Of course! These Parmesan Baked Potatoes are the ultimate side dish—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and coated in a savory, cheesy crust. They’re incredibly easy to make and far more exciting than a standard baked potato.
Crispy Parmesan Baked Potatoes
This recipe creates potatoes with an irresistible golden-brown, cheesy crust.
Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45-55 minutes
Ingredients
· 2 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 4 medium)
· ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil or melted butter
· 1 cup (100g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
· ½ tsp onion powder
· ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning (or dried thyme)
· 1 tsp salt
· ½ tsp black pepper
· Fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds great texture and flavor. Cut them into 1-inch chunks or wedges.
- Parboil (The Crispy Secret): Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes. They should be just starting to become tender on the outside but still firm in the center. Drain thoroughly in a colander.
- Rough Up the Edges: Let the potatoes sit in the colander for a minute to steam dry. Then, give the colander a few good shakes. This roughens up the edges of the potatoes, which will create an even crispier exterior when baked.
- Create the Coating: In a large bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Coat the Potatoes: Drizzle the parboiled potatoes with the olive oil (or melted butter) and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the Parmesan seasoning mixture over the potatoes and toss again until every piece is thoroughly coated.
- Bake: Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are deep golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Parmesan Baked Potatoes
· Finely Grated Parmesan is Key: Use the powdery Parmesan from a can or the fine side of a box grater. Shredded Parmesan won’t stick as well or create the same cohesive crust.
· Don’t Skip the Parboiling: This step is crucial for a fluffy interior and helps the Parmesan coating stick perfectly. It also reduces the overall baking time.
· Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a little heat.
· Get Them Extra Crispy: For the crispiest potatoes, make sure they are in a single layer with a little space between each piece. Overcrowding the pan will steam them.
· Fresh Herbs: Tossing the finished potatoes with a tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary along with the parsley is a wonderful addition.
Enjoy this simple, cheesy, and absolutely delicious side dish