If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that brings creamy indulgence and a touch of elegance to your table, this Parmesan Creamed Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. These potatoes are cooked slowly in a luscious cream mixture until perfectly tender, then topped with a crispy, golden crust made from Parmesan cheese and panko bread crumbs. The result is a harmonious blend of rich, velvety potatoes contrasted beautifully with a savory, crunchy topping. Whether for a family dinner or a holiday feast, these creamed potatoes elevate any meal effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, this Parmesan Creamed Potatoes Recipe proves that less is truly more when it comes to flavor. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s rich texture, tantalizing aroma, and that perfect golden finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup, 1 ounce): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps create the irresistibly crispy crust on top.
- Panko bread crumbs (½ cup): Provides that light, crunchy texture that complements the creamy potatoes beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons total): Enhances richness and helps meld the topping and potatoes together.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning throughout to balance and bring out all the flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle peppery warmth that lifts the dish.
- Yellow or Yukon Gold potatoes (3 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks): Their creamy texture and buttery flavor make them ideal for creamed potatoes.
- Light or heavy cream (3½ cups): Creates that luxuriously smooth, rich consistency that makes these potatoes truly decadent.
- Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Helps soften the potatoes during cooking for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Make Parmesan Creamed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by adjusting your oven rack to the middle position and preheating it to 375°F. Lightly spray a 13×9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray; this will keep the creamed potatoes from sticking and make cleanup easier later on.
Step 2: Make the Crispy Parmesan Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. This simple mixture will form the golden, crunchy layer that perfectly contrasts the creamy potato base.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes in Cream
Combine your peeled and cut potatoes, 3 cups of the cream, baking soda, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. This is where the magic happens, as the cream gradually infuses into the potatoes, making them incredibly tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently, stirring frequently, so the potatoes cook evenly and absorb that creamy goodness without falling apart. This will take about 25 to 30 minutes, and you’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily but the potatoes still hold their shape.
Step 5: Enrich the Creamed Potatoes
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the remaining ½ cup of cream along with the 6 pieces of butter. This final step in cooking adds a lovely silkiness and extra depth of flavor that makes these potatoes so decadently creamy.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the creamy potato mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the Parmesan-panko topping across the surface and pop the dish into the oven. Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Let It Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the potatoes to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time lets the sauce thicken slightly and makes spooning out perfect portions easier. Now, you’re ready to enjoy the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort food!
How to Serve Parmesan Creamed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh pop of color and brightness, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. A little cracked black pepper or a light dusting of extra Parmesan also provides an appealing finish that wows both the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
Parmesan Creamed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of mains such as roast chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. Green vegetable sides like steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts complement the richness wonderfully, balancing the meal with some brightness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special presentation, serve the creamed potatoes in individual ramekins topped with the Parmesan crust. Alternatively, spoon the potatoes into a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and rustic touch. Either way, this dish is sure to impress your guests and make every bite memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Parmesan Creamed Potatoes Recipe refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after resting overnight, so leftovers make for an excellent next-day treat.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the creamed potatoes, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and keep for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze before baking, then thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before following the baking step to achieve that crispy golden topping.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the potatoes in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until heated through. To revive the crispy crust, remove the cover during the last 5 minutes of reheating. This way, you’ll get back that delightful contrast of creamy and crunchy that makes this recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, you can experiment with russet potatoes for a fluffier texture. Just keep in mind that cooking times and cream absorption might vary slightly.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream, or can I use light cream?
You can use either light or heavy cream depending on your preference. Heavy cream will give an ultra-rich result, while light cream will still provide creaminess with fewer calories. Both work well for this Parmesan Creamed Potatoes Recipe.
What can I do if my potatoes start to break apart while cooking?
Make sure you simmer gently rather than boiling vigorously and stir frequently. Using baking soda helps soften potatoes quickly without them falling apart. If some pieces do break, simply mash gently with a spoon to integrate them back into the creamy sauce.
Can I add garlic or herbs to the dish?
Absolutely! Adding minced garlic during the cream simmering stage or mixing fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary adds wonderful flavor layers. Just be sure not to overpower the delicate cream and Parmesan balance that makes this recipe special.
What is the best way to make the topping extra crispy?
Using panko bread crumbs combined with grated Parmesan and melted butter ensures a light and crunchy topping. Make sure to bake uncovered and place the dish in the center of the oven for even browning and that irresistible golden crust.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Creamed Potatoes Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate. With its luscious, creamy potatoes and delightfully crunchy topping, it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe at your next gathering. Trust me, once you do, it will become a beloved favorite that everyone keeps asking for.
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Parmesan Creamed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Parmesan Creamed Potatoes are a rich and comforting side dish, combining tender Yukon Gold potatoes simmered in creamy dairy, topped with a crispy golden crust of Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Perfectly seasoned and baked to bubbly perfection, this dish is an indulgent complement to any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Cream Mixture
- 3 pounds yellow or Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 3½ cups light or heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Butter
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into 6 pieces)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Topping
- ½ cup (1 ounce) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 13×9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Topping Mixture: In a small bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Set this mixture aside; it will create a crispy golden crust after baking.
- Combine Potatoes and Cream: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the peeled and chunked potatoes, 3 cups of cream, baking soda, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. This mixture forms the creamy base of the dish.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the contents to a boil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Simmer Potatoes: Reduce heat to low and cook at a bare simmer, stirring often, until the potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape, approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Add Remaining Cream and Butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the remaining ½ cup of cream and the 6 tablespoons of butter pieces. Stir gently until the butter has fully melted, about 1 minute, enriching the mixture.
- Transfer and Top: Pour the creamy potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the Parmesan and panko topping mixture over the surface.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the mixture is bubbling along the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the creamed potatoes to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the dish set for optimal texture.
- Enjoy: Serve warm as a decadent side dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats and vegetables.
Notes
- Use either light or heavy cream depending on your preference for richness; heavy cream will yield a more indulgent dish.
- Ensure potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart before removing from heat to maintain nice texture.
- The baking soda helps soften the potatoes during simmering, creating a creamier texture.
- If desired, sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme on top just before serving for a fresh finish.
- This dish can be made a few hours ahead and reheated gently before serving.
