Move over baked potatoes—the Blooming Potato is here to steal the spotlight! Inspired by the famous “blooming onion,” this dish takes a whole potato, slices it into beautiful petal-like layers, seasons it, and roasts it until golden and crisp. Add melted cheese, garlic butter, and your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a side dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love Blooming Potatoes
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Crispy & tender: Each slice crisps on the edges while staying fluffy in the center.
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Customizable: You can load them with cheese, bacon, sour cream, or keep them light with herbs.
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Show-stopping presentation: Perfect for parties, holidays, or when you want a side that wows.
Ingredients
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4 large russet potatoes (well-scrubbed)
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3 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
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2 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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Salt & black pepper (to taste)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup mozzarella cheese
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional toppings: sour cream, crumbled bacon, green onions, ranch drizzle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Potatoes
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each potato so it sits flat.
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Place a potato between two wooden spoons or chopsticks. Carefully slice across the potato, making cuts ¼-inch apart, stopping just before cutting all the way through (the spoons help keep the base intact).
2. Season
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Mix olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
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Brush the mixture generously over the potatoes, making sure it seeps into the slices.
3. Bake
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Place potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the layers fan out and edges are golden and crispy.
4. Add Cheese
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Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella over the potatoes in the last 10 minutes of baking. Return to oven until cheese melts and bubbles.
5. Garnish & Serve
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Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and add any extra toppings you like. Serve hot!
Tips for Success
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Soak in water: After slicing, soak potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes to help separate layers and make them crispier.
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Use firm potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold work best—they hold their shape while baking.
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Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F for about 25–30 minutes, checking for crispiness.
Variations
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Loaded Blooming Potato: Add sour cream, crispy bacon, and green onions after baking.
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Garlic Parmesan Style: Skip cheddar, and instead sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.
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Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
Final Thoughts
The Blooming Potato is a simple yet spectacular recipe that combines the comfort of baked potatoes with the fun, crispy flair of a blooming onion. Whether you serve it as a side dish for steak night, a party appetizer, or a holiday showpiece, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Emily is a devoted wife, mother, and passionate home cook who finds joy in creating comforting meals straight from her kitchen. When she’s not busy managing the household or helping out on her husband’s farm, she spends her time baking delicious treats that have become a favorite among friends and neighbors. Emily believes that food is more than just nourishment—it’s a way to bring people together and create lasting memories. Whether it’s a freshly baked pie or a hearty home-cooked dinner, her love for cooking shines through in every dish she makes.