoes
Using a vegetable peeler, remove the skins from all 1.5 kg of russet potatoes.
Time: PT10M
Slice Thinly
Slice the potatoes as thin as a chip (about 1 mm) using a mandolin with the guard on, or a sharp knife if you don’t have a mandolin.
Time: PT15M
Melt Beef Tallow
Place 200 g beef tallow in a saucepan over medium heat and melt until fully liquid.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Coat Potatoes with Tallow and Salt
Transfer the sliced potatoes to a large mixing bowl, pour the melted tallow over them, add a generous handful of kosher salt, and toss with your hands until every slice is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the Loaf Pan
Line a 2‑lb loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for later removal.
Time: PT2M
Layer the Potatoes
Arrange the coated potato slices in the pan, overlapping them tightly in a single layer until the pan is full.
Time: PT5M
Cover and Press
Place another sheet of parchment on top, press down gently to flatten, and fold the overhanging parchment to seal the surface.
Time: PT2M
Bake Low and Slow
Put the pan in a pre‑heated oven at 270 °F and bake for 3 hours until the potatoes are fully cooked through.
Time: PT3H
Temperature: 270°F
Cool Under Weight
Remove the pan, place heavy tins or canned goods on top of the parchment‑covered slab, and refrigerate for 12 hours (or overnight) to set the layers.
Time: PT12H
Preheat Oil for Frying
Fill a deep fryer or large pot with neutral vegetable oil, heat to 375 °F using a thermometer.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 375°F
Deep‑Fry the Potato Slab
Carefully lower the chilled potato slab into the hot oil and fry for about 1 minute, turning as needed, until golden and super‑crispy on all sides.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: 375°F
Drain and Finish
Lift the fried slab onto paper towels to drain excess oil, then sprinkle with flaky kosher salt to taste. Slice into 1‑inch thick pieces and serve.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 560
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 60 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Allergens: Beef (animal fat)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Russet Potatoes: Idaho potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes
- Instead of Beef Tallow: Clarified butter (ghee), vegetable oil for coating (less flavor)
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt, flaky finishing salt
- Instead of Parchment Paper: Greased foil
- Instead of Neutral Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil
- Instead of Flaky Kosher Salt: Sea salt flakes
Equipment Needed
- Mandolin Slicer
- Chef's Knife
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
- 2‑lb Loaf Pan
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Heavy Tins or Weights
- Deep Fryer or Large Pot
- Thermometer
- Paper Towels
- Kitchen Tongs
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice potatoes uniformly as thin as a chip.
- Coat every slice thoroughly with melted beef tallow and generous salt.
- Bake at a low 270 °F for the full 3 hours.
- Press the slab with weight and chill for 12 hours before frying.
- Fry at exactly 375 °F for only about a minute to achieve crispness without burning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the tallow before coating.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the beef tallow with clarified butter.
- Use a kitchen scale to measure potatoes for consistent results.
Troubleshooting
Potato slices are uneven and some are thick.
Adjust the mandolin to the thinnest setting and use the guard; if using a knife, slice slowly and keep the slices uniform.
The slab falls apart when cutting after frying.
Make sure the slab was pressed firmly and chilled for the full 12 hours; a firm weight helps the layers bind.
Fried potatoes are soggy instead of crispy.
Confirm the oil temperature is at 375 °F before adding the slab and avoid overcrowding; fry only until golden, about 1 minute.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture degrades after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not keep at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to food safety.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The baked and chilled slab can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance; just keep it refrigerated under weight.
- Fry the slab right before serving for optimal crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the 15‑Hour Potato in American TikTok food culture?
The 15‑Hour Potato became a viral sensation on TikTok in 2022, showcasing the internet’s love for ultra‑crispy, indulgent comfort foods. It reflects the American trend of taking simple ingredients like potatoes and turning them into show‑stopping dishes through low‑and‑slow cooking and dramatic finishing techniques.
What regional variations of the 15‑Hour Potato exist within United States cuisine?
While the original uses beef tallow, some Southern cooks swap it for pork lard for a richer flavor, and West Coast vegans replace the animal fat with avocado oil and add smoked sea salt. The core concept—thinly sliced potatoes baked, chilled, then fried—remains the same.
How is the 15‑Hour Potato traditionally served in American households?
It is typically sliced into 1‑inch thick slabs and served hot as a side to grilled meats, chicken, or on its own as a snack. A final sprinkle of flaky kosher salt adds a finishing touch, and it’s often paired with ketchup, aioli, or a simple herb dip.
During what occasions or celebrations is the 15‑Hour Potato commonly enjoyed in the United States?
Because it’s a crowd‑pleasing, indulgent side, it shows up at backyard barbecues, game‑day parties, and casual dinner gatherings. Its dramatic preparation also makes it a fun feature for food‑focused livestreams and TikTok challenges.
What makes the 15‑Hour Potato special or unique in American comfort‑food cuisine?
The combination of low‑temperature baking, an overnight chill under weight, and a final high‑heat fry creates a texture contrast—soft, buttery interior with an ultra‑crisp exterior—that few other potato dishes achieve.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the 15‑Hour Potato?
Common errors include slicing the potatoes too thick, not coating them evenly with tallow, skipping the 12‑hour chill under weight, and frying at the wrong oil temperature. Each mistake leads to uneven cooking or a soggy final product.
Why does this 15‑Hour Potato recipe use beef tallow instead of regular vegetable oil for the coating?
Beef tallow has a high smoke point and imparts a rich, beefy flavor that plain oil cannot provide. It also creates a firmer crust during the low‑heat bake, which helps the slab hold together before the final fry.
Can I make the 15‑Hour Potato ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. After baking, press the slab with weight and refrigerate for at least 12 hours. Keep it covered with parchment and store in an airtight container. Fry it just before serving for maximum crispness.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the 15‑Hour Potato is done baking?
The baked slab should be uniformly pale golden, soft to the touch, and fully cooked through—no raw potato centers. It will look slightly translucent and should hold together when lifted with the parchment.
What does the YouTube channel Rachael Ray Show specialize in?
The YouTube channel Rachael Ray Show focuses on quick, approachable home cooking, featuring a mix of classic comfort foods, seasonal recipes, and viewer‑requested viral trends presented in a lively, kitchen‑friendly format.
How does the YouTube channel Rachael Ray Show's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Rachael Ray emphasizes simplicity, using everyday pantry staples and minimal equipment, while injecting personality and humor. Compared to more technique‑heavy channels, she prioritizes speed and accessibility, making viral trends like the 15‑Hour Potato feel doable for home cooks.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
