Certainly! Hereโs a detailed breakdown of the Basil Oven Fried Potatoes recipe from lovewithrecipes.com, along with comprehensive insights and additional tips to enhance your culinary experience.
Basil Oven Fried Potatoes Recipe
Description
This delightful Basil Oven Fried Potatoes recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it an ideal addition to any meal. Oven-baked to a crispy perfection with a touch of basil and Parmesan, these potatoes are a great side dish for any occasion. The recipe is kid-friendly, easy to prepare, and can be made in under an hour.
Recipe Category
- Potato
Keywords
- Vegetable
- Kid Friendly
- < 60 Mins
- Oven
- Easy
- Inexpensive
Ingredients
- 6 large potatoes, scrubbed clean and cut into wedges
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried basil (or 3 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 235.4 kcal
- Fat Content: 7.7 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.4 g
- Cholesterol Content: 2.2 mg
- Sodium Content: 244.9 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 37.4 g
- Fiber Content: 4.8 g
- Sugar Content: 1.7 g
- Protein Content: 5.3 g
Yields and Serving
- Servings: 6
- Yield: Not specified (depends on potato size and cutting)
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Instructions
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Prepare the Potatoes: Place the potato wedges into a large plastic bag.
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Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
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Season the Potatoes: Pour the seasoning mixture into the bag with the potatoes. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until all the potato wedges are evenly coated.
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Prepare the Baking Pan: Pour the olive oil into a large baking pan and spread it evenly to cover the bottom.
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Bake the Potatoes: Arrange the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer in the baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for about 40 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy. Stir or turn the potatoes halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
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Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy as a side dish with your favorite main course!
Detailed Insights and Tips
1. Choosing the Potatoes
Opt for starchy varieties like Russet or Idaho potatoes for a crispier texture. These types of potatoes have a high starch content and low moisture, which allows them to become crunchy when baked. For a creamier inside, you could use Yukon Gold potatoes.
2. Prepping the Potatoes
To ensure the potatoes crisp up well, make sure they are thoroughly dried after washing. Excess moisture can cause steaming rather than baking, resulting in softer potatoes.
3. Seasoning Variations
While the combination of Parmesan and basil is delectable, you can experiment with other herbs and spices:
- Rosemary and Thyme: For a more robust flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlic undertone.
- Cayenne Pepper: For a spicy kick.
4. Oil Selection
Olive oil adds a lovely flavor, but you can also use other oils with a high smoke point like canola oil or avocado oil if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile might change slightly.
5. Baking Tips
Ensure the potato wedges are laid out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause them to steam and prevent the desired crispy texture. For extra crispiness, you can place a cooling rack over the baking sheet and arrange the potatoes on the rack, allowing hot air to circulate around them.
6. Serving Suggestions
These potatoes make a versatile side dish. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: Complements the crispy texture with a protein-rich main.
- Salads: Pairs well with a fresh, crunchy salad like a Caesar or garden salad.
- Dips: Serve with a creamy dip such as garlic aioli or sour cream with chives for added flavor.
7. Nutritional Modifications
To make this recipe healthier, you can reduce the amount of oil or use a lower-fat cheese. You could also bake the potatoes on parchment paper to decrease the need for additional oil.
8. Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for about 10-15 minutes to regain some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the potatoes soggy.
9. Presentation
For an appealing presentation, garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives. You can also sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the hot potatoes before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
10. Feedback and Adaptations
Given the high rating of 5 stars from 16 reviews, this recipe is well-loved by many. Feel free to adapt it based on your family’s preferences, such as adding more spices or experimenting with different types of cheese.
This Basil Oven Fried Potatoes recipe is a delightful, crispy, and flavorful side dish that complements a variety of meals. Whether you are preparing a quick weekday dinner or hosting a weekend gathering, these potatoes are sure to please with their savory taste and crunchy texture. Enjoy the process of making and savoring this versatile dish!
Feel free to let me know if there are any other details or variations you would like to explore!