CRISPY CRUNCHY PARMESAN POTATOES

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Are you looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish to complement your meals? Look no further than these irresistibly crispy and crunchy Parmesan potatoes! With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, with the added bonus of Parmesan cheese, these potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium potatoes, scrubbed (but not peeled)
  • 4 tablespoons of olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon of McCormick’s garlic powder, onion powder & pepper
  • ½ teaspoon of parsley
  • Morton salt to taste
  • 4 tablespoons of fresh Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
  2. Slice and Season: Using a sharp knife, slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with olive oil, McCormick’s garlic powder, onion powder & pepper seasoning, parsley, and two tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Ensure that the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Arrange the seasoned potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy. Remember to flip the potatoes halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
  4. Finishing Touches: Once the potatoes are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the remaining two tablespoons of Parmesan cheese over the top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the crispy Parmesan potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot alongside your favorite main dishes and watch as everyone devours this irresistible side dish.

Why You’ll Love These Potatoes:

  • Crispy Texture: Thanks to the high oven temperature and olive oil coating, these potatoes come out perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
  • Bold Flavor: The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and Parmesan cheese creates a deliciously bold flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds with every bite.
  • Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have this mouthwatering side dish ready to serve in no time. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.

Serving and Storage Tips:

  • Serve Hot: These Parmesan potatoes are best served hot straight from the oven to preserve their crispy texture and cheesy goodness.
  • Garnish with Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal, garnish the potatoes with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley, chives, or thyme before serving.
  • Pair with Dipping Sauce: Serve alongside your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or marinara sauce for an extra flavor boost.
  • Store Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.
  • Reheating Tip: To maintain their crispiness when reheating, spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
  • Make Ahead: Prep the potatoes in advance by slicing and seasoning them, then store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes mealtime prep a breeze!
  • Serve with Breakfast: These Parmesan potatoes make a delicious addition to breakfast or brunch alongside eggs, bacon, and toast.
  • Pair with Grilled Meats: Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Potluck Favorite: Bring these crispy Parmesan potatoes to your next potluck or picnic and watch them disappear in no time.
  • Kids’ Favorite: Even picky eaters will love these crispy potatoes! Serve them as a fun and tasty alternative to traditional French fries.

Variations:

  • Cheesy Bacon Potatoes: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the potato slices before baking for an extra indulgent twist.
  • Spicy Jalapeno Potatoes: Sprinkle sliced jalapenos or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over the potatoes before baking for a spicy kick.
  • Herb-Roasted Potatoes: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or dill to customize the flavor profile of these crispy potatoes.
  • Loaded Potato Skins: Scoop out some of the cooked potato flesh and top with shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and green onions before returning to the oven to melt the cheese.
  • Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Add minced garlic to the olive oil seasoning mixture for an extra boost of garlic flavor.
  • Italian Herb Potatoes: Replace the parsley with a blend of Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

FAQs :

  1. Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe? Yes, you can use russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size and thickness of the potato slices.
  2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.
  3. Can I freeze these potatoes? While it’s not recommended to freeze cooked potatoes as they may become mushy upon thawing, you can freeze the uncooked seasoned potato slices in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  4. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, you can use dried herbs in place of fresh. Just keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent, so you’ll need to use less.
  5. How can I make these potatoes crispier? To make the potatoes even crispier, you can increase the oven temperature slightly or bake them on a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet to allow for better air circulation.
  6. Can I add other seasonings to the potatoes? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and experiment with your favorite seasonings and spices to customize the flavor of these potatoes.
  7. Can I use olive oil instead of olive oil for this recipe? Yes, you can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or any other type of cooking oil you prefer.
  8. How do I know when the potatoes are done cooking? The potatoes are done cooking when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can test for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the center of a potato slice – it should pierce through easily.
  9. Can I make a larger batch of these potatoes for a crowd? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger group. Simply adjust the quantities of the ingredients accordingly.
  10. Can I serve these potatoes as an appetizer? Absolutely! These crispy Parmesan potatoes make a delicious appetizer or snack for any occasion. Simply serve them with toothpicks and your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing treat.

In conclusion, these crispy Parmesan potatoes are a surefire way to elevate any meal to new heights. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or enjoying them as a snack, you can’t go wrong with this delicious recipe. Give it a try today and prepare to be amazed by the incredible flavor and crunchiness of these irresistible potatoes!