Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes: A Weight Watchers-Friendly Potato Delight

Introduction

Elevate your potato game with our Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes—a delicious and Weight Watchers-friendly twist on traditional roasted potatoes. This recipe combines the comfort of potatoes with the savory goodness of Parmesan, offering a satisfying side dish that aligns with your wellness goals.

Smart Ingredient Choices

Crafted with a mindful touch, Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes feature baby potatoes for a bite-sized delight. Utilize olive oil or a light cooking spray to add a crispy texture without excessive points. Parmesan cheese contributes a savory kick without compromising your commitment to mindful eating.

Nutrient-Rich Potatoes

Choose baby potatoes for their natural creaminess and bite-sized appeal. These potatoes not only provide a satisfying texture but also pack essential nutrients and fiber.

Olive Oil or Cooking Spray Brilliance

Maintain the crispiness without excess points by using a small amount of olive oil or a light cooking spray. This choice ensures a golden-brown exterior while aligning with your Weight Watchers goals.

Parmesan Magic

Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese for a burst of umami and richness. Parmesan adds a savory depth to the potatoes, elevating them from a simple side dish to a flavorful delight.

Flavorful Herb Seasoning

Enhance the flavor profile with a blend of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder. These seasonings complement the potatoes and Parmesan, creating a harmonious and aromatic dish.

Baking Brilliance

Roast your Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes in the oven until golden and crispy. The baking method ensures even cooking and a satisfying crunch without the need for excessive oil or frying.

Smart Portion Control

Serve your Parmesan Potatoes in reasonable portion sizes to practice smart portion control. This approach allows you to enjoy the delightful crunch without going over your daily SmartPoints.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes with a lean protein source like grilled chicken or fish for a well-balanced meal. Alternatively, serve them as a tasty side dish for family dinners or gatherings, bringing a touch of gourmet flair to your table.

Conclusion: Crispy, Crunchy, and Weight Watchers Approved

In conclusion, Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes offer a delightful combination of texture and flavor within the Weight Watchers framework. With smart ingredient choices, nutrient-rich potatoes, and a commitment to mindful points, this dish invites you to savor the joy of crispy and crunchy goodness without compromising your wellness journey. Make it a regular feature in your side dish repertoire, celebrating the satisfaction that comes with Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes—a perfect blend of indulgence and health-consciousness.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese with a sand consistency (don’t use shredded or Microplaned Parmesan cheese)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, halved (1.5-2 inch diameter; approx 20-22 potatoes)
  • FOR DIPPING (optional)
  • sour cream or Greek yogurt (or a half-and-half mixture)
  • chopped scallions or chives

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.In small bowl, combine grated cheese, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring with fork until mixed.
  2. Pour olive oil into 9×13 glass baking dish. Tilt dish around until olive oil evenly coats entire bottom.
  3. Carefully and evenly sprinkle cheese mixture over bottom of pan. (Don’t dump it in and then try to spread it out. Once it touches the olive oil, it becomes almost impossible to spread the cheese out evenly–it will clump. It works better to sprinkle slowly and evenly over the entire surface so that no spreading is necessary.)
  4. Arrange potatoes in a single layer, cut side down, on top of cheese mixture. Press down to insure potatoes are flat and in contact with cheese layer.
  5. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until cheese is browned and potatoes are soft when pressed or pierced with fork. Remove from oven and leave potatoes to rest in pan for 5 minutes. Remove potatoes from pan using a small spatula, being careful to keep the cheese layer intact on the cut side of potato. (Use a paring knife to cut cheese between the potatoes, if necessary.)
  6. Arrange on serving platter cheese side up. Serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt, (or a half-and-half mixture) sprinkled with chopped scallions or chives, if desired.
  7. TO REHEAT LEFTOVERS:  Place potatoes cheese side up in a med-hot non-stick skillet to heat the bottom side. In 1-2 minutes, flip them over with tongs–cheesy side down–and cook another 1-2 minutes until heated and crispiness is restored. Be careful not to let them burn; they reheat quickly.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION for one prepared potato (2 halves):45 calories, 2.0g fat, .6g sat.fat, 2mg cholesterol, 118mg sodum, 142mg potassium, 5.6g carbs, .9g fiber, 1.5g protein.
Weight Watchers SmartPoints: 1 (for one prepared potato–2 halves)