Cheesy Baked Potato Rounds

Ingredients:

For the potato rounds:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the toppings:

• ½ cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: finely chopped chives for garnish

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the potatoes:
   • Place the potato rounds in a large mixing bowl.
   • Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika.
   • Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
3. Bake the potato rounds:
   • Arrange the seasoned potato rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown.
   • Flip the potato rounds halfway through baking to ensure both sides are evenly cooked.
4. Add the cheese:
   • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the potato rounds.
   • Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and serve:
   • Once the cheese has melted, remove the potato rounds from the oven.
   • Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and optional chives for added flavor and color.
   • Transfer the cheesy potato rounds to a serving platter and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Potato Rounds:

• Optimal texture: Use large, starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture.
• Cheese variety: Experiment with different cheeses such as Gouda, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack to suit your taste.
• Crispiness: For extra crispy potato rounds, soak the slices in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning and baking. Pat them dry with a paper towel before proceeding with the recipe.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the potato rounds with a variety of dips, such as sour cream, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli for added flavor.

Nutritional Highlights:

Potatoes:

• Rich in potassium, vitamin C, and B6, and dietary fiber.
• Provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Cheese:

• A great source of protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle repair.
• Contains healthy fats that contribute to satiety and overall nutrition.

Herbs:

• Fresh parsley and chives add vitamins A, C, and K, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Summary:

Cheesy baked potato rounds are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. Their crispy edges, gooey cheese topping, and flavorful seasonings make them irresistible. Follow this recipe to create a batch of these delectable potato rounds that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy the process and savor every bite of this delightful dish!