Cheesy Potato Stacks are a delicious side dish made by stacking thin slices of potatoes, usually in a muffin tin, and baking them with cheese and other seasonings until they are tender and golden brown. They are a great way to enjoy the comforting flavors of potatoes and cheese in a visually appealing and easy-to-serve format. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 4-5 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well)

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme leaves)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Potatoes:

   • Wash and peel the potatoes. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, thinly slice the potatoes into rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.

3. Season the Potatoes:

   • In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Stacks:

   • Layer the potato slices into each muffin cup, stacking them up to the top. Sprinkle a little shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese between some of the layers as you go, saving some cheese for the tops.

5. Bake:

   • Top each stack with a final sprinkle of cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Cover the muffin tin with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the tops are golden and crispy.

6. Serve:

   • Let the cheesy potato stacks cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. Use a spoon or small spatula to gently lift them out. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips:

• For added flavor, you can incorporate finely chopped bacon or green onions into the stacks.

• Mixing different types of cheese can enhance the flavor. Try using Gruyère, mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar blend.

• If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can stack the potatoes in a small, greased baking dish and follow the same baking instructions.

Cheesy Potato Stacks are a crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to grilled vegetables. Enjoy!