Imagine a side dish that transforms humble potatoes into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with just a few simple ingredients and a touch of culinary magic. These Parchment Wrapped Potato Parcels are not just a recipe; they're a gastronomic experience that will elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. With a golden, crispy exterior and a tender, herb-infused interior, these potato parcels are about to become the star of your dining table, impressing both family and guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and slice them thinly, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Use a mandoline slicer for consistent, even cuts if possible.
- Cut 4 large squares of parchment paper, each about 12 inches wide, to create individual potato parcels.
- Melt the butter and prepare your fresh herbs by finely chopping thyme and rosemary.
- Layer the potato slices on each parchment paper square, slightly overlapping them to create a circular or rectangular arrangement.
- Drizzle melted butter over the potato layers, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the potato layers.
- Carefully fold the parchment paper edges to create sealed parcels, crimping and folding to prevent steam from escaping.
- Place the parchment-wrapped potato parcels on a baking sheet and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until potatoes are tender and edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before carefully opening the parchment parcels.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Use a mandoline slicer for consistently thin potato slices to ensure even cooking and a uniform texture.
- Choose waxy potato varieties like Yukon Gold or Red Bliss for the best results.
- Make sure to seal the parchment paper parcels tightly to trap steam and create a perfect cooking environment.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different herb combinations like thyme, rosemary, or even add a sprinkle of garlic powder.
- Allow the parcels to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the potatoes settle and absorb the herb-infused butter.
- If you want a crispier top, carefully open the parchment in the last 5 minutes of cooking and broil briefly.
- These parcels can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
