How to Make the 15-Hour TikTok Potatoes
How to Make the 15-Hour TikTok Potatoes is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 353 calories per serving. Recipe by Food52 on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr 10 min | Cook: 3 hrs 5 min | Total: 4 hrs 35 min
Cost: $44.04 total, $7.34 per serving
Ingredients
- 2.5 lb Yukon Gold Potatoes (peeled and sliced thin (about 1/8 inch))
- 0.5 cup Duck Fat (or clarified butter for a slightly milder flavor)
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 qt High‑Smoke‑Point Oil (Canola or Peanut) (for deep‑frying; keep a thermometer handy)
Instructions
Slice the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and run them through a mandoline set to about 1/8‑inch thickness. Collect the slices in a large mixing bowl.
Time: PT10M
Coat with Fat and Salt
Add the duck fat (or clarified butter) and kosher salt to the bowl. Toss gently until every slice is lightly coated.
Time: PT5M
Layer in the Loaf Pan
Arrange the coated slices in the loaf pan, overlapping them slightly to create a compact block. Pack the slices tightly.
Time: PT10M
Weigh Down the Potatoes
Place a second pan or a heavy weight on top of the potatoes to keep them flat while baking.
Time: PT2M
Low‑and‑Slow Bake
Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Bake the weighted potatoes for 3 hours, keeping the temperature steady.
Time: PT3H
Temperature: 250°F
Cool and Chill Overnight
Remove the pan from the oven, let it sit for 5 minutes, then cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (overnight).
Time: PT5M
Slice the Chilled Block
Take the cold potato block out of the fridge and slice it into ½‑inch sticks or wedges.
Time: PT10M
Heat Oil for Frying
Fill the deep‑fryer or pot with the high‑smoke‑point oil and heat to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to monitor.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 375°F
Deep‑Fry the Potatoes
Carefully lower the potato sticks into the hot oil and fry for about 5 minutes, or until golden‑brown and crisp.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 375°F
Drain and Season
Remove the fries with a slotted spoon, drain on a cooling rack or paper towels, and sprinkle with a pinch of extra salt while still hot. Serve immediately.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 353
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Paleo‑friendly (if using duck fat)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Yukon Gold Potatoes: Russet potatoes, Red potatoes
- Instead of Duck Fat: Clarified butter, Ghee, High‑smoke‑point vegetable oil (less flavor)
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of High‑Smoke‑Point Oil (Canola or Peanut): Sunflower oil, Vegetable oil
Equipment Needed
- Mandoline Slicer
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Loaf Pan (9×5 in)
- Oven
- Weight (second pan, brick, or kitchen scale) (optional)
- Refrigerator
- Deep Fryer or Large Pot with Thermometer
- Slotted Spoon or Spider
- Cooling Rack (optional)
- Tongs
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice potatoes uniformly (≈1/8 inch).
- Weigh the potatoes down while baking.
- Chill the baked block overnight.
- Fry at the correct oil temperature (375°F).
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the duck‑fat coating.
- If duck fat is unavailable, use clarified butter for a buttery taste, but expect a slightly lower smoke point.
- After frying, toss the potatoes with fresh herbs (parsley or chives) for a bright finish.
Troubleshooting
Potatoes turn soggy after frying.
Make sure the oil is at 375°F before adding potatoes and avoid overcrowding; soggy potatoes result from oil temperature dropping too low.
The baked block falls apart when slicing.
Slice the potatoes uniformly and press them tightly in the pan; also ensure the weight is applied during baking to create a solid structure.
Slices are uneven and some burn while others stay raw.
Adjust the mandoline to a consistent thickness and slice all potatoes in one pass; uneven slices bake at different rates.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store unfried potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Unfried potatoes can be frozen for up to 1 month; re‑bake and fry after thawing.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; risk of bacterial growth.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The baked potato block can be prepared up to 2 days ahead; keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge.
- Fried potatoes stay crisp for only a few hours; re‑heat leftovers in a hot oven (350°F) for 5‑7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of 15‑Hour TikTok Potatoes in American social media cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of this potato dish in the United States?
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.
How is the authentic traditional way to serve 15‑Hour TikTok Potatoes in American gatherings?
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.
What occasions or celebrations are 15‑Hour TikTok Potatoes traditionally associated with in American culture?
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.
What makes 15‑Hour TikTok Potatoes special or unique in American comfort‑food cuisine?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making 15‑Hour TikTok Potatoes at home?
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.
Why does this recipe use duck fat for the bake instead of regular vegetable oil?
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.
Can I make 15‑Hour TikTok Potatoes ahead of time and how should I store them?
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.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the potatoes are done baking?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Food52 specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel Food52’s approach to American comfort‑food cooking differ from other cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
