Picture this: golden, irresistibly crispy stacks of thinly sliced potatoes, delicately layered with fresh herbs and two kinds of cheese, emerging from your oven looking like something you’d be proud to serve at a dinner party. That’s the magic of Crispy Cheesy Potatoes Stacks — simple ingredients transformed into a swoon-worthy side dish that’s comforting, elegant, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Every forkful serves up layers of flavor and texture, making this recipe one you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it real: the ingredients for these stacks couldn’t be more straightforward, but each one has an important role to play—texture, color, flavor, and that all-essential gooey cheese factor. With just a few pantry staples and a handful of fresh herbs, you’ll have everything you need to bring Crispy Cheesy Potatoes Stacks to life.
- Russet or Idaho potatoes: Choose sturdy, starchy potatoes for the crispiest edges and tender centers; slice them evenly for the best texture.
- Salted butter: Melted, this coats every potato slice, giving each stack richness and helping everything crisp up beautifully.
- Fresh oregano: Bright, earthy flavor that infuses each bite; chop finely so it clings to the potatoes.
- Fresh thyme: Adds a savory, slightly lemony taste—a little goes a long way in boosting freshness.
- Garlic: Grated so its flavor melds right into the butter, giving subtle warmth to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese: Nutty and salty, this cheese crisps up on the edges and melts into the stacks, for irresistible cheesy bits.
- Sharp cheddar or gruyere cheese: Melts like a dream and brings extra savoriness—choose your favorite for a custom twist.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
How to Make Crispy Cheesy Potatoes Stacks
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a 12-cup muffin tin. Scrub, dry, and slice the potatoes into 1/8-inch thick rounds. A mandoline works wonders here for even slices, but a sharp knife and a steady hand will do the job just fine. Uniform slices are the secret to those picture-perfect, evenly cooked stacks.
Step 2: Make the Herb Butter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted salted butter, chopped oregano, thyme, and grated garlic. Toss the potato slices gently with the herb butter mixture until every piece is glistening. This gives the potatoes a head start on flavor, making sure every single bite of your Crispy Cheesy Potatoes Stacks is herby and aromatic.
Step 3: Layer with Cheese
Mix both the grated parmesan and shredded sharp cheddar (or gruyere) together in a bowl. Next, start layering the potatoes into the muffin tins, sprinkling a generous pinch of the cheese mixture between each layer of potatoes. Keep stacking and sprinkling cheese until you’ve used up all the slices and cheese, finishing with cheese on top. It’s fiddly but fun—the result is pure cheese-and-potato bliss.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy and Golden
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. The potatoes will shrink a little and the cheese will get gorgeously golden on top and crispy around the edges. Pop a paring knife through a stack to check for doneness; it should glide straight through without resistance. Let them cool in the pan for five minutes so they firm up, making them easier to release.
Step 5: Unmold and Serve
Carefully run a sharp knife around the edges of each stack and lift them out with a small spatula. Arrange your stacks on a platter, marvel at the crispy cheesy edges, and get ready for the compliments to roll in. These Crispy Cheesy Potatoes Stacks are just as delightful hot from the oven as they are at room temperature.
How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Potatoes Stacks
Garnishes
A shower of fresh chopped herbs—think chives, oregano, or parsley—adds a pop of color and a fresh dimension right before serving. A little extra grated parmesan or a twist of freshly ground black pepper on top can make these stacks feel truly restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Serve your Crispy Cheesy Potatoes Stacks next to a juicy roast chicken, grilled steak, or even as part of a festive holiday spread with turkey or ham. They’re also fabulous alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter pairing that lets the potatoes really shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking them tall and dramatic on large platters, or nestle them into individual mini-skillets for a rustic flair. For special occasions, plate three small stacks in a row with a swipe of herbed yogurt for an upscale presentation. No matter how you serve them, these stacks bring a touch of magic to any meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Crispy Cheesy Potatoes Stacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to 3 days, and still taste fantastic the next day—perhaps even better as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
To freeze, let the stacks cool completely, then arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Transfer to freezer bags or containers; they’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Reheat straight from the freezer or thaw overnight in the fridge before warming them up again.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat stacks in a 375°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or until piping hot and the edges are re-crisped. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the oven is your friend if you crave that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes are another great choice—they’re a bit creamier and hold their shape well. Just avoid waxy potatoes, as they don’t crisp up as nicely.
What’s the best way to get uniform potato slices?
A mandoline slicer will give you perfectly even slices quickly and safely. If you don’t have one, a sharp chef’s knife and a bit of patience will also get the job done.
Can these be made dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute vegan butter and your favorite plant-based cheeses. The texture will still be wonderful, and you can keep all the herby, garlicky flavor.
How do I prevent the stacks from sticking to the muffin tin?
Make sure to generously grease the muffin tin before assembling the stacks. You can also use nonstick spray or muffin liners for extra insurance.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the stacks a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake them off when you’re ready—just allow a few extra minutes in the oven if they go in cold.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s impressive but totally doable, these Crispy Cheesy Potatoes Stacks have got you covered. They’re comforting, flavorful, and just plain fun to make (and eat!). Go ahead—give them a try, and get ready to watch them disappear!
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Crispy Cheesy Potatoes Stacks Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 70 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Cheesy Potato Stacks are a delightful twist on classic potato dishes. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a flavorful blend of herbs, garlic, and cheeses, then baked to golden perfection. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Potato Stacks:
- 4–6 medium Russet or Idaho potatoes, cut into 1/8 inch thick slices
Seasoning:
- 1 stick salted butter, melted
- ¼ cup chopped fresh oregano
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1–2 cloves garlic, grated
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar or gruyere cheese
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Potatoes: In a bowl, toss the potato slices with the melted butter, herbs, garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
- Layer the Stacks: Stack the seasoned potato slices in muffin tins, alternating with layers of the grated cheeses.
- Bake: Bake the potato stacks for about 45-50 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the edges.
- Serve: Allow the stacks to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the tins. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or paprika before baking.
- Ensure to slice the potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato stack
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
