Parmesan Upside Down Baked Potatoes
Parmesan Upside Down Baked Potatoes transform ordinary potatoes into a crispy, cheesy delight with a golden Parmesan crust and tender fluffy interior. This easy, budget-friendly recipe delivers irresistible texture and flavor, perfect as a versatile side dish for any meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes, washed and sliced about 1/4 inch thick
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, parsley or chives, finely chopped (to taste)
- Pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
- Sharp cheddar or Asiago cheese (to combine with Parmesan for varied flavor)
- Cooked crispy bacon bits (for smoky crunch)
- Vegan butter and nutritional yeast (for dairy-free version)
- Prepare the Potatoes: Start by washing and drying your potatoes thoroughly. Slice each potato about a quarter-inch thick to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Coat with Olive Oil and Seasonings: Brush each potato slice with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly to build layers of flavor before adding the cheese.
- Layer Parmesan Cheese: Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan on the bottom of your baking dish or sheet. This will create the golden crust on the underside of the potatoes when baked.
- Arrange the Potatoes Upside Down: Place each potato slice directly on top of the Parmesan cheese, ensuring they are snugly fitted without overlapping. This orientation lets the cheese crisp up beautifully during baking.
- Bake Until Golden and Crispy: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes. The cheese will melt and turn a gorgeous golden brown while the potatoes become tender inside.
- Flip and Serve: Once baked, carefully flip the potatoes onto a serving plate so the crispy Parmesan crust is on top, ready to impress and delight your taste buds.
Notes
- Use high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and crunch.
- Slice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking and crispy edges.
- Do not overcrowd the baking dish to prevent steaming and allow proper crisping.
- Let the potatoes cool slightly before flipping to help the crust set and avoid breaking.
- Experiment with oils: butter adds richness, olive oil enhances crispness, or use a blend of both.
- Grease the baking dish lightly or use parchment paper to prevent cheese from sticking.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: Parmesan baked potatoes, crispy potatoes, cheesy potatoes, upside down baked potatoes, easy side dish, gluten free potato recipe