Get ready to meet your new obsession: Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes! These potatoes are golden and crunchy on the outside, gloriously fluffy inside, and finished with an irresistible cheesy crust that packs a savory punch in every bite. They’re the kind of simple, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want to whip up any day of the week, whether you’re entertaining friends or just treating yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Crispy Parmesan Crust: The base of these potatoes turns into a crunchy, cheesy layer that’s almost addictive!
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Just a handful of simple pantry staples come together to create decadent, complex flavors.
- Effortless Sheet Pan Magic: Most of the magic happens while you sit back and let the oven turn everyday potatoes into something spectacular.
- Party-Perfect or Everyday Easy: Whether you’re serving a crowd or making a weeknight dinner special, these potatoes fit right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
No complicated shopping lists here—just humble ingredients working in harmony! Each component plays a crucial role, from the buttery texture of baby potatoes to the rich savoriness of parmesan. They all come together for the most satisfying bite imaginable.
- Baby potatoes (750g / 1.5 lb): Go for those small, waxy potatoes; their size and texture help deliver the perfect fluffy-meets-crispy bite.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp plus extra): Adds richness and helps the potatoes roast up gloriously crisp without drying out.
- Parmesan (1/2 cup grated, the sand-like kind): The secret to that golden, crunchy crust—be sure to use finely grated parmesan for best results!
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Infuses every bite with subtle savory depth, or swap with onion powder for a tasty twist.
- Dried oregano or thyme (1/2 tsp): A hint of herbs lifts the flavor to savory new heights—choose your favorite.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): Brings gentle warmth and a pop of color to the crust.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors—feel free to adjust or omit for lower sodium.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Gives that essential bite and balances the richness.
- Sour cream or plain yogurt (3/4 cup, for dipping): A cool, creamy dip to balance the crispy potatoes (optional but highly recommended!).
- Green onions or chives (1/4 cup, for dipping and garnish): Their fresh, zesty crunch tops everything off perfectly.
Variations
The beauty of these Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes is how easily you can make them your own. Don’t hesitate to riff on the flavorings or swap out ingredients to match your mood or dietary needs—the possibilities are endless!
- Switch up the cheese: Try Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a smoky Gouda for a new cheesy vibe.
- Add fresh herbs: Toss chopped rosemary, parsley, or basil into the parmesan mixture for garden-fresh flavor.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne if you’re craving a little kick.
- Try with sweet potatoes: Halved baby sweet potatoes roast beautifully and offer a sweeter twist on the original.
How to Make Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C/400°F (or 180°C for a fan-forced oven). Drizzle a touch of olive oil into a 22 x 33cm (9 x 13-inch) glass baking dish and tilt it to coat the bottom evenly. This little extra touch ensures the parmesan will crisp up instead of sticking, and a glass pan helps those gorgeous crusty edges release more easily.
Step 2: Mix the Parmesan Crust
In a small bowl, combine your finely grated parmesan, garlic powder, oregano (or thyme), paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir, then evenly scatter the mixture over the base of your oiled pan. Don’t press or spread it once it’s there—you want that even cheesy layer to stay light and loose for a crispier outcome!
Step 3: Arrange and Oil the Potatoes
Now halve your baby potatoes and press each one cut-side down into the parmesan mixture so it makes full contact with the cheesy goodness. Once all the potatoes are tucked in, give them a light drizzle of olive oil (or mist with spray oil). This not only boosts the flavor, it helps the tops roast up golden and glossy.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy and Golden
Bake the potatoes for 35 to 40 minutes until the potatoes are completely tender and the parmesan base has transformed into a deep golden crust. If your pan has a glass bottom, you can peek underneath to check that glorious color!
Step 5: Rest, Release, and Serve
Let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes so the crispy layer firms up—trust me, it’s worth the wait. Then, use a spatula to cut between small groups of potatoes and gently scoop them onto your serving platter parmesan-side up. Spoon over your creamy dip and a flurry of chopped green onions. There you have it: Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes in all their glory!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
- The Parmesan Matters: Use the sand-like, finely grated parmesan found in the refrigerated section—pre-shredded or powdered alternatives won’t crisp up the same way.
- Glass is Gold: Baking in a glass dish makes for the easiest release and crispiest bottom—skip the baking paper if you crave that signature crunch.
- Firm Press for Crispiness: Press the potatoes down firmly into the parmesan mixture before baking so every bite gets maximum cheesy crunch.
- Rest, Then Release: Let the potatoes rest after baking so the parmesan crust hardens, making it much easier to lift and serve those gorgeous golden bites.
How to Serve Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions, parsley, or chives brightens up these crispy potatoes and gives them a lively pop of color. For an extra decadent twist, a light dusting of more parmesan or a quick squeeze of lemon can really make the flavors sing.
Side Dishes
Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes are a knockout alongside just about anything: think juicy roast chicken, grilled steak, herby salmon, or as the star of a tapas-style appetizer spread. They’re equally at home next to a fresh green salad or simply with a side of your favorite dipping sauce for snacking.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pile them high on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of aioli, creamy dips, or even marinara for dunking. Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a dinner party, or go family style with all the potatoes scattered over a big platter, topped with extra herbs and cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to three days—just be sure to reheat them properly to bring back some of that signature crunch!
Freezing
While these potatoes are definitely at their best fresh from the oven, you can freeze any extras. Lay them parmesan-side up on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When ready to enjoy, reheat straight from frozen in a hot oven until warmed through and crispy.
Reheating
To revive that irresistible crisp, pop the refrigerated (or frozen) potatoes cheese-side up on a baking pan and bake at 200°C/400°F for about 5 minutes. The oven helps reactivate the crunchy parmesan coating so every bite is still dreamy.
FAQs
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cut the potatoes into 3.5cm (1.75-inch) chunks so they cook evenly and press them firmly into the parmesan mixture for that same dreamy crispiness. The texture may be a bit different, but you’ll still love the result.
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Will pre-shredded or powdered parmesan work?
For that iconic crispy layer, finely grated parmesan found in the refrigerated section is best. Pre-shredded or powdered cheese won’t give you the same golden crust and can sometimes burn or melt unevenly.
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Can I prepare these potatoes in advance?
You can! Bake them ahead, let them cool, and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat cheese-side up in a hot oven so they crisp up all over again.
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What’s the best dipping sauce for Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes?
A simple sour cream and green onion dip is classic, but you can also use Greek yogurt, ranch, aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a punchy kick!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your dinner guests or simply want to upgrade your weeknight sides, Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes are your ticket to golden, delicious happiness. Give them a try—you’ll love every crunchy, cheesy bite, and there’s a good chance they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
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Crispy 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: Roasting
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes are a delicious side dish or snack option that pairs perfectly with a flavorful dipping sauce. The baby potatoes are coated in a savory Parmesan mixture and roasted until golden and crispy.
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 (or chives)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200C/400F (180C fan-forced).
- Drizzle oil in 22 x 33cm / 9 x 13″ glass baking dish. Tilt pan to spread all over the base.
- Use a spoon to scatter the Parmesan Mixture over the base. Spread as evenly as you can. Once sprinkled, do not touch – don’t try to spread it.
- Place potatoes cut side down, pressing firmly.
- Optional: drizzle top of potatoes with a touch of oil or spray with oil, then sprinkle with salt.
- Bake potatoes for 35 – 40 minutes or until they are soft and the parmesan crust is deep golden.
- REST for 5 minutes. Then use an egg flip to cut between every 4 or so potatoes, then scoop up 4 or so potatoes and flip them upside down so the cheese side is up on a serving platter.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce, if using, and sprinkle over extra green onions if desired. Serve as a side dish or as nibbles!
Mix Parmesan Mixture in a bowl.
Notes
- Use the grated parmesan that has a sand-like consistency sold in the refrigerated section.
- This works in a metal pan as well but potatoes come off slightly easier from glass.
- Adapted from various Parmesan Crusted Potato recipes.
- LEFTOVERS/MAKE AHEAD: Cool then refrigerate. Place in a baking pan cheese side UP and bake at 200C/400F for 5 minutes or until just heated through and cheese is crispy again.
- Nutrition per serving, assuming 5 servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 153g
- Calories: 219 cal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
