Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe

Crispy Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe That Everyone Adores

Crispy golden parmesan baked potatoes deliver an irresistible crunch that makes dinner feel special.

Weeknight meals suddenly become extraordinary with this simple side dish.

Cheese lovers will absolutely adore how the parmesan forms a delectable golden crust.

Potatoes absorb incredible flavor when seasoned and baked just right.

Mediterranean ingredients combine beautifully in this straightforward recipe that feels like comfort on a plate.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for anyone seeking a delicious accompaniment to their main course.

You’ll want to bookmark this method for future dinner success.

Parmesan Baked Potatoes That Steal the Show

  • Transforms ordinary potatoes into a mouthwatering side dish that everyone will love and request again.
  • Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Takes less than an hour from start to finish, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Complements multiple main courses like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish, making it an ideal flexible side dish for various meals.

Ingredients to Crisp Up Parmesan Baked Potatoes

Main Ingredients:

Potato Base:
  • Potatoes: Starchy, hearty vegetable that forms the base of the dish, best with russet or Yukon gold varieties for creamy texture.
Main Flavor Enhancers:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Garlic Powder: Create a savory, crispy crust with rich umami flavor, aged Parmesan recommended for deeper taste.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Italian Seasoning: Herb mixture adding aromatic complexity, dried blend works perfectly.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste profile.
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Butter: Helps create golden crust and adds rich flavor, unsalted preferred for better control of saltiness.
Finishing Touch:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for garnish, adds fresh visual appeal and subtle herb note.

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Baked Potatoes in the Oven

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 400F (200C). Grab a baking dish and drizzle melted butter across the bottom, making sure it covers every inch.

Step 2: Create Cheesy Magic

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

Sprinkle this zesty mixture evenly over the buttery surface of the baking dish.

Step 3: Position Potato Halves

Place potato halves cut-side down onto the cheese-covered butter. Gently press them so they snuggle into the cheesy layer, ensuring maximum flavor contact.

Step 4: Add Seasoning Spark

Lightly dust the potato tops with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the hot oven. Let the potatoes bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork glides through easily and the cheese forms a stunning golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Plate and Celebrate

Pull the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Use a spatula to lift each potato, preserving that crispy Parmesan crust. Transfer to a serving platter with the golden side facing up. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips to Achieve Golden Crust on Parmesan Baked Potatoes

  • Maximize Cheese Crust: Press potato halves firmly into the cheese mixture to create a thick, crispy golden crust that locks in flavor and texture.
  • Choose Potato Perfection: Select medium-sized, uniform potatoes to ensure even cooking and consistent golden-brown results across all potato halves.
  • Enhance Seasoning Depth: Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate the Parmesan mixture and add complex flavor dimensions.
  • Prevent Sticking Tricks: Use a non-stick baking dish or parchment paper to guarantee easy potato removal and preserve the beautiful cheese crust.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular butter with plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version, or use low-fat Parmesan for a lighter recipe adaptation.

Storing and Reheating Parmesan Baked Potatoes Like a Pro

  • Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Restore crispy cheese crust by reheating potatoes in a preheated 375F oven for 10-15 minutes. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even warming.
  • For quick reheating, use the microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes. Expect slightly softer texture compared to oven reheating.
  • Place reheated potatoes under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to reinvigorate the cheese crust and add extra crunch before serving.

What to Serve with Parmesan Baked Potatoes

  • Grilled lemon herb chicken complements the crispy Parmesan potatoes perfectly, adding protein and bright citrus notes that cut through the rich cheese.
  • Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that balances the potatoes' creamy texture with its refreshing acidity and light fruit undertones.
  • Serve alongside a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a fresh, light contrast to the hearty potato dish and add nutritional balance.
  • Roasted salmon with dill offers an elegant seafood companion that echoes the herb notes in the potato seasoning while providing a delicate protein option.

Flavor Twists for Parmesan Baked Potato Lovers

Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potato halves with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains the crispy Parmesan cheese coating while reducing carbohydrate content.

Vegan Nutritional Yeast Version: Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and dairy butter with olive oil to create a plant-based option that still delivers rich, savory flavors and golden-brown crusting.

Herb-Infused Mediterranean Style: Add dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary to the cheese mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe with aromatic herbaceous notes.

Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Incorporate finely diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture to introduce a zesty, spicy element that complements the crispy Parmesan crust.

Parmesan Baked Potato FAQs

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

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes. Each type will give a slightly different texture, but the cooking method remains the same.

  • Do I need to peel the potatoes before baking?

No, you can leave the skin on. The potato skin adds extra flavor and nutrition to the dish. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before cutting.

  • What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can create your own blend using dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Alternatively, use dried herbs you have on hand or simply skip it and use additional garlic powder.

  • How can I make sure the cheese crust is crispy?

Ensure your oven is fully preheated, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and place the potatoes cut-side down directly on the cheese mixture. The direct contact helps create a golden, crispy crust.

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Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe

Parmesan Baked Potatoes Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

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

Description

Crispy, golden Parmesan Baked Potatoes deliver a mouthwatering side dish that elevates any meal with Italian-inspired comfort. Cheese-crusted potato wedges promise a delightful crunch you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

  • 8 medium red potatoes, halved lengthwise

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons (45 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400F (200C), creating a flavorful base by spreading melted butter across a baking dish to ensure complete coverage.
  2. Craft a savory coating by mixing Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl, then generously sprinkle this aromatic blend over the melted butter.
  3. Carefully position potato halves cut-side down onto the cheese-butter layer, gently pressing to maximize contact and flavor absorption.
  4. Enhance the potatoes with a delicate dusting of salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even seasoning across the surface.
  5. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing the potatoes to roast for 40-45 minutes until they reach fork-tender perfection and develop a crispy, golden-brown Parmesan crust.
  6. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the potatoes rest briefly to set the crust and intensify flavors.
  7. Transfer the potatoes to a serving platter using a spatula, taking care to preserve the beautiful Parmesan crust on top, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch of color and freshness.

Notes

  • Select waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best crispy exterior and creamy interior.
  • Pat potato halves completely dry before placing them in the baking dish to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
  • Experiment with different hard cheese varieties like Pecorino Romano or aged Asiago for unique flavor variations.
  • For a gluten-free version, verify the Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free, as some brands might contain additives.
  • Use a silicone spatula when lifting potatoes to prevent breaking the delicious cheese crust.
  • Swap dairy butter with olive oil or vegan butter for a plant-based alternative that maintains similar richness.
  • Create uniform potato sizes by cutting halves carefully to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the cheese mixture for an extra flavor kick that elevates the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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