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### **Instructions:**
#### **1. Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
#### **2. Slice the Potatoes:**
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Slice them into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure the slices are uniform so they cook evenly. No need to peel the potatoes—keeping the skin on adds texture and flavor.
#### **3. Season the Potatoes:**
In a large bowl, toss the potato rounds with olive oil (or melted butter), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure each slice is well coated with the seasonings.
#### **4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:**
Arrange the seasoned potato rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the rounds aren’t overlapping to allow them to bake evenly and become crispy.
#### **5. Bake the Potatoes:**
Bake the potato rounds in the preheated oven for **20-25 minutes**, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The potatoes should be golden brown and crispy around the edges, while the centers should be tender.
#### **6. Add the Cheese:**
Once the potato rounds are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese over the hot potato rounds. The heat from the potatoes will melt the cheese, giving them that gooey, cheesy goodness.
#### **7. Return to the Oven:**
Place the cheesy potato rounds back in the oven for **5-7 minutes**, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
#### **8. Garnish and Serve:**
After removing the potato rounds from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve them hot and enjoy!
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### **Why This Recipe Works:**
– **The Potatoes:** Russet potatoes are the best choice for this recipe due to their starchy texture, which helps them become crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.
– **The Olive Oil or Butter:** The oil helps the potatoes crisp up in the oven, while also adding richness to the flavor. You can use butter for a slightly richer taste if you prefer.
– **The Cheese Blend:** The combination of cheddar and parmesan cheese provides both meltiness and a sharp, nutty flavor. You can experiment with other cheese blends, like mozzarella for a gooey texture or gouda for a smoky flavor.
– **The Seasonings:** Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika give the potatoes a savory depth of flavor that complements the cheese beautifully.
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### **Tips for Perfect Cheesy Potato Rounds:**
– **Even Slicing:** For the best results, try to slice the potatoes evenly. This ensures they cook uniformly and achieve that crispy texture.
– **Extra Crispy:** If you prefer extra crispy potato rounds, bake them for a few additional minutes or place them under the broiler for the last 2 minutes of cooking (just watch closely to avoid burning).
– **Customize the Cheese:** Feel free to mix and match different cheeses to suit your taste. Mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese can give these rounds a fun twist.
– **Seasoning Variations:** Spice up your potato rounds with some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
– **Make-Ahead Option:** You can prepare the potato rounds in advance by slicing and seasoning the potatoes. Store them in the fridge and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
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### **Serving Suggestions:**
– **As a Side Dish:** Serve these cheesy potato rounds alongside your favorite main dishes, like grilled chicken, steak, or a hearty salad.
– **As an Appetizer or Snack:** Perfect for parties or game days, these cheesy potato rounds make a great finger food that’s easy to dip in sauces like ketchup, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli.
– **Pair with a Dipping Sauce:** Try serving these cheesy potato rounds with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sour cream, guacamole, or buffalo sauce, to add a little extra flavor.
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### **Conclusion:**
**Cheesy Potato Rounds** are the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful—making them the ultimate comfort food. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you serve them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, these cheesy potato rounds are sure to become a hit at any meal or gathering. Give them a try and enjoy the cheesy, crispy goodness that everyone will love!
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