Buttery Cheesy Seasoned Potatoes – Recipes on a Budget

Quick Buttery Cheesy Seasoned Potatoes

These buttery, cheesy seasoned potatoes are the perfect side dish to elevate any meal. With crispy golden edges and a gooey, cheesy topping, they’re a quick and easy recipe that combines comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re serving them with breakfast, a juicy steak, or as a snack on their own, these potatoes will disappear from the plate in no time.

Ingredients Overview

Russet Potatoes (4 large, peeled and diced): These are ideal for roasting because of their starchy texture, which creates a fluffy interior and crispy edges.
Melted Butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and ensures the seasoning sticks to every piece of potato.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Provides a warm, savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
Onion Powder (1 tsp): Complements the garlic for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle smokiness and enhances the potatoes’ golden color.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes.
Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): A touch of heat that balances the richness.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey perfection, creating a cheesy topping that’s irresistible.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

In a large bowl, toss the peeled and diced potatoes with melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the buttery seasoning.

Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure there’s space between each piece for even browning.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure all sides get crispy and golden brown.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the potatoes. Return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Transfer the cheesy, buttery potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot and enjoy their savory, cheesy goodness.

Helpful Tips for Best Results

Tip 1: Cut Potatoes Evenly

Ensure the potatoes are diced into uniform pieces for even cooking. Aim for about 1-inch cubes.

Tip 2: Pat Potatoes Dry

If you rinse the potatoes after peeling and dicing, pat them dry with a paper towel to help them crisp up in the oven.

Tip 3: Use Freshly Grated Cheese

Freshly grated cheddar melts better and has a stronger flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.

Tip 4: Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Arrange the potatoes in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting.

Tip 5: Experiment with Seasonings

Try adding Italian seasoning, rosemary, or a pinch of cayenne for a flavor twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Oven: Reheat on a baking sheet at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.
Microwave: Reheat in 30-second increments, though the potatoes may lose some crispiness.

20 FAQs About Quick Buttery Cheesy Seasoned Potatoes

Can I leave the potato skins on?
Yes, leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will have a slightly sweeter flavor but roast beautifully.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Gouda, or Parmesan also work well.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, olive oil is a great substitute for butter if you prefer a lighter option.
How do I make these potatoes spicy?
Add chili powder, cayenne, or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Can I use frozen diced potatoes?
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry first for better texture.
Why are my potatoes not crispy?
Overcrowding the pan or not drying the potatoes properly can result in sogginess.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
What other toppings can I add?
Sour cream, crumbled bacon, or chopped green onions make excellent additions.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes, season the potatoes and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors.
Can I use vegan cheese?
Yes, use your favorite dairy-free cheese to make this dish vegan.
How do I prevent sticking?
Use parchment paper or a well-greased baking sheet to avoid sticking.
Can I use smoked paprika?
Yes, smoked paprika adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish.
How do I make this dish healthier?
Use olive oil instead of butter and reduce the cheese or use a low-fat option.
Can I add onions or bell peppers?
Yes, diced onions or bell peppers make great additions for extra flavor.
What’s the best way to melt the cheese?
Sprinkle the cheese while the potatoes are still hot, or pop them back in the oven briefly.
Can I use pre-cooked potatoes?
Yes, but reduce the baking time since the potatoes are already cooked.
How can I add crunch to the dish?
Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before adding cheese.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use multiple baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.

20 Secrets for Culinary Perfection

Use Starchy Potatoes: Russets are ideal for crispiness.
Preheat the Pan: Place the baking sheet in the oven while it preheats for extra crispy bottoms.
Melt Butter with Garlic: Infuse melted butter with fresh garlic for enhanced flavor.
Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle parsley, thyme, or rosemary before serving.
Cut Evenly: Uniform pieces cook evenly and look more appealing.
Roast at High Heat: Stick to 400°F for perfectly roasted potatoes.
Toss Midway: Flip the potatoes halfway through baking for even crispiness.
Use a Wire Rack: Elevate the potatoes on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
Experiment with Cheeses: Try pepper jack for spice or Parmesan for nuttiness.
Drizzle Truffle Oil: Add truffle oil after baking for an upscale touch.
Use a Cast-Iron Pan: For extra crispiness, bake in a cast-iron skillet.
Add a Splash of Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice after baking for brightness.
Season Liberally: Don’t skimp on seasoning—potatoes soak up flavor.
Dry Potatoes Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Bake in Convection Mode: Use a convection oven setting for faster, more even crisping.
Sprinkle Red Pepper Flakes: For a spicy, visually appealing garnish.
Add a Honey Drizzle: For a sweet-savory twist, drizzle honey before serving.
Pair with Dips: Serve with ranch, sour cream, or aioli for dipping.
Top with Bacon Crumbles: Add crispy bacon for an indulgent topping.
Let Them Cool Slightly: Allow potatoes to rest for a few minutes out of the oven to firm up before serving.