Baked Herbed Potatoes
Crispy baked herbed potatoes with Parmesan cheese offer a flavorful side dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, combining savory, cheesy, and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix Parmesan cheese, dried basil or thyme, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Halve the baking potatoes lengthwise.
- Brush the cut surfaces of the potatoes with lemon juice and melted butter.
- Dip the coated cut sides into the cheese mixture.
- Place the coated sides down in a spoke pattern on a glass pie plate.
- Microwave on High for 14 to 16 minutes, rotating the dish one-half turn once, until potatoes are tender and edges are lightly browned.
- Hold the plate up to check doneness.
- Let the potatoes stand for 2 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try mixing in some minced garlic or fresh herbs like rosemary. If you don't have Parmesan, any hard cheese such as pecorino or aged cheddar can work as a substitute. Ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with lemon juice to help the cheese adhere better and prevent browning. For a crispier finish, consider briefly broiling the potatoes after microwaving.
Serving Suggestions
These baked herbed potatoes make a delightful side dish to grilled meats or roasted vegetables. They pair beautifully with Yummy Coconut Cake for dessert or can be served alongside a fresh salad for a light meal. Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of additional cheese for presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the potatoes in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Herbed Potatoes contains roughly 94 calories, with 8g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), calcium (15% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different herbs for this recipe?
Absolutely! While basil and thyme are suggested, you can experiment with other herbs like oregano or dill. Fresh herbs can also be used, but you'll need to adjust the quantity as they are more potent dried. This flexibility allows you to customize the flavor to your preference.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are done when they are tender and the edges are lightly browned. You can check their doneness by gently squeezing one half; it should feel soft. If they aren’t tender after the initial cooking time, continue microwaving in 2-minute intervals until they reach the desired texture.
Can I prepare these potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prep the potatoes ahead of time by slicing and coating them with lemon juice and the cheese mixture. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply microwave as directed. This makes for a quick and easy side dish on busy nights.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).