Crispy Baked Spud Halves for Two

Crispy Baked Spud Halves for Two with Parmesan Cheese and Basil

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Crispy Baked Spud Halves for Two is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for a cozy dinner for two. These potato halves are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them a delightful side dish or even a light meal on their own.

History

The recipe for Crispy Baked Spud Halves for Two is a modern twist on the classic baked potato. By cutting the potato in half and adding a flavorful coating of parmesan cheese, herbs, and lemon juice, this recipe takes the humble baked potato to a whole new level.

Ingredients

1 large baking potato
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp melted margarine
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
0.5 tbsp crumbled basil or thyme
a small amount of pepper

How to prepare

Scrub and dry a large baking potato.
Cut the potato in half lengthwise.
Brush the cut surfaces with a mixture of lemon juice and melted margarine, then dip them in a mixture of grated parmesan cheese, crumbled basil or thyme, and a little pepper.
Bake the potato halves, cut sides down, on a greased heavy baking sheet in a 375°F (191°C) oven for 30 to 35 minutes until they are tender, browned, crispy, and flavorful.

Variations

For a different flavor profile, try using different herbs and spices in the coating mixture. You could also add a sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika for a smoky kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your potato halves are crispy and flavorful, be sure to brush them with the lemon juice and melted margarine mixture before dipping them in the parmesan cheese and herb mixture. This will help the coating stick to the potato and create a delicious crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crispy Baked Spud Halves for Two as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak, or enjoy them on their own as a light meal. Pair them with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the potato halves cut side down ensures that they get crispy and browned on the outside while staying fluffy on the inside. This technique helps to create a delicious contrast in textures.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have parmesan cheese on hand, you could use cheddar or mozzarella instead. You could also use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the potato halves up to the point of baking them and then refrigerate them until you are ready to bake. This makes them a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Crispy Baked Spud Halves for Two on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color. You could also drizzle them with a balsamic glaze or aioli for an extra touch of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Crispy Baked Spud Halves for Two with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer like a pilsner. The acidity in the wine or beer will help cut through the richness of the potatoes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover potato halves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crispy Baked Spud Halves for Two contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a relatively light and healthy option for a meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crispy Baked Spud Halves for Two contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

Each serving of Crispy Baked Spud Halves for Two contains approximately 8 grams of fat. The fat in this recipe comes from the margarine and parmesan cheese, which add flavor and richness to the dish.

Proteins

Each serving of Crispy Baked Spud Halves for Two contains approximately 5 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an important nutrient to include in your diet.

Vitamins and minerals

Crispy Baked Spud Halves for Two are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and calcium. Vitamin C is important for immune function, potassium helps regulate blood pressure, and calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (parmesan cheese) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies or sensitivities. Be sure to check for any other allergens in the ingredients before preparing this dish.

Summary

Crispy Baked Spud Halves for Two is a delicious and nutritious dish that is relatively low in calories and high in essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and calcium. It is a great option for a light and satisfying meal for two.

Summary

Crispy Baked Spud Halves for Two is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for a cozy dinner for two. With a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, these potato halves are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold close to my heart. It was a warm summer day, and I had just moved into a new neighborhood. As I was unpacking boxes in my new kitchen, my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, knocked on my door with a plate of delicious looking spud halves.

"Welcome to the neighborhood, dear," she said with a warm smile. "I thought I'd bring you a little something to welcome you."

I thanked her graciously and invited her in for a cup of tea. As we sat and chatted, I couldn't help but ask her about the recipe for the crispy baked spud halves she had brought over. Mrs. Jenkins chuckled and said it was a family recipe that had been passed down through generations.

"I'd be happy to share the recipe with you, my dear," she said. "It's quite simple, but oh so delicious."

Mrs. Jenkins proceeded to write down the recipe for me on a scrap of paper, explaining each step in detail. I was eager to try it out for myself, and that very evening, I whipped up a batch of crispy baked spud halves for dinner. The aroma that wafted through my kitchen was delightful, and as I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made the crispy baked spud halves for countless dinner parties, family gatherings, and cozy nights at home. Each time I prepare them, I am reminded of that warm summer day when Mrs. Jenkins introduced me to this delicious recipe.

As time went on, I made a few tweaks and additions to the original recipe, making it my own. I found that adding a sprinkle of garlic powder and paprika gave the spud halves an extra kick of flavor, while a drizzle of olive oil before baking ensured they turned out perfectly crispy every time.

I also discovered that the key to making the spud halves truly crispy was to parboil them before baking. This step helped to soften the potatoes just enough to ensure they were cooked through, while still retaining their crunch when baked.

One day, my grandchildren came over for a visit, and I decided to teach them how to make the crispy baked spud halves. They were eager to learn, and as we worked together in the kitchen, I shared with them the story of how I had first learned the recipe from Mrs. Jenkins.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I watched with pride as my grandchildren savored each bite of the crispy spud halves. It warmed my heart to see them carrying on the tradition of this beloved family recipe, and I knew that it would continue to be passed down through the generations.

In my kitchen, framed on the wall, is the scrap of paper with the original recipe written in Mrs. Jenkins' elegant handwriting. It serves as a reminder of that fateful day when I was introduced to the crispy baked spud halves, and the joy and memories that have come from sharing this recipe with my loved ones.

I am grateful for the simple pleasures that cooking has brought into my life, and for the connections and memories that have been formed over a shared meal. The crispy baked spud halves will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to many more years of making and enjoying this delicious dish with those I hold dear.