Flavor Packed Potato Fans

Heat the oven to 450ºF with a rack in the middle position.

Take a small slice off of the bottom of each potato so that they will sit flat, and then a small slice (about ¼”) from each end. Make slices crosswise down the potato at ¼” intervals, leaving ¼” at the bottom. Make sure you do not cut all the way through.

Rinse the sliced potatoes under cold running water, making sure water gets between each slice to wash away excess starch.

Place the potatoes on a plate, bottom side up, and microwave for 5 minutes (do not cover). Flip the potatoes over, then microwave for another 5 minutes.

While the potatoes are in the microwave, make the topping. Pulse the bread in a food processor until you have coarsely ground crumbs. In a medium bowl, use a fork to mix the crumbs with the melted butter, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until it forms a chunky paste. Set aside.

When the potatoes are finished in the microwave, place them on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle slowly with olive oil, so that it can run into the slices. Fan the slices slightly, then dash each one with paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bake for 30 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked through and the edges are just starting to brown. Remove from the oven and turn the broiler on.

Press the topping onto the top of the cooked potatoes, pressing into any slices that you easily can, but being careful not to rip the potatoes. Place under the broiler for a couple of minutes, until the topping is bubbly and starting to brown.