Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes: Your New Go-To Easy Side Dish
Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly crispy roasted parmesan potatoes! They’re expertly seasoned and generously tossed with savory Parmesan cheese, transforming simple potatoes into an irresistible side dish that’s ready in a mere 35 minutes. Perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion, these golden-brown beauties boast a delightfully creamy interior contrasted by an addictively crunchy, cheesy crust. Forget complicated recipes; this dish is as straightforward as it is delicious, making it an instant family favorite.
Why These Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Will Become Your Favorite
There are countless reasons why these crispy parmesan potatoes stand out as a truly exceptional side dish, perfect for complementing an array of main courses. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible texture it delivers. You’ll find the process incredibly forgiving: simply prepare your potatoes, coat them in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, rich Parmesan cheese, and aromatic seasonings, then roast them to golden perfection. The result is a culinary delight that consistently impresses with minimal effort.
What truly elevates these potatoes is the magnificent contrast in textures. On the inside, each piece is tender, soft, and wonderfully creamy, almost melting in your mouth. This luscious interior is perfectly encapsulated by a gloriously golden, Parmesan-crusted exterior. This cheesy crust isn’t just for flavor; it provides an incredibly satisfying crunch with every bite, offering a delightful textural complexity that plain roasted potatoes simply can’t match. It’s this combination of internal creaminess and external crispness, infused with savory Parmesan, that makes these potatoes absolutely irresistible and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You simply cannot go wrong when you bring these to the table!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Parmesan Potatoes
Crafting these delectable crispy roasted parmesan potatoes requires just a few simple, readily available ingredients. The magic happens when these components come together, creating a symphony of flavor and texture. For precise measurements, detailed instructions, and a printable version of this easy recipe, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card conveniently located at the end of this post. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Understanding your ingredients and knowing when to make clever substitutions can elevate any recipe. Here’s a closer look at what goes into our crispy parmesan potatoes and how you can adapt it to your pantry and preferences:
POTATOES: For this particular recipe, we wholeheartedly recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes. Their naturally creamy and buttery texture makes them an ideal choice for roasting, as they crisp up beautifully on the outside while remaining wonderfully soft within. When preparing them, slicing the potatoes in half and placing them cut-side down first on the baking sheet is a crucial step. This technique maximizes contact with the hot pan, creating that desirable golden, crispy crust that defines this dish. If Yukon Golds aren’t available, or if you simply prefer a different variety, several alternatives work well:
- Petite Gold or Baby Gold Potatoes: These smaller versions of Yukon Golds are fantastic as they require less prep (often just a simple halve or quarter) and cook quickly, offering a similar creamy texture.
- Red Potatoes: Known for their thin skins and slightly waxy texture, red potatoes also roast beautifully. They tend to hold their shape well and develop a nice crispness. If you’re a fan of red potatoes, be sure to check out our dedicated recipe for roasted red potatoes for more specific guidance.
- New Potatoes: Similar to red potatoes, new potatoes are small, firm, and have a mild flavor. They are an excellent choice for this recipe and can be halved or quartered depending on size.
- Fingerling Potatoes: These long, narrow potatoes have a thin skin and a buttery taste. Simply halve them lengthwise for optimal crisping.
- Avoid Russet Potatoes: While great for mashing or baking whole, russet potatoes have a high starch content which can sometimes make them too floury for roasting in this style, potentially leading to a less creamy interior.
PARMESAN CHEESE: The star of the show! We specify grated Parmesan cheese for this recipe because its fine texture allows it to evenly coat the potatoes, forming that glorious, golden crust. For the best flavor and melt, we highly recommend using freshly grated Parmesan from a block. Pre-grated Parmesan can sometimes contain anti-caking agents that affect its melt and crispness. If you only have shredded Parmesan, it will still work, but the crust might be slightly less uniform. For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding a touch of Pecorino Romano for its sharper, saltier profile.
OLIVE OIL: A good quality extra virgin olive oil not only helps the seasonings adhere to the potatoes but also contributes to their beautiful golden-brown color and crisp texture. It’s essential for achieving that perfect roast. If you don’t have olive oil, light-flavored alternatives like avocado oil or even melted unsalted butter can be used. Ensure the oil evenly coats every potato piece for consistent crisping.
SEASONINGS (PAPRIKA, ONION POWDER, GARLIC SALT): This trio creates a wonderfully balanced and savory flavor profile that complements the potatoes and Parmesan.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle sweetness, a hint of earthy flavor, and a beautiful reddish hue. You can use sweet paprika, smoked paprika (for a deeper, smoky note), or even a touch of hot paprika for a little kick.
- Onion Powder: Provides a concentrated, savory onion flavor without the moisture or texture of fresh onion, ensuring maximum crispness.
- Garlic Salt: A convenient blend of garlic powder and salt. If you only have garlic powder and regular salt, simply use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and adjust salt to taste, remembering Parmesan is already salty. Fresh minced garlic can also be added, but be mindful that it can burn faster than powdered forms, so add it during the last 10-15 minutes of roasting if using fresh.
Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices to customize your potatoes. A sprinkle of dried rosemary or thyme, a pinch of black pepper, or a dash of chili flakes can all add fantastic dimensions to the flavor.
How to Make Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to guide you visually through the process of making this delicious recipe. For a quick reference to the complete printable version, including all measurements and instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Allowing the oven to fully reach temperature is essential for achieving an even and crispy roast, ensuring your potatoes cook through without becoming soggy.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the potatoes from sticking and helps to create that desirable crispy, golden-brown crust, especially the cheesy Parmesan bits. Using a non-stick baking sheet or lining with parchment paper can also assist.
- Slice the Potatoes: Take your small Yukon Gold potatoes and carefully slice each one in half. For optimal roasting and even cooking, try to make the potato halves roughly uniform in size. Place all the sliced potatoes into a large mixing bowl, ensuring there’s enough space to toss them easily.
- Create the Parmesan Seasoning Blend: In a separate small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, onion powder, and garlic salt. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined. This ensures an even distribution of flavor across all your potatoes.
- Coat Potatoes with Olive Oil: Pour the measured olive oil over the sliced potatoes in the large bowl. Using your hands or a large spoon, toss the potatoes vigorously until every piece is thoroughly coated in the olive oil. This step is essential for the seasonings to adhere properly and for the potatoes to crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Season Generously: Now, sprinkle the prepared Parmesan seasoning mixture over the olive oil-coated potatoes. Toss the potatoes again, ensuring that the seasoning blend completely coats every surface. The goal is to get a uniform layer of Parmesan and spices on each potato half, which will develop into that irresistible crispy crust.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Carefully arrange the seasoned potatoes onto the prepared baking sheet. It’s crucial to place them cut-side down, in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. This maximizes the contact of the cut surface with the hot pan, facilitating crisping. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, use two baking sheets to give the potatoes enough space to roast rather than steam.
- Bake and Flip for Even Crispness: Bake the potatoes in your preheated oven for 15 minutes. After this initial bake time, carefully remove the sheet from the oven and use tongs or a spatula to flip each potato half over. This allows the other side to crisp up beautifully. Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until they are fork-tender on the inside and gloriously golden-brown and crispy on the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
While Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended for their creamy texture and excellent crisping qualities, you certainly have options! This recipe is best suited for small to medium-sized waxy or all-purpose potatoes. Petite gold or baby gold potatoes work wonderfully and often require less cutting. Red potatoes are another fantastic choice; they hold their shape well and develop a lovely crisp skin. For a specific recipe using red potatoes, please refer to our roasted red potatoes guide. We generally advise against very starchy potatoes like Russets, as they can become too floury and less creamy when roasted in this manner.
To properly store any delicious leftovers, first allow the parmesan potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. While they will still be tasty, their signature crispness will diminish upon refrigeration. For best results when reheating, avoid the microwave, as it tends to make them soft. Instead, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or an air fryer for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and re-crisped.
For maximum crispiness, a few key tips are essential:
- Dry Potatoes Thoroughly: After washing, ensure your potatoes are completely dry before tossing with oil and seasonings. Excess moisture will steam rather than crisp.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your potatoes plenty of space on the baking sheet. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast, leading to soggy results. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- High Heat: Roasting at 400°F (200°C) is key to developing a beautiful crust.
- Cut-Side Down First: As instructed, this maximizes contact with the hot pan and creates a superior initial crisp.
- Flip Halfway: Flipping ensures both sides get direct heat, promoting even browning and crisping.
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Freshly chopped rosemary or thyme leaves can be added with the Parmesan mixture for an aromatic touch. A pinch of black pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes will introduce a subtle warmth or kick. Dried oregano or a blend of Italian herbs could also complement the flavors beautifully. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination!
Oven temperatures can vary, and sometimes potatoes closer to the edges cook faster. To ensure even cooking, try rotating your baking sheet halfway through the cooking process when you flip the potatoes. Also, make sure all potato pieces are cut to a similar size to promote uniform doneness.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Parmesan Potatoes
The versatility of these crispy parmesan potatoes makes them an excellent accompaniment to a wide variety of main dishes. Their rich flavor and satisfying crunch will elevate almost any meal, from simple weeknight dinners to elegant holiday feasts. They pair exceptionally well with virtually any protein you can imagine, be it tender beef, succulent chicken, flavorful pork, or delicate fish. Consider serving them alongside a vibrant chicken piccata, a hearty sirloin pork roast, or a luxurious beef tenderloin for a truly filling and memorable meal. Their savory profile also makes them a fantastic addition to brunch, especially alongside eggs and bacon, or as part of a larger tapas spread. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Important serving tip: To maintain the coveted crisp and crunchy texture, it is crucial not to cover your finished roasted potatoes. Covering them, especially when warm, traps steam and moisture, which will quickly cause them to become soft and mushy rather than retaining their delightful crispness. Always serve them warm, directly from the oven, and uncovered for the best possible experience!
Explore More Delicious Potato Recipes
If you’re a potato lover and enjoyed these crispy parmesan potatoes, you’ll be thrilled to discover our other fantastic potato creations. We have a variety of recipes that highlight the incredible versatility of this beloved vegetable, ensuring there’s a perfect potato dish for every occasion and craving. Dive into our collection and find your next favorite side!
- Hearty Potato Wedges
- Fragrant Garlic Roasted Potatoes
- Effortless Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
- Classic Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic
- Irresistible Smashed Potatoes
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Parmesan Potatoes
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 24 ounces small Yukon Gold potatoes
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 2 ½ Tablespoons olive oil
Things You’ll Need
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Baking sheet
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Mixing bowl
Before You Begin
- Baking the potatoes cut side down first will create a lovely crust and ensure maximum crispness.
- For best crispness, ensure potatoes are completely dry before coating. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- Store cooled parmesan potatoes in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350F oven or air fryer to help them crisp back up, avoiding the microwave to prevent sogginess.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 F (200°C) to ensure a hot cooking surface for optimal crisping.
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Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking and aid in crisping.
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Slice the small Yukon Gold potatoes in half lengthwise, aiming for uniform pieces, and place them into a large mixing bowl.
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In a separate small bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese, paprika, onion powder, and garlic salt, mixing well.
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Pour olive oil over the potatoes in the large bowl and toss thoroughly until every potato piece is evenly coated.
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Sprinkle the parmesan seasoning mixture over the olive oil-coated potatoes and toss again, ensuring they are completely covered.
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Arrange the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, placing them cut-side down in a single layer without overcrowding.
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Bake for 15 minutes. Then, flip the potatoes over and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown and fork-tender.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.