Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe

Crispy Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe: A Cheesy Delight!

Crispy, golden parmesan baked potatoes have transformed my weeknight dinner game completely.

These delectable spuds bring serious comfort to the table with minimal effort.

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when these beauties start sizzling.

Each potato slice gets perfectly coated in savory cheese and herbs that make mouths water instantly.

The magic happens when simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Serving these alongside your favorite protein for a meal that sparks conversation.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and impress everyone at your next gathering.

What’s So Good About Parmesan Baked Potatoes

  • Effortless Flavor Explosion: These Parmesan baked potatoes deliver maximum taste with minimal effort, combining rich butter, sharp Parmesan, and aromatic seasonings that transform ordinary potatoes into a gourmet side dish.
  • Crispy Cheese Magic: The unique cooking method creates an irresistible golden-brown Parmesan crust that adds incredible texture and crunch, making every bite a delightful sensory experience for potato lovers.
  • Foolproof Weeknight Winner: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious side dish that looks and tastes professionally prepared in under an hour.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: These potatoes complement almost any main course, from roasted chicken to grilled steak, making them a reliable and adaptable recipe for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Stuff You’ll Need For Parmesan Baked Potatoes

Potatoes:
  • Russet Potatoes: Starchy and perfect for crispy exterior, ideal for baking and absorbing flavors.
Cheese and Seasonings:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Provides a rich, savory crust with depth of flavor, choose freshly grated for best results.
Fats and Liquids:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden crispy bottom, use unsalted for better control of salt levels.
Finishing Touches:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall potato flavor, freshly ground pepper gives more intense taste.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herbal note to the dish.

Easy Way To Cook Parmesan Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab a baking dish and generously coat the bottom with melted butter, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 2: Create Cheesy Magic

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning

Sprinkle this flavor-packed mixture evenly across the buttered baking dish, creating a mouthwatering base.

Step 3: Position Potato Perfection

Carefully place potato halves cut-side down onto the cheesy butter landscape. Give each potato a gentle press to ensure maximum cheese contact and flavor infusion.

Step 4: Season with Flair

Dust the potato tops with:
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Let these seasonings dance across the potato surface.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Brilliance

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Let the potatoes transform for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork glides through easily and a gorgeous golden-brown cheese crust has formed.

Step 6: Serve with Excitement

Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let the potatoes rest for a quick 5 minutes. Use a spatula to lift each potato, preserving that irresistible crispy cheese crust. Arrange them on a serving platter with the crust facing upward. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Get ready to watch everyone’s eyes light up when you bring these potato masterpieces to the table!

Good To Know Tips For Parmesan Baked Potatoes

  • Choose Potato Perfection: Select medium-sized russet or Yukon gold potatoes with smooth, firm skin for the best texture and even cooking.
  • Butter Brilliance: Melt butter completely and ensure it covers the entire baking dish bottom for a crispy, golden cheese crust that won't stick.
  • Cheese Coating Technique: Grate Parmesan cheese freshly for maximum flavor and better melting, avoiding pre-packaged shredded cheese which can be less flavorful.
  • Strategic Pressing Power: Gently press potato halves into the cheese mixture to maximize cheese coverage and create a deliciously crispy bottom layer.
  • Herb Enhancement: Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or thyme to customize the flavor profile and add extra aromatic depth to your potatoes.

How To Keep And Heat Parmesan Baked Potatoes

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheat Oven: Restore crispy cheese crust by placing potatoes on a baking sheet and warming at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain moisture.
  • Microwave Option: For quick reheating, use medium power for 1-2 minutes. Add a small splash of water to prevent potatoes from becoming too dry and tough.
  • Best Serving Tip: Enjoy reheated potatoes immediately after warming to preserve their original crispy texture and delicious Parmesan coating.

Great Sides For Parmesan Baked Potatoes

  • Pair with Protein Powerhouse: Serve these cheesy potatoes alongside grilled chicken breast or roasted beef tenderloin for a complete meal that balances the rich, crispy potato texture with lean protein.
  • Wine Wonderland: Complement the savory Parmesan crust with a crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir that cuts through the buttery richness and enhances the garlic and herb flavors.
  • Fresh Salad Sidekick: Balance the heavy potato dish with a bright, zesty arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, adding a refreshing contrast to the golden, cheesy potatoes.
  • Creamy Sauce Companion: Drizzle some tangy sour cream or herbed ranch dressing over the potatoes to add a cool, creamy element that beautifully highlights the crispy Parmesan crust.

Try These Twists On Parmesan Baked Potatoes

  • Herbed Garlic Potato Blast: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh chopped rosemary and thyme. Add minced fresh garlic for an intense aromatic flavor profile that elevates the classic recipe.
  • Spicy Cajun Potato Crunch: Swap Parmesan with sharp cheddar cheese and dust potatoes with Cajun seasoning. Include a sprinkle of paprika and cayenne pepper for a zesty kick that transforms the original dish.
  • Smoky Bacon Parmesan Potatoes: Crumble crispy bacon over the potatoes before baking. Mix bacon bits into the cheese mixture for a savory, smoky dimension that adds incredible depth to the classic recipe.
  • Ranch Style Potato Bake: Incorporate dried ranch seasoning into the cheese mixture. Top with chopped green onions and a light drizzle of ranch dressing after baking for a creamy, tangy alternative to the original preparation.

Questions You May Have About Parmesan Baked Potatoes

  • Why use Parmesan cheese for this potato recipe?

Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor and creates an incredible crispy golden crust that transforms ordinary potatoes into a gourmet side dish. The cheese provides a salty, umami taste that elevates the entire potato experience.

  • Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Russet potatoes work best because they have a starchy texture that becomes wonderfully crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Yukon gold potatoes can also work well, but avoid waxy varieties that might not crisp up as nicely.

  • How do I ensure my potatoes get perfectly crispy?

The key is placing the potato halves cut-side down directly on the melted butter and cheese mixture. This allows the cheese to create a golden, crispy crust that adheres to the potato’s surface during baking. Press the potatoes gently to maximize contact with the cheese layer.

  • Is it necessary to use fresh Parmesan?

While fresh Parmesan offers the best flavor, pre-grated Parmesan from the store will also work. Just avoid the powdery type that comes in a shaker, as it won’t melt and create the same delicious crust as freshly grated or good-quality pre-grated Parmesan.

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Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe

Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy, golden Parmesan Baked Potatoes elevate simple side dishes with irresistible Italian-inspired flavor. Cheese-crusted potato wedges deliver a delightful crunch that will make dinner guests request seconds.


Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

  • 8 medium red potatoes, halved lengthwise

Cheese and Seasonings:

  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Wet Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and generously coating a baking dish with melted butter, ensuring complete bottom coverage.
  2. Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend by mixing grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small mixing bowl.
  3. Distribute the cheese mixture evenly across the buttered baking dish, creating a delectable base for the potatoes.
  4. Position potato halves cut-side down onto the cheese-butter layer, gently pressing to maximize contact and flavor absorption.
  5. Enhance the potatoes with a light sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper, adding depth to the overall taste profile.
  6. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven, allowing the potatoes to roast for 40-45 minutes until they achieve a tender texture and the cheese develops a golden-brown, crispy crust.
  7. Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and permit the potatoes to rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and crust to set.
  8. Carefully lift the potatoes using a spatula, preserving the crispy Parmesan crust, and arrange them on a serving platter with the golden side facing upward.
  9. Finish the dish with a garnish of freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture and even browning.
  • Pat potato halves completely dry before placing them in the baking dish to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent steaming.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like adding sharp cheddar or Romano for extra flavor complexity.
  • For a lighter version, substitute olive oil for melted butter and use a reduced-fat Parmesan cheese to cut down on calories without compromising taste.
  • Gluten-free diners can confidently enjoy this recipe as it naturally contains no wheat ingredients.
  • Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a subtle heat kick that elevates the cheesy potato experience.
  • Leftovers can be transformed into a delicious breakfast hash or potato salad by chopping and reheating with additional herbs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 275
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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