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
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and generously coating a baking dish with melted butter, ensuring complete bottom coverage.
- Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend by mixing grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small mixing bowl.
- Distribute the cheese mixture evenly across the buttered baking dish, creating a delectable base for the potatoes.
- Position potato halves cut-side down onto the cheese-butter layer, gently pressing to maximize contact and flavor absorption.
- Enhance the potatoes with a light sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper, adding depth to the overall taste profile.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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