If you’re the sort of person who believes there’s no such thing as too many potato recipes, get ready to fall for Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes. This easy, savory recipe transforms humble baby potatoes into pure, golden-crusted bliss—a satisfying side that’s as irresistible for casual weeknights as it is for special gatherings. Every bite offers shatteringly crisp parmesan on one side and buttery, tender potato on the other. Simply put, they’re little bites of joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Crispy Parmesan Crust: That golden, cheesy crust is what dreams are made of—it crackles with every bite and takes potatoes to new heights.
- Effortlessly Impressive: All it takes is a handful of pantry staples, yet the results are show-stopping enough for your fanciest dinner table.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or a side, these potatoes never fail to win hearts (and requests for seconds!).
- Perfect Make-Ahead Option: You can roast them ahead and re-crisp just before serving—so stress-free entertaining is totally in reach!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a short list of all-star ingredients is all you need for these Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes. Every element is essential: potatoes for creaminess, parmesan for a savory crust, and a sprinkle of pantry herbs lend that addictive aromatic flavor. Here’s how each ingredient plays its part!
- Baby potatoes (750g/1.5 lb): These tiny spuds roast up perfectly tender inside, with plenty of surface area for all that crunchy, cheesy crust. Go for the freshest you can find!
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the potatoes brown beautifully—don’t skimp on the drizzle.
- Grated parmesan (1/2 cup): Be sure to use the fine, sand-like parmesan from the fridge aisle for the crispiest results. The powdery texture is key!
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Infuses every bite with a mellow garlic warmth—simple, but so flavorful. Onion powder also works in a pinch.
- Dried oregano or thyme (1/2 tsp): Picks up the savory notes in the parmesan and brings extra depth.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): For color and mild warmth. Smoked paprika would add even more complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: The essentials for seasoning potatoes just right—taste and adjust as needed.
- Optional: Sour cream or Greek yogurt + green onions: Whip these up for a cool, tangy dip and extra pop of flavor, if you love a little something extra with your spuds.
Variations
One of the best things about Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes is how genuinely easy it is to make the recipe your own! With a few little tweaks or simple ingredient swaps, you can tailor them perfectly to your preferences or what’s in your kitchen right now.
- Try different herbs: Use rosemary, Italian seasoning, or even dill if you want to change up the aromatic notes in the crust.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the parmesan mixture for a gentle heat.
- Go dairy-free: Swap in nutritional yeast for the parmesan and use a vegan dip for a fully plant-based treat.
- Switch up the potatoes: Fingerlings or Yukon Golds work just as well—just slice them to similar sizes so they roast evenly.
How to Make Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C/400°F (180°C if you have a fan-forced oven). Drizzle a generous layer of olive oil across the base of a glass baking dish—this creates the first layer of crunch and ensures those gorgeous parmesan bits easily release. A 22 x 33cm (9 x 13″) dish works perfectly, but metal pans are also fine (just use a little more oil if you like a really crispy finish).
Step 2: Mix the Parmesan Crust
In a small bowl, combine the finely grated parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano or thyme, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir them together so you have a fragrant, sandy mixture—this is where all that bold, punchy flavor gets built right in!
Step 3: Layer the Parmesan Mixture
Scatter the parmesan mixture evenly over the oiled baking dish. A spoon is best—just sprinkle in an even layer and resist the urge to spread it out with your hands. The bits that remain undisturbed are what become crispiest and most golden after baking.
Step 4: Arrange the Potatoes
Slice your baby potatoes in half, then place each one cut side-down directly onto the parmesan layer, gently pressing so they make solid contact. This way, the surface of each potato is perfectly covered in that cheesy goodness! For even more flavor, drizzle or spray the tops of the potatoes with a little extra olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
Step 5: Roast to Golden Perfection
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the parmesan crust has turned a deep, golden brown. Peek through the glass—it’s your best clue. When the parmesan caramelizes, that’s when the magic happens!
Step 6: Rest, Flip, and Serve
Let the potatoes rest for about 5 minutes after baking. Use a spatula to cut between every 4 or so potatoes, loosening up the crust. Lift them out and gently flip onto a platter so the golden cheese side faces up. Sprinkle with extra chopped green onions or chives, and serve with the zesty sour cream dip if that’s your vibe!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
- Cheese Consistency Counts: Only the sand-like grated parmesan creates that super-crunchy crust—coarser shredded cheese won’t give the same snap or golden coverage.
- Glass Makes a Difference: Baking in a glass dish helps the crust detach cleanly, so you never lose those precious crispy bits stuck to the bottom.
- Don’t Move the Parmesan: Once you’ve sprinkled the parmesan mixture onto the pan, leave it be—disturbing it can prevent that signature crunchy layer from forming underneath the potatoes.
- Rest Before Flipping: Give those potatoes five minutes to cool so the cheese crust can set up, then use a spatula to gently lift and savor every crispy shard.
How to Serve Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
Garnishes
For a fabulous finish, scatter a handful of freshly chopped green onions or chives over your Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes just before serving—the lush green color pops against that golden crust, and the flavor brings a burst of freshness. A little lemon zest or a light sprinkle of flaky salt also works wonders to brighten up every bite.
Side Dishes
These potatoes are born crowd-pleasers and pair beautifully with so many mains. Serve them as a side to roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked fish, or even a simple green salad for a vibrant, well-rounded meal. For parties, pop a platter right in the center—watch them disappear before your eyes!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun appetizer twist, skewer a few potatoes on wooden picks for easy party nibbling; they also shine as an elegant addition to a brunch spread. Want to make them bite-sized for game day? Use small creamer potatoes and serve with a trio of dipping sauces—think herbed yogurt, spicy aioli, or classic sour cream and chive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftover Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best texture, keep the cheese side facing up and try not to stack them, so that savory crust stays crisp.
Freezing
While they’re at their best straight from the oven, you can freeze these potatoes if needed. Arrange the cooled potatoes cheese-side up on a baking tray, freeze until solid, then bag them up for up to a month. Just know that the texture isn’t quite as shatteringly crisp once thawed—still delicious for a quick snack or tossed onto a hot tray to refresh!
Reheating
To revive leftovers, arrange the potatoes cheese-side up in a single layer on a baking sheet or dish. Roast at 200°C/400°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through and the crust is crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the parmesan top—oven heat is the way to keep those edges crackling.
FAQs
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes offer more crispy surface and tenderness, you can use larger potatoes (like Yukon Gold or red potatoes)—just cut them into similar-sized, thick slices or wedges for even roasting and that signature crispy crust.
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Why is the parmesan not getting crispy?
The most common culprit is using shredded or block parmesan instead of the fine, sand-like grated kind. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated and do not line your baking dish with parchment paper—the direct contact helps the parmesan form that golden, crispy crust.
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Can I make Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the potatoes, let them cool, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, arrange cheese-side up and bake in a hot oven for 5-10 minutes; the crust will re-crisp and they’ll taste almost as good as freshly made.
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What dipping sauces go best with these potatoes?
A classic sour cream and green onion dip is always a hit, but try a garlicky aioli, herbed yogurt, or even spicy ranch for a fun twist. The options are endless and can be tailored to your meal or party theme.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to preheat your oven and give Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes a whirl! There’s simply something magical about the way a handful of simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and celebration-worthy. Whether it’s your first time making them or you’re already obsessed, I promise these little golden beauties will disappear in a flash—and deservedly so!
PrintCrispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes are a delightful side dish or snack, featuring baby potatoes coated in a flavorful Parmesan mixture and baked until golden and crispy. Serve them with a creamy dipping sauce for a tasty treat!
Ingredients
Baby Potatoes:
- 750 g / 1.5 lb baby potatoes, halved (about 3.5cm / 1.75″, 20 – 24 potatoes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Parmesan Mixture:
- 1/2 cup / 50 g grated parmesan, the sand-like type
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or sub with onion powder)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- 3/4 cup sour cream, or sub with plain yoghurt, or a combination of both
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions/scallions, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200C/400F (180C fan-forced).
- Mix Parmesan Mixture in a bowl.
- Drizzle oil in 22 x 33cm / 9 x 13″ glass baking dish. Tilt pan to spread all over the base.
- Scatter Parmesan Mixture over the base evenly.
- Place potatoes cut side down in the dish.
- Bake for 35 – 40 minutes until soft and golden.
- Rest for 5 minutes, then cut and arrange on a platter.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce and garnish with green onions.
Notes
- Use the grated parmesan with a sand-like consistency.
- Metal pans work but glass may yield crispier results.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a crispy texture.
- Recipe adapted from various Parmesan Crusted Potato recipes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 153g
- Calories: 219 cal