Pour the butter (1/4 cup) into the 9X13 inch baking pan. Tilt pan to spread butter over the entire bottom.
In a small bowl, stir together Parmesan (3/4 cup), garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon), Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon), black pepper (1/2 teaspoon), and paprika (1/2 teaspoon) until evenly combined.
Sprinkle Parmesan mixture, as evenly as possible, and evenly butter. (Don't try spreading it though).
Arrange potatoes (1 1/2 pounds), cut side down, in the pan over cheese. Bake in preheated oven until potatoes are soft and cheese is golden about 35-45 minutes. Let rest before serving.
To serve, use a spatula to cut through the cheese crust, then flip over onto a serving platter, cheese side up.