Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving a side dish that brings together a golden, irresistibly crunchy crust and tender, fluffy interiors, then this Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine bite-sized baby potatoes roasted to perfection, coated in a flavorful blend of Parmesan, herbs, and spices, resulting in a texture that’s perfectly crispy on the outside while meltingly soft inside. Whether you’re pairing these beauties with a weeknight dinner or serving them up as a party appetizer, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity and gourmet appeal effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From creamy Parmesan that creates that signature crust, to herbs and spices that give just the right aromatic kick, every component plays a crucial role.

• Baby potatoes (750 g / 1.5 lb, halved): Choose uniform-sized potatoes for even roasting and crispy edges.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp, plus extra): Helps achieve that golden crispness and prevents sticking.
• Grated Parmesan (1/2 cup / 50 g): The star ingredient, providing a rich, savory crust reminiscent of sand-like fine texture.
• Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a mellow yet distinct savory note; onion powder works as a subtle alternative.
• Dried oregano or thyme (1/2 tsp): Brings a fragrant, herbal depth to the mix.
• Paprika (1/2 tsp): Offers a hint of warmth and beautiful color contrast.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering; adjust or omit to control sodium.
• Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Provides just the right peppery bite to balance richness.
• Sour cream (3/4 cup): Perfect as a creamy, tangy dipping sauce; plain yogurt also pairs wonderfully.
• Finely chopped green onions/scallions (1/4 cup, plus extra): Adds freshness and a gentle sharpness as garnish or in the dip.

How to Make Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 200°C (400°F), or 180°C if you’re using the fan-forced setting. A properly preheated oven is crucial here for creating that blistering heat that crisps up the Parmesan crust so beautifully while cooking the potatoes through evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan Mixture

Mix together the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano (or thyme), paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This blend is your flavor powerhouse that will coat the potatoes with delicious, crispy goodness.

Step 3: Oil the Baking Dish Generously

Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a 22 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) glass baking dish. Tilt the pan so the oil spreads evenly across the base. This base layer ensures that the Parmesan sticks properly and creates that coveted golden crust rather than sticking to the dish.

Step 4: Add the Parmesan Mixture to the Dish Base

Sprinkle the Parmesan spice blend evenly over the oiled dish. Resist the urge to stir or spread it around too much after sprinkling — this delicate layer is what the potatoes will press firmly into, making an impressive parmesan crust.

Step 5: Place the Potatoes Cut Side Down

Arrange the halved baby potatoes on top of the Parmesan mixture, cut side facing down and pressed firmly into the layer below. This contact is essential for the Parmesan crust to form directly on the potato surface, giving you that spectacular crisp.

Step 6: Optional Oil Drizzle and Seasoning

For extra crispness and a touch more seasoning, drizzle a little more olive oil over the potatoes now and sprinkle with a pinch of salt before roasting. This step is optional but highly recommended for maximum flavor and texture.

Step 7: Roast Until Golden and Tender

Pop the dish into the oven and roast the potatoes for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced and the Parmesan crust is a deep, golden brown. If you have a glass dish, peek through the bottom to check the crust’s progress—it’s like watching edible magic happen!

Step 8: Rest and Flip

Once out of the oven, let the potatoes rest for about 5 minutes. This pause allows the crust to set firmly. Then, using a spatula or egg flip, carefully cut between every 4 or so potatoes to separate the bonded Parmesan crust and scoop them up. Flip them upside down on your serving platter so the crispy cheese crust is beautifully displayed on top.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Serve these golden beauties warm with a dollop of sour cream or a tangy yogurt dip, sprinkled with extra chopped green onions or chives for fresh color and flavor. Whether as a side dish or delightful finger food, these potatoes are sure to disappear fast.

How to Serve Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Extra chopped green onions or fresh chopped chives add a lovely pop of color and a mild onion-like crispness that balances the richness of the Parmesan crust wonderfully. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before serving can also elevate their flavor even further.

Side Dishes

These potatoes pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a fresh salad for lighter fare. Their savory, cheesy crunch complements roasted vegetables or steamed greens, making them the ultimate versatile side dish for any occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or casual get-together, serve these Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes Recipe bites on a stylish platter alongside small bowls of various dips like sour cream, garlic aioli, or spicy ketchup. You can also skewer them with toothpicks for easy nibbling so everyone can grab a crispy, cheesy potato delight with their fingers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, but the texture might soften slightly, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later.

Freezing

These potatoes freeze fairly well if you flash-freeze them first on a baking sheet to retain their shape and crust. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 1 month. Keep in mind the crust might lose a bit of its crispness upon thawing.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy crust when reheating, warm the potatoes in a hot oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave for reheating as it tends to make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Absolutely! Just cut regular potatoes into similar-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Smaller pieces cook faster and develop more crispy edges, which is the goal.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

While Parmesan is key for that signature crust, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano if needed. Keep in mind the flavor and melting characteristics may vary.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can try dairy-free Parmesan substitutes made from nuts and nutritional yeast and swap sour cream for plant-based yogurt. The texture and flavor might differ slightly, but it’s a great alternative!

How can I make the potatoes even crispier?

Ensure the potatoes are well dried before roasting, use a generous amount of olive oil, and avoid overcrowding the baking dish. Also, flipping the potatoes halfway through roasting can help crisp up all sides evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes Recipe is a true gem in the world of comforting sides. Its golden, cheesy crust paired with tender, flavorful potatoes makes it hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, these potatoes are totally worth making. So go on, give them a try and watch just how fast these little bites of crispy heaven disappear!

Print