Cheesy Accordion Potatoes Recipe

Meet your new favorite side dish: Cheesy Accordion Potatoes! With crisp, golden edges, velvety interiors, and gooey cheese tucked between every potato slice, this recipe transforms a humble spud into a downright celebration at your dinner table. Whether you’re serving them at a family feast or craving a cozy comfort food night, these potatoes always steal the spotlight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ready to make magic happen with just a handful of kitchen staples? These straightforward ingredients work together to build layers of flavor and texture—the heart and soul of Cheesy Accordion Potatoes.

• Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold): Choose sturdy, medium potatoes that hold their shape for those beautiful accordion-style slices—Russets get crisp, Yukon Golds are extra buttery.
• Thick sliced sharp cheddar cheese: This is where the magic happens! Use thick slices so the cheese melts into those nooks and crannies, delivering a bold, gooey punch.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Not only helps the potatoes crisp up, but also infuses them with a rich, savory flavor—plus, it carries the garlic beautifully.
• Fresh garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds irresistible aroma and depth. Letting it marinate in the oil ensures every bite is fragrant and delicious.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: These classic seasonings bring out the very best in your potatoes and balance the richness of the cheese.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Cheesy Accordion Potatoes! This recipe is tailor-made for customization—change up the cheese, add toppings, or make it fit any dietary need. The possibilities are endless.

• Herby Upgrade: Add a sprinkle of dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to the olive oil for a garden-fresh dimension.
• Cheese Galore: Try Swiss, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist and extra gooey-ness.
• Bacon Lovers: Tuck in crispy bacon bits between the potato slices or crumble some over the top before serving for irresistible savory crunch.
• Loaded Potato Vibes: After baking, top with sour cream, green onions, and even a dash of hot sauce for a fully loaded experience.

How to Make Cheesy Accordion Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Garlic Oil

Begin by preheating your oven to a toasty 450°F (232°C)—that high heat is key for crispy skin! Combine your minced garlic and extra-virgin olive oil in a small bowl and let them mingle while you prep your potatoes. This gives the oil a chance to become deeply garlicky and aromatic.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes “Accordion-Style”

Wash, scrub, and pat your potatoes dry. Now comes the fun part—using two chopsticks placed alongside each potato as a guide, slice across the width at roughly ¼-inch intervals, being careful not to cut all the way through. The chopsticks are your safety net, helping you achieve that classic accordion effect with confidence!

Step 3: Fill with Garlic, Cheese, and More Flavor

Drizzle about a tablespoon of that gorgeous garlic oil over each potato, rubbing it into the skin and between each slice for maximum flavor. Gently tuck minced garlic bits into the crevices, then slide a slice or two of cheddar in between the slits. Pour any leftover garlic oil over the tops, then give each potato a generous sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Bake, Baste & Add More Cheese

Place your prepared Cheesy Accordion Potatoes onto a baking sheet and roast for 40–45 minutes, until the edges are crisp and the insides are fork-tender. Halfway through, baste the potatoes with any pooled olive oil to maximize crispiness, and sneak in more cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. Return to the oven until gloriously golden and melty.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Serve your potatoes hot out of the oven, garnished with even more cheese, a dollop of sour cream, a pat of butter, or a shower of crumbled bacon—let your imagination lead the way! Every bite of these Cheesy Accordion Potatoes will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds).

How to Serve Cheesy Accordion Potatoes

Garnishes

The finishing touch is all about your personal flair! Shower finished Cheesy Accordion Potatoes with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, a light dusting of smoked paprika, or even a little extra grated cheese. For extra decadence, dollop on sour cream or drizzle a little melted butter over the top right before serving.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Accordion Potatoes play well with almost any main course, but they’re especially dreamy alongside grilled steaks, oven-roasted chicken, or even juicy burgers. For a lighter meal, pair them with a vibrant garden salad and some roasted vegetables for a perfectly balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them upright for a playful “accordion” effect on a platter, or tuck each potato into an individual cast iron skillet for a restaurant-worthy touch. Arrange them in a ring around a bowl of sour cream dip, or make mini versions with baby potatoes for party-friendly finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled Cheesy Accordion Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh, flavorful, and ready to reheat for up to 3 days, making snack time a total treat.

Freezing

While they’re best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them! Allow cooled potatoes to set on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Just note: the texture may be slightly softer after thawing, but still absolutely delicious when reheated crisp in the oven.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Cheesy Accordion Potatoes in a hot oven (about 400°F) until they’re sizzling and melty again. The microwave will do in a pinch, but the oven or toaster oven brings back that irresistible crispiness you crave!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Cheesy Accordion Potatoes, there’s truly no better time. These irresistible, melty, crispy marvels are guaranteed to win hearts at any table. Don’t be surprised if they quickly become a new tradition—give them a try, and let the cheesy goodness bring everyone together!

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