The 15‑Hour TikTok Potatoes became a viral trend on TikTok in 2022, showcasing a labor‑intensive but unbelievably tasty side. The method blends classic French‑style confit (slow cooking in fat) with modern deep‑frying, reflecting America’s love for indulgent, share‑worthy comfort food.

While the TikTok version uses duck fat, many home cooks in the Midwest substitute bacon grease or pork lard for a smokier flavor. In the Pacific Northwest, people often add rosemary or thyme during the low‑and‑slow bake.

They are typically served hot, straight from the fryer, sprinkled with flaky sea salt and a side of ketchup, aioli, or a spicy mayo. They often appear as a shareable appetizer at parties or as a side to grilled meats.

Because they are indulgent and visually impressive, they are popular at game‑day parties, backyard barbecues, and holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving when cooks want a show‑stopping potato side.

The combination of a long, low‑temperature bake that infuses the potatoes with duck‑fat richness, followed by a high‑heat fry that creates a crisp exterior, gives a texture contrast rarely found in ordinary fries.

Common errors include slicing the potatoes unevenly, not weighing the block down during baking, skipping the overnight chill, and frying at too low a temperature. Each mistake leads to soggy, uneven, or falling‑apart potatoes.

Duck fat has a higher smoke point than butter and imparts a rich, silky flavor that coats the potatoes during the slow bake. It also helps create a firmer interior that holds together when sliced and fried.

Yes. Bake and chill the potato block overnight in the refrigerator. The unfried potatoes keep for up to 3 days refrigerated. Fry them just before serving for maximum crispness.

After the 3‑hour bake, the potatoes should be soft and pliable, with a pale golden hue from the duck fat. They should hold together as a solid slab that can be sliced without crumbling.

Food52’s YouTube channel focuses on home‑cooking tutorials, seasonal recipes, and technique‑driven videos that blend classic comfort food with modern twists, often highlighting high‑quality ingredients and detailed step‑by‑step guidance.

Food52 emphasizes thorough testing, clear visual cues, and ingredient storytelling, often providing multiple variations and troubleshooting tips. Their style is less about flashy production and more about reliable, repeatable results for home cooks.