If you’re searching for pure potato bliss, look no further than these Crispy Parmesan Potatoes. With buttery baby gold potatoes, a golden, lacy cheese crust, and just the right kiss of herbs and spices, this dish transforms humble spuds into a show-stopping side. You get irresistible crunch, melty cheese, and that deep, savory aroma wafting through your kitchen. Whether for a family dinner or a special dinner party, these crispy potatoes will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crispy Parmesan Potatoes come together with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Each component has an important role to play, from building layers of flavor to delivering the signature crunch and color that make this dish iconic.
- Baby gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and thin skins become deliciously fluffy inside while crisping up perfectly outside.
- Olive oil: Helps the potatoes roast evenly and allows the seasonings to adhere for that crave-worthy crust.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth and warmth without overwhelming the subtle flavors.
- Onion powder: Brings gentle sweetness and complexity to every bite.
- Smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness and an appealing pop of color for visual and flavor appeal.
- Salt: Essentials for seasoning the potatoes and bringing out their natural flavors.
- Black pepper: Gives a hint of gentle heat and deepens the flavor profile of the dish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Creates the ultimate crispy, cheesy bottom—don’t skimp and always use freshly grated for best results!
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A final sprinkling adds fresh color and a light herbal lift.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to a piping hot 425°F (220°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is a must—not only does it make for easy cleanup, but it guarantees those Parmesan crusts lift right off. Taking a couple of minutes to set up your baking surface means all that cheesy, crispy magic ends up on your plate and not stuck to the pan!
Step 2: Toss the Potatoes with Seasonings
Grab a roomy mixing bowl and toss the halved baby gold potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Roll them around until each piece looks glossy and well-coated. The spices and oil do double duty here: infusing every bite with flavor and laying the groundwork for maximum crispiness once they hit the heat.
Step 3: Create the Parmesan Crust
Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the entire surface of your lined baking sheet. Aim for a single, thin layer—don’t worry if it doesn’t seem like much, it goes a long way! This is the secret trick to making Crispy Parmesan Potatoes truly unforgettable: the cheese fuses into a crunchy base that clings to each potato half while roasting.
Step 4: Arrange and Roast
Place the potatoes cut-side down right on top of that Parmesan blanket, pressing each one gently to set it into the cheese. Give them a little room, but no need to space them too far apart. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye towards the end—the potatoes should be tender inside and the bottoms a glorious, golden brown.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
When the potatoes reach peak crispiness, pull them from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This quick pause lets the Parmesan crust firm up, making it much easier to lift them with a spatula. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness, and serve the Crispy Parmesan Potatoes warm while the cheese is still irresistibly crunchy!
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
Garnishes
A final flourish can elevate your Crispy Parmesan Potatoes from fabulous to unforgettable. A generous handful of chopped fresh parsley adds brightness and visual appeal. For extra zing, a scattering of finely grated lemon zest or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving can bring a lovely finish. If you love a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes never hurts!
Side Dishes
These potatoes are endlessly versatile and make an excellent companion for almost any main course. Pair them with grilled chicken, a juicy steak, or seared salmon for a classic meal, or serve alongside a vibrant salad for a lighter option. They’re also fantastic next to a breakfast spread, holding their own with eggs or roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving Crispy Parmesan Potatoes on a rustic wooden board or a striking cast-iron skillet, letting guests help themselves. For parties, spear each potato with a toothpick for effortless, cheese-on-the-bottom potato bites. Or, layer them in a shallow platter, Parmesan side up, and sprinkle with microgreens for a stylish twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store your Crispy Parmesan Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, retaining most of their texture and flavor if stored promptly and properly.
Freezing
While you can freeze these potatoes, the texture may lose some of its signature crunch due to moisture from freezing and thawing. If you do decide to freeze, spread the cooled potatoes in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To bring back as much crispiness as possible, reheat Crispy Parmesan Potatoes in a hot oven (400°F/200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, directly on a baking sheet. A few minutes in an air fryer also works wonders. Avoid the microwave, since it tends to soften that precious cheese crust!
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While baby gold potatoes give a creamy texture and crisp edges, small red potatoes or fingerlings work well too. Just try to keep the size uniform so they roast evenly and soak up all the seasoning and Parmesan goodness.
What’s the secret to getting the Parmesan extra crispy?
Freshly grated Parmesan is key, as pre-grated or pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can prevent full crisping. Also, don’t overload the cheese layer—it should be thin and even for that golden crunch we all crave in Crispy Parmesan Potatoes.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
No peeling required! The thin skin of baby golds roasts up beautifully and adds texture, nutrients, and color. Just give them a good scrub and halve them before seasoning.
Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?
You can halve and season the potatoes in advance—just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and roast. For best results, sprinkle the Parmesan and arrange the potatoes on the tray right before baking for ultimate crispiness.
What are some tasty dips to serve with Crispy Parmesan Potatoes?
These are delicious on their own, but they truly shine when served with something creamy! Garlic aioli, classic sour cream, ranch dressing, or a herby yogurt dip are all perfect partners for scooping up every bit of cheesy, crispy flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a side that brings smiles and guarantees empty plates, you simply have to try Crispy Parmesan Potatoes. This recipe is easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for any gathering. Trust me—once you taste those golden, cheesy crusts, you’ll be dreaming up excuses to make them again and again!
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Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Parmesan Potatoes are a delightful side dish that combines the creaminess of Parmesan cheese with the crispiness of roasted baby gold potatoes. Perfect for any meal, these potatoes are flavorful and easy to make.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby gold potatoes, halved
Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly onto the lined baking sheet, forming a thin, even layer. Place the potatoes cut-side down on top of the cheese, pressing them gently into the layer.
- Roast: Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the bottoms are golden and crispy.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the Parmesan to firm up. Use a spatula to carefully lift the potatoes off the sheet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding Italian seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and crispiness.
- These pair well with a garlic aioli or sour cream dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
