Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Baked Parmesan Onion Potatoes?
This is a savory side dish made by roasting sliced red potatoes coated in vegetable oil, dry onion soup mix, and parmesan cheese until they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
What type of potatoes works best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 lbs of red potatoes.
How should I slice the potatoes?
The red potatoes should be sliced approximately 1/2 inch thick for even cooking.
What is the primary seasoning used in this dish?
The primary seasonings are one ounce of dry onion soup mix and grated parmesan cheese.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of vegetable oil to coat the potatoes.
What temperature should the oven be set to initially?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for the first stage of baking.
How do I ensure the potatoes are evenly coated?
Combine the sliced potatoes, oil, and soup mix in a large bowl and use your hands or a spatula to toss them thoroughly.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 13x9 inch baking dish is recommended to allow the potatoes to spread out in an even layer.
How long do the potatoes bake covered?
The potatoes should bake covered with aluminum foil for 35 minutes.
Do I need to stir the potatoes while they bake?
Yes, you should stir the potatoes every 10-15 minutes while they are covered to ensure even cooking.
When do I add the parmesan cheese?
The parmesan cheese should be sprinkled over the potatoes after the initial 35 minutes of baking, once the foil is removed.
Do I change the temperature for the second half of baking?
Yes, after removing the foil and adding cheese, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
How long is the final uncovered baking step?
Bake uncovered at the higher temperature for an additional 15-20 minutes.
How do I know when the potatoes are finished cooking?
The potatoes are done when they are golden and reach your desired level of crispiness.
Can I prepare these potatoes on a grill?
Yes, you can grill them in an aluminum pan covered with foil over medium heat.
How long does the grilling method take?
Grilling the potatoes takes approximately 1 hour, turning them occasionally until tender and golden.
Is black pepper required for this recipe?
It is optional; you can add freshly ground black pepper to taste when you add the parmesan cheese.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: red potatoes, vegetable oil, dry onion soup mix, parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
What makes these potatoes crispy?
The combination of the oil coating and the final baking step at 400°F without a cover creates the crispy texture.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, the recipe features minimal prep time, making it suitable for busy weeknights.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was designed to emulate a popular but discontinued potato product.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While the recipe specifies parmesan for its savory flavor, you could experiment with others, though parmesan provides the signature crust.
Are these potatoes considered a side dish or a main course?
These are categorized as a side dish, though they are quite filling.
Should I peel the red potatoes?
No, the recipe calls for sliced red potatoes, and leaving the skins on adds to the texture and flavor.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, olive oil can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil if preferred.
How much onion soup mix is needed?
You will need one 1-ounce packet of dry onion soup mix.
Is this recipe suitable for entertaining guests?
Yes, it is an easy and flavorful dish that works well for hosting.
What is the texture of the interior of the potatoes?
The interiors remain soft and flavorful while the edges become crispy.
Does the recipe require salt?
Salt is usually not needed because the dry onion soup mix and parmesan cheese contain sufficient sodium.
Can this dish be made year-round?
Yes, because it can be either baked in the oven or cooked on the grill, it is versatile for any season.