If you adore crispy, flavorful potatoes that melt in your mouth with every bite, then get ready to fall in love with this Twice Cooked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe. It’s a hearty dish that combines the comfort of tender baked potatoes with a golden, garlicky, cheesy crust that transforms simple spuds into something truly special. This recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, holiday feasts, or any time you want to impress your taste buds with an irresistible side dish that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Twice Cooked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, whether it’s creating texture, enhancing flavor, or adding a vibrant touch of color to the finished dish.
- 4 large potatoes: The starchy base that crisps up beautifully and becomes incredibly satisfying.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps you achieve that perfect golden crust on the potato skins.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes and garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: This little powerhouse infuses the potatoes with a bold, aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a gentle smoky warmth and vibrant color to the mix.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into a crispy, savory topping with just the right amount of nuttiness.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Offers a fresh, herbaceous brightness and lovely green contrast.
How to Make Twice Cooked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub those potatoes thoroughly and pierce each one several times with a fork — this helps steam escape during baking. Rub each potato with olive oil to coat them lightly, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Place them directly on a baking sheet and let them bake for 45-60 minutes until you can easily pierce them with a knife. This first step softens the potatoes perfectly for the next delicious phase.
Step 2: Scoop and Mix the Filling
Once the potatoes are done, take them out and allow them to cool just enough so you can handle them safely. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then carefully scoop out the soft flesh without breaking the skins — leave a thin layer to keep the shells sturdy for stuffing. In a bowl, combine the scooped potato with minced garlic, paprika, and that heavenly grated Parmesan cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste and give it a good stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Stuff and Crisp in the Oven
Spoon the savory potato mixture back into the prepared skins, mounding a bit for extra indulgence. Return them to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the tops turn golden and start getting crispy. This final crisping is where the Twice Cooked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe truly shines, delivering that irresistible mix of creamy and crunchy textures.
Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finish. These potatoes are best served piping hot, so grab a fork and dig in to enjoy every garlicky, cheesy, crispy bite!
How to Serve Twice Cooked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley add not only a pop of bright green but also a subtle herbal note that complements the richness beautifully. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes brings a gentle heat that wakes up the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This Twice Cooked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains — think succulent roast chicken, juicy steak, or even a hearty vegetable stew. Its comforting flavors and crispy texture make it a natural companion on any dinner plate that deserves a little extra love.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving these potatoes in a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of sour cream, chives, and more Parmesan for guests to customize. You can also hollow out mini potatoes for bite-sized appetizers — perfect for holiday parties or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Twice Cooked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to preserve their flavors and texture as much as possible.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the stuffed potatoes before the final bake. Wrap each portion tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed to crisp up.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven is your best friend. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the skins soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a distinct nutty flavor and crispiness, you can experiment with Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist.
Do I have to peel the potatoes first?
In this recipe, the potato skins are an important textural element, so it’s best to keep them on. They become wonderfully crispy and provide a sturdy container for the filling.
Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?
You can bake and scoop out the potatoes earlier in the day and keep the filling covered in the fridge. Just stuff and bake right before serving for the freshest results.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal because their fluffy interior is perfect for mashing and crisping in the skin. However, Yukon Gold can also work for a slightly creamier texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a holiday feast?
Definitely! This Twice Cooked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe is festive enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas and simple enough to prepare alongside your main courses.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about the combination of crispy, cheesy, garlicky potato goodness that makes the Twice Cooked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe a must-try for any potato lover. Whether you’re entertaining family, celebrating a holiday, or just craving a flavorful side, this dish never disappoints. Give it a whirl and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes before long.
Print
Twice Cooked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Twice cooked potatoes are a delicious and comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals like Thanksgiving. This recipe involves baking whole potatoes until tender, scooping out the flesh to mix with flavorful ingredients, then stuffing and baking the skins again to achieve a golden, crispy finish topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes.
- Bake the potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and pierce them with a fork to allow steam to escape. Rub them with olive oil, salt, and pepper to season and promote crisp skin. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and prepare potatoes: Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool just enough to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer intact inside the skins to help them keep their shape.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the scooped potato flesh with minced garlic, paprika, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Stuff and bake again: Fill the hollowed potato skins with the seasoned potato mixture. Place the stuffed potatoes back onto the baking sheet and bake for another 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the twice cooked potatoes from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish, perfect for celebrations like Thanksgiving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the stuffed potatoes for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Feel free to add other herbs or spices to the filling such as chives, thyme, or smoked paprika for variation.
- Use russet potatoes for best texture — they hold up well during the stuffing process.
- Leftover fillings can be saved and used as a mashed potato side or in potato pancakes.
