Cheese-Crusted Potatoes

Ingredients

• 800 g potatoes
• 150 g grated cheese
• 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tbsp dried garlic and onion
• 1/2 tbsp dried oregano and thyme
• 1/2 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Lemon pepper, to sprinkle
• Optional: 2 tbsp butter melted with 4 cloves garlic, finely minced (to brush at the end)

Directions

• Wash and halve the potatoes. Using skewers as a guide, slice each half hasselback-style (cut down almost to the skewer so the slices stay attached). Soak in a bowl of water with the salt for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, stir together the smoked paprika, dried garlic and onion, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.
• Drain the potatoes and pat off excess water. On a parchment-lined tray, lay down a portion of grated cheese, a sprinkle of lemon pepper, then set a potato on top. Brush the spice mix over the potatoes.
• Bake in the oven or air fryer for 30-45 minutes, until tender. Once they begin to brown, brush the garlic butter over the top for extra crispiness.

From @lari.soaresr on Instagram (batata na crosta de queijo).