Potatoes Italiano
Potatoes Italiano offers crispy, cheesy baked potatoes with Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan, perfect as a hearty side dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Peel potatoes and dice into 1/2-inch cubes, yielding about 8 cups.
- Melt 3/4 cup of butter and let cool.
- Pour cooled butter into a plastic bag.
- Add potatoes, bread crumbs, and chopped onion to the bag.
- Shake until potatoes are evenly coated.
- Line a 14 x 10-inch baking pan with foil.
- Pour the coated potatoes into the prepared pan.
- Dot the potatoes with remaining butter.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered until potatoes are soft, about 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the potatoes with garlic powder or Italian herbs before baking. If you're short on time, frozen diced potatoes can be a great substitute. Make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as frozen potatoes may cook faster. You can also replace Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, making it a delightful addition to your Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These Potatoes Italiano make a fantastic side dish for roasted meats or grilled vegetables. Consider pairing them with Luree'S Ham Spaghetti for a hearty meal or a fresh salad like Pasta House Company Special Salad And Dressing for a complete dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve alongside crusty bread to soak up any extra butter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the potatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potatoes Italiano contains roughly 433 calories, with 10g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. It also contributes 10g 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 types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Parmesan cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella for a gooey texture or cheddar for a sharper flavor. Just remember to adjust the quantity to balance the overall taste.
What can I do if I don't have Italian bread crumbs?
If you don't have Italian-style bread crumbs, you can easily make your own by blending plain bread crumbs with dried Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme. This will give your potatoes a similar flavor profile, ensuring they remain delicious.
How do I know when the potatoes are done baking?
The potatoes are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Bake them uncovered for about 45 minutes, but check for doneness after 30 minutes, as oven temperatures may vary. You want them soft on the inside with a crispy exterior.
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).