Around the Campfire
Parmesan potatoes are an easy campsite side that fits beside burgers, steak, chicken, pork chops, or breakfast eggs. They are simple enough for a weeknight at camp but flavorful enough to feel planned.
Why This Recipe Works
The potatoes brown first, then butter and Parmesan finish the dish. Adding cheese after the potatoes are tender keeps the texture better and cleanup easier.
Quick Facts
- Serves: 4
- Heat zone: Medium
- Best for: Burger nights, steak dinners, hearty sides
- Teaches: Brown first, finish second
Shopping List
- Baby potatoes
- Parmesan
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
Home Prep
Halve or par-cook potatoes before the trip for faster cooking.
Cooler Packing
Keep cooked or cut potatoes cold and sealed. Keep Parmesan cold if needed.
Equipment
- Blackstone griddle
- Spatula
- Tongs
Heat Zones
Use medium heat and keep the potatoes spread thin — too cool and they steam, too hot and the outside browns before the inside is tender.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle to medium.
- Place 1.5 pounds halved baby potatoes in a single layer on the griddle.
- Cook, turning occasionally, for 15-18 minutes or until potatoes are browned and tender.
- Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and toss potatoes until coated and melted, about 1 minute.
- Sprinkle with 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 1 more minute until just melted.
- Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Serve hot.
Doneness
Potatoes should be tender inside and browned outside.
Common Mistakes
- Adding Parmesan before potatoes brown.
- Crowding potatoes.
- Using large uncut potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with burgers, steak, chicken, salmon, or eggs. For extra flavor, offer hot sauce, sour cream, or fresh herbs at the table.
Variations
- Add 2 cloves minced garlic with the butter.
- Add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary with the parmesan.
- Add 1/2 cup sliced onions for a sweeter finish.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: As written.
- Dairy-free: Skip Parmesan and use oil.
- Vegetarian: As written.
Scaling
Cook potatoes in batches for larger groups.
Weather Notes
Wind can slow browning. Smaller pieces help.
Leftovers
Use leftovers in breakfast hash, wraps, bowls, or quesadillas.
Kid Helper Tasks
Kids can sprinkle Parmesan after cooking.
Dragonfly Tip
Parmesan is a finish, not a starting ingredient.
Dragonfly Challenge
Try one batch with Parmesan and one with rosemary. Pick the better camp potato.