If you’re craving a comforting dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the classic creaminess of Parmesan and tender white potatoes, then this Two Potato Parmesan Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful layering of flavors and textures that comes together in a golden, cheesy bake that’s perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Each bite offers that perfect balance of crispy edges and a tender, creamy center, making it an all-time favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Two Potato Parmesan Bake Recipe keeps things simple but delivers so much flavor, all thanks to a handful of essential ingredients. Each element plays its part — from the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the nutty Parmesan and fragrant rosemary elevating every bite.
- Sweet potatoes (2 medium, peeled): These add a gorgeous color contrast and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory layers.
- Regular potatoes (3 medium, unpeeled or peeled): Their firmness provides structure and a classic potato flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup, shredded or grated): Brings a rich, salty tang that melts into each layer for that irresistible golden crust.
- Heavy whipping cream (1/4 cup): Adds luscious creaminess and helps bind the layers together perfectly.
- Dried rosemary (2 teaspoons): Infuses the bake with a woodsy, aromatic flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors of the dish.
- Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of warmth and spice.
How to Make Two Potato Parmesan Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a mandolin slicer, carefully slice all the potatoes into even, thin pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Set these slices aside and prepare your baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper. This step is important to prevent sticking and help with easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Layer the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by arranging a layer of sweet potato slices to cover the bottom of the pan. Don’t worry about perfect slices—just aim to get good coverage. Once arranged, sprinkle a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese evenly over the layer, then add a pinch of rosemary, salt, and pepper. Finally, drizzle about a tablespoon of the heavy cream lightly over the entire layer. This layering of flavors sets the foundation for the bake.
Step 3: Add the Regular Potato Layer
Next comes the regular potato slices. Place a single layer evenly over the sweet potato layer, again focusing on coverage, not perfection. Repeat the seasoning process with Parmesan, rosemary, salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of cream, just like before. This back-and-forth layering builds up the bake with vibrant colors and taste.
Step 4: Repeat and Finish the Layers
Continue alternating between sweet potato and regular potato layers, seasoning each as you go. If you find yourself short on slices at the end, mix and match your remaining slices to create a top layer in any pattern you like. Finish by generously topping the final layer with the remaining Parmesan, seasonings, and cream. This final touch guarantees a beautifully golden top after baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Tender
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until it’s tender throughout and a fork slides easily into the potatoes. You’ll notice the mouthwatering aroma filling your kitchen as the Parmesan crisps up and the potatoes soften to perfection.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once you remove the bake from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes before cutting. This pause helps the layers set, making serving easier and ensuring each piece holds its shape beautifully. When ready, cut into pie-shaped wedges for a visually appealing presentation.
How to Serve Two Potato Parmesan Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of sour cream on top of each slice adds a tangy creaminess that cuts through the richness of the bake. Fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or chives sprinkle the dish with a pop of green and fresh flavor, enhancing the rustic feel of this comforting meal.
Side Dishes
This Two Potato Parmesan Bake Recipe works wonderfully as a hearty side or a main dish. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add brightness and crunch to your meal. It also complements roasted meats like chicken or pork perfectly, soaking up any accompanying sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. You can even turn leftover bite-sized pieces into tasty breakfast hash with an egg on top. The creamy, cheesy layers look as good as they taste, making this dish perfect for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Two Potato Parmesan Bake Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out. It’s a fantastic next-day meal that reheats beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. For best results, cool it completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes until hot throughout. Alternatively, use a microwave for a quicker option, though the oven method helps preserve the crispy top layer that makes this dish so special.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! While Parmesan gives the bake its signature nutty flavor, you can try Gruyere, Asiago, or even sharp cheddar for different cheesy notes. Just be mindful of salt levels as some cheeses are saltier than Parmesan.
Do I have to peel the regular potatoes?
No, peeling the potatoes is optional. Keeping the skins on adds texture, color, and nutrients, but if you prefer a smoother bake, peeling is fine too. It’s all about your preference.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the entire bake the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, just pop it into the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavor and texture will be different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to slice the potatoes evenly?
Using a mandolin slicer is ideal because it ensures thin, uniform slices that cook evenly. If you don’t have one, try to slice as evenly as possible with a sharp knife, aiming for about 1/8 inch thickness.
Final Thoughts
This Two Potato Parmesan Bake Recipe has earned its place as a beloved comfort food that’s as simple as it is satisfying. I encourage you to try it out—whether for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests with minimal fuss. The blend of creamy Parmesan, rosemary, and tender potatoes is a winning combination that’s sure to become a go-to in your cooking rotation.
Print
Two Potato Parmesan Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Two Potato Parmesan Bake is a comforting and flavorful layered potato dish featuring both sweet and regular potatoes, infused with aromatic rosemary, creamy heavy cream, and savory parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it makes a delightful side dish or a vegetarian main, offering a balance of natural sweetness and cheesy richness.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, unpeeled (optional to peel), thinly sliced
Cheese and Cream
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a mandoline, slice all the potatoes thinly and set aside. Spray or line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- First layer: Arrange a layer of sweet potato slices on the bottom of the pan, ensuring good coverage even if slices aren’t perfect. Sprinkle one tablespoon of parmesan cheese over the layer, along with a pinch of dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Drizzle one tablespoon of heavy cream evenly over this layer.
- Second layer: Lay a single layer of regular potato slices on top of the sweet potato layer, again covering the bottom of the pan. Repeat the seasoning and cream drizzling as before.
- Repeat layering: Continue alternating layers of sweet potatoes and regular potatoes, seasoning each potato layer with parmesan cheese, rosemary, salt, pepper, and cream. For the top layer, if you don’t have enough slices for a full layer, arrange them in any pattern you like, then finish with the remaining parmesan cheese, seasoning, and cream drizzle.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and a fork inserts easily.
- Rest and serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes to set. Cut into pie-shaped wedges and optionally garnish with a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Notes
- A mandoline is helpful for uniformly thin potato slices but you can also slice by hand carefully.
- Using a springform pan makes it easier to remove the bake without breaking it.
- Peeling the regular potatoes is optional depending on your texture preference.
- Garnish with sour cream or fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
- Ensure even layering for best texture and flavor distribution.
