If you’re craving a comforting dish that effortlessly brings together sweet and savory flavors, this Two Potato Parmesan Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy layers of tender sweet potatoes and classic potatoes meld beautifully with Parmesan cheese, a touch of rosemary, and luscious cream, creating a dish that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. Perfect as a side or a main, this potato bake shines with its irresistible golden crust and melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time you serve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Two Potato Parmesan Bake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to highlight the natural sweetness of the potatoes and add a rich, savory depth that complements every bite. Together, they create an inviting dish that balances flavor, texture, and aroma perfectly.
- Sweet potatoes (2 medium, peeled): These give a natural sweetness and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
- Potatoes (3 medium, unpeeled or peeled if preferred): The classic starchy potato adds creamy texture and heartiness.
- Parmesan cheese (⅓ cup, shredded or grated): Sharp and nutty, it forms the flavor backbone and an irresistible crust.
- Heavy whipping cream (¼ cup): Adds luscious richness and helps bind the layers together.
- Rosemary (2 teaspoons, dried): An aromatic herb that injects an earthy, pine-like fragrance.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming.
- Pepper (¼ teaspoon): A subtle hint of heat to balance the sweetness.
How to Make Two Potato Parmesan Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Slice the Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a mandolin slicer, carefully slice both the sweet potatoes and the regular potatoes into even, thin rounds. This not only ensures even cooking but contributes to the bake’s beautiful layered appearance. Line your springform pan with parchment paper or lightly spray it with oil to prevent sticking. Start layering by covering the bottom with sweet potato slices, aiming for full coverage even if the slices aren’t perfect in shape.
Step 2: Add Seasoning and Cream to the First Layer
Sprinkle a generous tablespoon of Parmesan cheese over the sweet potato layer, followed by a light dusting of rosemary, salt, and pepper. To make the bake creamy and rich, drizzle one tablespoon of heavy cream evenly on top, letting it seep through the slices for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture once baked.
Step 3: Layer Regular Potatoes on Top
Next, place a layer of regular potato slices over the sweet potato base. Again, cover the bottom well. Repeat adding seasoning—Parmesan, rosemary, salt, and pepper—and drizzle with another tablespoon of cream to keep the layers flavorful and moist. These contrasting layers give the dish its unique two-potato identity.
Step 4: Alternate Layers Until All Potatoes Are Used
Continue stacking the layers alternately—sweet potato then regular potato—with each receiving cheese, herbs, seasoning, and cream. If the slices don’t perfectly fill a layer towards the end, feel free to mix them up for a charming rustic look. The final layer should be topped with the remaining Parmesan, salt, pepper, and a finishing drizzle of cream to create that golden, bubbly top crust during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a fork pierces through the layers effortlessly and the top is beautifully golden and crisped. This bake delivers a satisfying contrast of crunchy top and tender inside that’s truly irresistible.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the Two Potato Parmesan Bake sit for about 10 minutes. This rest time allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing easier. Cut into pie-shaped wedges and garnish with a dollop of sour cream if you like an extra creamy touch. Now, it’s ready to wow your family or guests!
How to Serve Two Potato Parmesan Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh and flavorful garnishes takes this dish to the next level. A spoonful of sour cream or crème fraîche complements the richness perfectly. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top brighten the dish visually and add a subtle freshness to each bite.
Side Dishes
Because this Two Potato Parmesan Bake Recipe is hearty and full-bodied, it pairs well with lighter, vibrant sides. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables provides a refreshing contrast. For a protein boost, grilled chicken or roasted fish make excellent partners without overpowering the bake.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving the bake in individual ramekins or mini springform pans for an elegant touch at dinner parties. Alternatively, cut it into bite-sized squares as a show-stopping appetizer or potluck contribution. Either way, its golden layers and bubbly Parmesan topping are sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Two Potato Parmesan Bake keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Its flavors deepen with time, making it just as enjoyable the next day. Simply cover it well to retain moisture.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, which makes it a perfect make-ahead meal. Wrap the cooled bake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, place the thawed bake in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes until warmed through and crisp on top again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may turn soggy and lose that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a unique sharpness and creates a crisp topping, you can substitute with Asiago, Gruyere, or even sharp cheddar for different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind the saltiness may vary, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Peeling the sweet potatoes is recommended for a smoother texture, but peeling the regular potatoes is optional. Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and a rustic touch, plus it helps the slices hold together better during baking.
Can I make this dish vegan?
You can! Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a vegan cream alternative and swap Parmesan for a vegan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The dish won’t be quite the same but will still be delicious and comforting.
What can I use if I don’t have a mandolin slicer?
A sharp knife works well too, just take your time to slice the potatoes as evenly and thinly as possible. Uniform slices ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Is rosemary necessary?
Rosemary provides a lovely fragrant note that pairs well with potatoes, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can use thyme, oregano, or even sage instead. Each will impart a different but equally delicious flavor dimension.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that balances sweet with savory and melts hearts with its creamy texture, the Two Potato Parmesan Bake Recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple to prepare, rich in flavor, and versatile enough for weeknights or special occasions. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorites to make over and over again!
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
A deliciously comforting Two Potato Parmesan Bake featuring thinly sliced sweet potatoes and regular potatoes layered with Parmesan cheese, rosemary, and cream, baked to golden perfection. This dish offers a creamy, savory flavor with a lovely texture contrast between the sweet and regular potatoes—perfect as a hearty side or vegetarian main.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
- 3 medium regular potatoes, unpeeled (optional to peel)
Cheese and Dairy
- 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 black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Using a mandolin slicer, thinly slice both the sweet potatoes and regular potatoes and set aside. Spray or line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- First sweet potato layer: Arrange a layer of sweet potato slices evenly over the bottom of the pan. It’s fine if the slices aren’t perfectly uniform as long as the bottom is covered. Sprinkle about a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese evenly over this layer, then add a light sprinkle of dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Drizzle about one tablespoon of heavy cream lightly over the layer.
- First regular potato layer: Add a single layer of regular potato slices on top of the sweet potato layer, ensuring coverage. Repeat the sprinkling of cheese, rosemary, salt, and pepper followed by drizzling heavy cream as before.
- Alternate layers: Continue layering the sweet and regular potato slices alternately, seasoning and drizzling cream on each layer, until all the potato slices are used. If the final layer does not form a complete single type, mix the slices and arrange them in any pattern. Finish by topping with the remaining Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and cream drizzle.
- Bake: Place the springform pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a fork inserted into the potatoes goes in easily and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes to set. Cut into pie-shaped wedges for serving. Optionally, garnish with sour cream for additional creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- Using a mandolin slicer ensures even thin slices for consistent cooking.
- A springform pan helps with easy removal and maintaining the bake’s shape.
- You can peel the regular potatoes if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.
- Feel free to garnish with sour cream or fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
