In the heart of her warm, bustling kitchen, Grandma Helen would often be found preparing her famous dishes. One recipe that held a special place in her heart was her beloved Parmesan and Butter Potato Stacks. As she lovingly sliced the Yukon Gold potatoes into perfect rounds, she’d share stories about her younger days. “These potatoes were always a family favorite,” she’d say, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia. “Back in the day, when times were simpler, I’d make them for Sunday dinners, and everyone would gather around the table, waiting for those crispy edges and tender, melt-in-your-mouth centers.
For Grandma, this recipe wasn’t just about food; it was about family. Each layer of potato, sprinkled with a blend of Parmesan cheese and aromatic spices, represented the bond that grew stronger with each shared meal. She’d always tell her grandchildren that the secret to the perfect potato stack wasn’t just in the ingredients, but in the love and care you put into every step.
As she sprinkled fresh parsley over the golden stacks, she’d remind them of how these potatoes had been served at every family celebration. Whether it was a holiday feast, a birthday, or just a regular Sunday dinner, these elegant yet comforting potato stacks never failed to bring smiles to the table. Today, we carry on Grandma Helen’s tradition, passing down this simple but flavorful recipe that has become a cherished family favorite.
Savory Parmesan Potato Stacks: A Crispy, Elegant Side Dish
This beloved family recipe features thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes, layered with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a blend of savory spices. The seasoned slices are stacked in muffin tins and baked to perfection—crispy on the edges and tender in the center. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, these elegant yet comforting potato stacks make the perfect side dish for any meal.
Crispy Parmesan Potato Stacks
Ingredients
Parmesan and Butter Potato Stacks
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into ⅛-inch rounds
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground white pepper
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Proper oven temperature is key to ensuring the potatoes cook evenly. You want the high heat to crisp up the edges while allowing the centers to remain soft and creamy. Preparing the oven beforehand ensures that your potatoes bake to perfection.
Step 2: Butter the Muffin Tin
To achieve that crispy exterior, butter 12 muffin cups using 1-2 tablespoons of the melted butter. Make sure to coat each muffin cup thoroughly so that the potatoes don’t stick during baking. The butter also adds a rich flavor, ensuring each bite of your potato stack is buttery and delicious.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Place your thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes into a large mixing bowl. These potatoes are ideal for the recipe because of their naturally creamy texture and golden hue. Add the remaining melted butter, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and ground white pepper. Toss the potatoes well to ensure that each slice is evenly coated in the flavorful mixture. The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and paprika infuses the potatoes with savory notes and a hint of smokiness.
Step 4: Stack the Potatoes
Once the potato slices are evenly coated, begin stacking them into small piles. Aim for stacks that are about 1½ inches tall, which typically requires 8-10 potato slices per stack. Place each stack carefully into the buttered muffin cups. This method helps the potato stacks cook evenly, with the muffin cups acting as molds to keep the potatoes compact and ensure even browning on all sides.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the potato stacks uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the tops and edges are golden brown and crispy, while the centers remain tender. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s always a good idea to check the potatoes after about 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a fork easily pierces through the center, and the tops are perfectly crisp.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
- Once the potato stacks are done baking, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the stacks rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the potatoes to firm up slightly, making them easier to remove from the muffin tin. To serve, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley over the tops. The Parmesan adds a final cheesy bite, while the parsley provides a pop of color and freshness to balance the rich, buttery potatoes.
Notes
- Cheesy Potato Stacks: For an extra cheesy version, mix in additional cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère with the Parmesan. The melted cheese will create a gooey, indulgent center while the Parmesan crisps up the edges.
- Herb-Infused Stacks: If you love the flavor of fresh herbs, consider adding finely chopped rosemary, thyme, or chives to the potato slices before stacking. The herbs will add a fresh, aromatic element to the dish, perfect for a more sophisticated meal.
- Garlic Butter and Parmesan: For a stronger garlic flavor, sauté minced garlic in the melted butter before tossing it with the potato slices. The garlic butter will coat each slice, and as the stacks bake, the garlic will caramelize, adding a sweet and savory richness to the dish.
- Spicy Stacks: If you’re a fan of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture. The spice will balance out the richness of the butter and Parmesan, giving the dish a kick.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Potato Stacks:
Seasoning Variations: The seasoning blend in this recipe is delicious, but feel free to get creative! You can add a bit of thyme or rosemary for an earthy flavor, or a dash of cayenne pepper if you want a slight kick. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Choosing the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended because of their creamy texture and buttery flavor, which pair beautifully with the Parmesan and butter. If you don’t have Yukon Gold on hand, you can also use red potatoes or russet potatoes. Russets tend to be starchier, which will give you an even crispier exterior.
Even Slicing: For the best results, try to slice the potatoes uniformly. Using a mandoline slicer is the easiest way to achieve consistent, thin slices. Even slicing ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and each stack gets that beautiful golden-brown crisp.
Muffin Tin Hack: The muffin tin isn’t just a tool for holding the potato stacks; it also helps create perfectly portioned servings. If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can still make this recipe by stacking the potatoes on a baking sheet, but be sure to watch for uneven cooking.
Serving Suggestions:
These crispy Parmesan and Butter Potato Stacks are versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside roasted chicken, steak, or grilled fish. The buttery potatoes pair beautifully with hearty proteins and fresh vegetables.
- As a Party Appetizer: These potato stacks make a great appetizer for dinner parties or holiday gatherings. Arrange them on a platter and serve with a dipping sauce like sour cream and chive dip, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
With Brunch: Potato stacks aren’t just for dinner! Serve them as part of a brunch spread alongside eggs, bacon, and fruit for a well-rounded mea
Carrying on Grandma’s Tradition
Grandma Helen’s Crispy Parmesan Potato Stacks aren’t just a recipe; they’re a tradition. Passed down through generations, these stacks represent love, family, and togetherness. The crispy, cheesy layers of Yukon Gold potatoes are a comforting reminder of shared meals and treasured memories. Whether you’re making these stacks for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home, just as it was in Grandma Helen’s.
So, gather your ingredients, slice those potatoes, and channel your inner Grandma Helen. As you bake these potato stacks to crispy perfection, you’ll be carrying on a family legacy that’s filled with love, flavor, and cherished moments around the dinner table.
