If you’re craving something irresistibly crispy, cheesy, and comforting, Parmesan Baked Potatoes are about to become your new go-to side dish. Each bite offers the perfect harmony of golden Parmesan crust, fluffy potato interior, and just the right hint of savory seasonings. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or jazzing up a weekend get-together, these potatoes are as easy as they are crowd-pleasing. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Parmesan Baked Potatoes is in their simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples come together to create pure potato magic. Every ingredient plays a key role, from the buttery base to the pop of fresh parsley at the end.
- Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture crisps up beautifully, making them ideal for this recipe.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter coats the pan and the potatoes, helping the Parmesan crust form and adding rich flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan is the star—its salty, nutty flavor creates that golden, crispy bottom we all crave.
- Garlic powder: A little goes a long way in adding depth and warmth to every bite.
- Onion powder: Onion powder boosts savory notes and pairs perfectly with Parmesan.
- Paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness and a lovely hint of color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t skip or skimp!
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top brings brightness and a pop of green.
How to Make Parmesan Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C)—the perfect temperature for potatoes that are tender inside and crisp outside. Pour the melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish and tilt the pan so the butter coats the entire bottom evenly. This buttery layer is what helps the Parmesan stick and creates that crave-worthy golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Parmesan Coating
In a small bowl, combine your grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed. This combination is the secret to the bold, savory flavor and the gorgeous crispy layer that defines Parmesan Baked Potatoes.
Step 3: Layer the Cheese Mixture
Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Make sure the cheese and spices cover every inch—this ensures each potato half gets its fair share of cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Arrange the Potatoes
Place the potato halves cut-side down directly onto the Parmesan mixture. Press them gently so the cut sides make full contact with the cheese and butter. This is the step where the magic happens: as they bake, the Parmesan coating turns irresistibly crisp and golden.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the cheese underneath will transform into a golden, crispy crust. The aroma will be hard to resist, but let them cool for a few minutes before serving so the crust can set.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Gently lift each potato half from the pan with a spatula, making sure to scoop up that glorious Parmesan crust. Arrange them on a platter and, if you like, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
How to Serve Parmesan Baked Potatoes
Garnishes
A shower of chopped parsley adds freshness and color, but you can get creative! Try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a touch of smoked paprika, or even a dollop of sour cream or ranch for dipping. Each garnish brings its own personality to the table, letting you make these potatoes your own.
Side Dishes
Parmesan Baked Potatoes pair beautifully with just about anything. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They’re also fantastic with lighter mains like salads or soups, where their crispy, cheesy texture really shines.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Stack the potatoes in a spiral on a serving dish, or arrange them in a rustic cast iron skillet for a farmhouse feel. For appetizer hour, cut each half into quarters and serve with toothpicks and a trio of dipping sauces—think garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or classic ranch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Parmesan Baked Potatoes (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The crispy bottoms may soften a bit, but the flavor stays absolutely delicious.
Freezing
While you can freeze these potatoes, keep in mind that the texture of the cheese crust might change after thawing. If you do want to freeze them, let the potatoes cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month.
Reheating
To recapture that signature crispiness, reheat leftovers in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes, cut-side down on a baking sheet. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make the potatoes soggy rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! Yukon gold potatoes work wonderfully for a creamier texture, and even red potatoes can be used. Just keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly depending on the size and type.
Is it possible to make Parmesan Baked Potatoes vegan?
You can try substituting the butter for a plant-based alternative and use vegan Parmesan—there are some great store-bought options available. The flavor and texture will be a little different, but still tasty!
How do I ensure the cheese gets crispy?
Make sure your oven is fully preheated, and don’t skimp on pressing the potatoes firmly into the Parmesan mixture. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan—each potato needs enough space for the cheese to crisp up, not steam.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
You can mix the Parmesan coating and halve the potatoes a few hours in advance. When ready to bake, just assemble everything in the dish and pop it into the oven. They’re best served fresh but still delicious if made ahead.
What’s the best way to serve Parmesan Baked Potatoes at a party?
Cut each potato half into bite-sized pieces and serve on a platter with toothpicks and a selection of dips. They’re a guaranteed hit as a finger food, and look impressive with that golden Parmesan crust on display!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing side that brings comfort and a little wow-factor to the table, you truly can’t beat Parmesan Baked Potatoes. Give them a try—they might just become the star of your next meal!
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Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Parmesan Baked Potatoes are a crispy, cheesy side dish featuring tender russet potato halves baked to golden perfection with a flavorful Parmesan and spice coating. This easy and delicious recipe offers a satisfying blend of rich butter and sharp cheese, seasoned with garlic, onion, and paprika for an irresistible taste. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these potatoes are sure to become a favorite staple.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes, halved lengthwise
Cheese and Spices
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish and tilt it to coat the bottom evenly, ensuring the potatoes will crisp up nicely.
- Mix Parmesan Coating: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful cheese and spice mixture.
- Arrange Potatoes: Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture evenly over the butter in the baking dish. Place the potato halves cut-side down on top of the cheese mixture, pressing them gently so the cut side makes full contact with the dish.
- Bake Potatoes: Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese has turned golden and crispy.
- Serve: Let the potatoes cool slightly, then use a spatula to lift them from the dish. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor and crunch, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top of the potatoes after baking.
- Yukon gold potatoes can be used instead of russets for a creamier texture.
- Serve these potatoes with sour cream or ranch dip on the side for added richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 potato halves
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
