If you’re looking for a side dish that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table, look no further than this Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe. These potatoes are a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and buttery goodness that practically melt in your mouth. Roasted cut-side down in a fragrant Parmesan and herb coating, each bite bursts with flavor and texture that will make you want to eat them straight from the pan. Simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, this recipe transforms humble potatoes into a show-stopping dish you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step toward achieving that irresistible golden crust and tender potato inside. Each item in this Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe plays a crucial role, from the creamy richness of Yukon golds to the savory punch of Parmesan cheese and the aromatic herbs that take the flavor over the top.
- 6 small to medium Yukon gold or red potatoes, halved: Choose smooth, waxy potatoes that hold their shape well when baked.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty crust that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- 3 tbsp melted butter: Butter ensures a rich, golden texture and helps the Parmesan adhere to the pan.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Brings a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the potatoes.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a mild sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme to brighten the dish with fragrant notes.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Seasoning is key to balancing the buttery and cheesy flavors.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch of color and mild herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar oven-safe skillet so your potatoes don’t stick and the Parmesan melts into a crunchy crust. This step ensures the perfect base for those rich, golden bottoms.
Step 2: Mix the Parmesan Butter Coating
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. This savory mixture is the star flavor component of the Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe, infusing each potato half while creating a decadent crust that crisps wonderfully.
Step 3: Coat the Baking Dish and Add Potatoes
Spread the Parmesan mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, place the halved potatoes cut-side down directly onto the cheese mixture. Press gently to ensure they make good contact, which encourages a deep golden crispiness as they bake.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the potatoes for 35 to 40 minutes until they are tender when poked with a fork and the undersides have turned a gorgeous golden brown. The contrast between the soft, fluffy interiors and the crispy Parmesan crust is what makes the Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe so addictive.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes before carefully lifting the potatoes out with a spatula. This rest time helps the crust harden slightly, making for easier serving and a more delightful texture. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like a pop of freshness and color.
How to Serve Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped parsley is a classic garnish that adds a fresh, bright contrast to the rich potatoes. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan or a dash of chili flakes for some heat if you want to experiment. These finishing touches make the dish look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These savory baked potatoes pair beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or roasted veggies. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or sautéed greens. The Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe is versatile enough to complement a variety of dishes while standing out as a star side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these potatoes with a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of ranch dressing for dipping. You can also scoop out the insides after baking and mix them with cream cheese and herbs for twice-baked potatoes that bring an extra element of indulgence to your 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. Keeping them covered preserves moisture while maintaining the cheesy crispness as much as possible.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for preserving the crispy texture of this recipe, you can freeze the cooked potatoes if needed. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to help restore some of the crispiness on the bottom. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crunch, as it tends to soften the cheesy crust.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe?
Yes, baby potatoes or even russets can work, but Yukon gold or red potatoes hold their shape best and create the ideal tender interior contrasted by the crispy crust.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe uses only naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it a safe and delicious option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried Italian herbs?
You sure can! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil will add wonderful flavor. Just increase the quantity slightly since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
After baking, let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes in the hot pan before serving. This resting time allows the Parmesan crust to harden up for that perfect crunch.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. While the flavor will be slightly different, it still makes a tasty side.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe is a true comfort food gem, marrying simplicity with extraordinary flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, these potatoes bring warmth, crispiness, and cheesy goodness to the table with every bite. Once you try them, you’ll see why they become a fast favorite in your recipe repertoire. Go ahead, make this recipe your next go-to side—you won’t regret it!
Print
Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
Parmesan Baked Potatoes are crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Made by baking halved Yukon gold or red potatoes cut-side down in a buttery Parmesan and herb mixture, these golden potatoes are an easy, delicious, and irresistible side dish that pairs perfectly with any main meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 6 small to medium Yukon gold or red potatoes, halved
Parmesan Coating
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking.
- Mix Parmesan Coating: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create an even coating mixture.
- Spread Coating: Evenly spread the Parmesan and butter mixture over the bottom of the prepared baking dish or skillet.
- Arrange Potatoes: Place the halved potatoes cut-side down into the dish, pressing them gently into the Parmesan mixture to ensure good contact and allow the crust to form.
- Bake: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender inside and the bottoms have developed a crispy, golden brown crust.
- Cool and Serve: After baking, let the potatoes cool for 5 minutes in the pan to enhance crispiness. Use a spatula to carefully lift them from the dish, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Allowing the potatoes to rest for 5 minutes after baking improves the crispiness of the Parmesan crust.
- This recipe works well with baby potatoes or similar small potato varieties.
- Serve with sour cream or ranch dressing for added flavor and dipping options.
