How to Make Creamy Parmesan Oven-Baked Potatoes
1. Prep the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Wash and peel (optional) the potatoes, then slice them thinly—about ⅛ inch thick. A mandoline works beautifully here for even slices, but a sharp knife does the job too.
Uniform slices mean even cooking. That’s the secret.
2. Make the Cream Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Stir in 1 cup of the grated Parmesan, reserving the rest for topping.
3. Assemble the Layers
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the baking dish. Pour half of the cream mixture over them.
Add the remaining potatoes in a second layer and pour the rest of the cream mixture evenly over the top. Gently press the potatoes down so they’re mostly submerged.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan over everything.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 35 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften without over-browning.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling and the potatoes are fork-tender.
For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—just keep an eye on it.
5. Rest and Serve
Let the potatoes rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and settle into creamy layers.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness.
Tips for Success
Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded.
Don’t rush the bake time — tenderness is everything.
Try adding Gruyère for a deeper, more complex cheese flavor.
Add crispy bacon bits if you’re feeling indulgent.
What to Serve With It
Creamy Parmesan Oven-Baked Potatoes pair beautifully with:
Roast chicken or turkey
Grilled steak
Baked salmon
Garlic butter shrimp
Or honestly? A simple green salad and call it dinner.
Final Thoughts
These potatoes strike that perfect balance between rustic and refined. They’re cozy enough for family dinner, but rich and impressive enough for guests. Creamy, cheesy, golden, and comforting—basically everything you want when potatoes are involved.
Make them once, and they’ll quietly become your go-to side dish whenever you need something that feels like a warm hug in casserole form.
