Parmesan Baked Potatoes
These Parmesan Baked Potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with irresistible flavors from a savory blend of parmesan, garlic, and onion. A simple yet satisfying side dish, they are perfect for any meal and make a great accompaniment to meats, salads, or as a snack on their own. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, these potatoes become a flavorful hit that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash and dry the russet potatoes thoroughly. Slice them into wedges, making sure they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Coat Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Toss Potatoes: Add the potato wedges to the bowl and toss them in the seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Lay the potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded so they cook evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The potatoes should be golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze them, place the cooled baked potato wedges on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.
- Microwave: You can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but they may lose some of their crispiness. To revive the crunch, heat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven for a few minutes.
- Air Fryer: For a quick reheating method that keeps the crispiness intact, place the leftover potatoes in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes.
20 FAQ About Parmesan Baked Potatoes
- Can I use other types of potatoes?
- Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but russet potatoes give the best crispy texture.
- Do I need to peel the potatoes?
- No, you can leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients.
- Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese?
- While freshly grated parmesan gives the best flavor, you can use pre-grated parmesan if needed.
- How can I make these potatoes spicier?
- Add some red pepper flakes or chili powder to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.
- Can I use olive oil spray instead of drizzling olive oil?
- Yes, using olive oil spray will reduce the amount of oil used and still help the potatoes crisp up.
- How can I make these potatoes vegan?
- Replace the parmesan with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
- Can I add other seasonings?
- Yes! You can add paprika, Italian seasoning, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.
- How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet?
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Should I flip the potatoes halfway through baking?
- It’s not necessary, but flipping them once during baking can help them crisp up more evenly.
- Can I make these potatoes in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the potatoes in advance, refrigerate them, and bake them the next day.
- Can I cook these potatoes in an air fryer?
- Yes, you can air fry them at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- How do I make these potatoes even crispier?
- For extra crispiness, try baking them at a higher temperature (425°F) for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Can I add bacon to these potatoes?
- Yes, crumbled cooked bacon adds a nice smoky flavor and crunch to the potatoes.
- How do I know when the potatoes are done?
- The potatoes should be golden brown and crispy on the edges. You can also check by inserting a fork—if it goes through easily, they’re ready.
- Can I use a different cheese besides parmesan?
- Yes, sharp cheddar or Romano cheese are great alternatives to parmesan.
- Can I make these potatoes ahead of time and freeze them?
- Yes, freeze the potatoes after baking, and reheat them as needed for crispy leftovers.
- Can I add vegetables to the mix?
- Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions for a more hearty dish.
- How many servings does this recipe make?
- This recipe serves 4, but you can adjust the amount of potatoes to serve more or fewer people.
- Can I make these potatoes in a skillet?
- Yes, you can sauté the potato wedges in a skillet over medium heat for a quicker, pan-fried version.
- What can I serve with these parmesan baked potatoes?
- They pair well with grilled meats, burgers, salads, or as a snack with a dipping sauce like ranch or ketchup.
20 Best Tips for Making Parmesan Baked Potatoes
- Use evenly sized potato wedges: Cut the potatoes into uniform wedges to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Dry potatoes before baking: After washing, make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly to ensure crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Space the wedges out so they can crisp up properly without steaming.
- Use fresh parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan provides the best flavor and crispiness.
- Season generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning—potatoes need enough salt and spices for flavor.
- Use a higher rack in the oven: Placing your potatoes on a higher rack helps them brown more evenly.
- For extra crunch, add breadcrumbs: Coat the potatoes in a mix of parmesan and breadcrumbs for added texture.
- Preheat the oven: Make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing the potatoes in for optimal crisping.
- Try different oils: While olive oil is great, you can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil for a different flavor.
- Season after baking: Adding a pinch of salt and pepper right after baking can enhance the flavor.
- Use a garlic press: Instead of garlic powder, try fresh minced garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Let them cool for a few minutes: Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before serving to help the crispy texture set.
- Add fresh herbs: Experiment with rosemary, thyme, or chives for added depth of flavor.
- Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will make cutting the potatoes easier and ensure even-sized wedges.
- Serve with dipping sauces: Offer ketchup, ranch, or aioli for extra flavor with each bite.
- Add cheese midway through baking: For an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle more parmesan over the potatoes halfway through baking.
- Mix in sour cream: Serve the baked potatoes with a side of sour cream for a creamy contrast to the crispy exterior.
- Make them in batches: If making a large amount, bake the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Try with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes work well with this recipe for a slightly different taste.
- Try different shapes: Experiment with round slices or cubes for a change in presentation.
These Parmesan Baked Potatoes are a simple yet flavorful side dish that will become a staple in your meal rotations. Whether served alongside your favorite protein or enjoyed on their own, they’re guaranteed to be a hit every time!
