Parmesan Baked Potatoes

Parmesan Baked Potatoes are a perfect combination of crispy, savory, and cheesy goodness that makes them a great side dish for any meal. The red potatoes are tender on the inside and golden on the outside, coated in a rich mixture of melted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. These flavorful potatoes are easy to prepare and will quickly become a family favorite, whether you’re serving them alongside a roast, grilled meats, or just enjoying them on their own. With the added touch of fresh parsley as a garnish, these baked potatoes look as good as they taste, bringing both flavor and color to your plate. The Parmesan adds a depth of umami flavor that perfectly complements the crispy potato skins, making each bite irresistible. With minimal prep time and a quick bake, this is a simple yet delicious recipe that will elevate your potato game.

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Baked Potatoes

These Parmesan Baked Potatoes are everything you want in a side dish: simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth interior of the red potatoes pairs perfectly with the crispy, golden-brown exterior, which is coated in a savory blend of Parmesan, garlic, and herbs. The addition of butter ensures that the potatoes are rich and tender, while the Parmesan adds a savory, slightly nutty flavor that makes them feel indulgent. This recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and holiday feasts, and because it’s so easy to make, it’s sure to become a go-to in your rotation. Not only do these potatoes taste fantastic, but they also look great on the plate, making them a visually appealing addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Medium red potatoes (halved lengthwise)
• Garlic powder
• Dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

Variations

There are many ways to tweak this Parmesan Baked Potatoes recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Cheese Variations: Swap out the Parmesan for other cheeses such as Pecorino Romano, cheddar, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for an extra punch of flavor.
• Add Bacon: For a bacon lover’s twist, sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon on top of the potatoes before serving for added crunch and flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and nutritional yeast as a substitute for Parmesan to make these potatoes vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Parmesan Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash the red potatoes thoroughly and cut them in half lengthwise. If the potatoes are larger, you may want to cut them into quarters for more even cooking.

Step 3: Coat the Potatoes

Place the potato halves on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the melted butter over the potatoes, making sure each half is well-coated. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then, generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over each potato half, pressing gently to help the cheese stick.

Step 4: Bake the Potatoes

Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork. For extra crispiness, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Parmesan Baked Potatoes

• Even Cooking: Make sure the potatoes are cut into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
• Crispiness: For extra crispy potatoes, consider flipping the halves halfway through the baking process.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore some of the crispiness.

How to Serve

Parmesan Baked Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a wide range of main courses. Serve them alongside roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork, or enjoy them with a hearty salad for a lighter meal. They also make a great accompaniment to fish, grilled steaks, or even as a standalone snack. The combination of buttery, cheesy potatoes and fresh herbs is sure to elevate any meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Parmesan Baked Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked potatoes before or after cooking. To freeze before baking, assemble them as instructed and then freeze them on the baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer the potatoes to a freezer-safe bag or container. To bake from frozen, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes. If freezing after baking, place the cooled potatoes in an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat the potatoes, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until crispy. You can also microwave them, but they may not be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use other types of potatoes like russets or Yukon Golds, but red potatoes are particularly good for this recipe because of their waxy texture and thin skin.

2. Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the potatoes in advance and refrigerate them. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use store-bought grated Parmesan?

Yes, store-bought grated Parmesan works, but freshly grated Parmesan will yield the best flavor and texture.

4. How do I make these potatoes spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture for a spicy kick.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! While Parmesan is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Asiago, or Gruyère for a different flavor.

6. How can I ensure the potatoes are crispy?

Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with butter and cheese, and bake them at a high temperature. You can also flip them halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness.

7. Can I bake these potatoes in a casserole dish?

Yes, you can bake them in a casserole dish, but they may not get as crispy as when baked on a baking sheet. You can also try broiling them for a few minutes at the end to get the tops crispy.

8. Can I make these potatoes vegan?

Yes, substitute the butter with dairy-free butter and use a plant-based Parmesan or nutritional yeast to make these potatoes vegan.

9. Can I add other seasonings?

Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. Adding fresh garlic, rosemary, thyme, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can change up the flavor.

10. How do I know when the potatoes are done?

The potatoes are done when they are golden and crispy on the outside, and when you can easily pierce them with a fork. The cheese should also be melted and lightly browned.

Conclusion

Parmesan Baked Potatoes are a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s sure to impress. With a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and buttery goodness, they make an excellent accompaniment to any meal. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or a casual family dinner, these potatoes will quickly become a favorite. Easy to prepare, customizable, and incredibly delicious, Parmesan Baked Potatoes are a side dish that everyone will love.

Related Posts:

• Chicken Lasagna Recipe
• One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
• Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

Print