Some side dishes are so good they deserve to be the star of the show. These Crispy Parmesan Crusted Roasted Potatoes are a perfect example. They take a humble potato and transform it into a crispy, golden-brown masterpiece with a savory, cheesy crust. With a few simple steps and a hot oven, you can create a side dish that’s absolutely irresistible and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a firm believer that the perfect potato dish should be both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and these potatoes deliver on every front. What I love most about this recipe is the ingenious trick of coating the potatoes in a mix of seasoned olive oil and Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts as it bakes, creating a beautiful, crunchy crust on the bottom of each potato. The garlic, paprika, and herbs add a phenomenal depth of flavor, making these a standout side dish for any meal. It’s a simple recipe that feels incredibly gourmet.
Ingredients
(Serves 4-6)
- 2 pounds small potatoes (Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes work great)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat
Swaps and Notes
- Potatoes: While Yukon Gold and baby red potatoes are fantastic for their creamy texture, you can use other types of potatoes. The key is to slice them to a uniform thickness so they cook evenly.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is what gives you the best crust, but the kind that comes in a can also works well in this recipe.
- Spices: The seasoning mix is what gives these potatoes their fantastic flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of onion powder or a little rosemary for a different twist.
- Chili Flakes: The optional chili flakes add a nice, subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the savory cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.
- Prep the Potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. If you’re using larger potatoes, slice them in half lengthwise. Smaller potatoes can be left whole, but the cut halves get a fantastic crispy edge.
- Season the Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the potatoes and toss until they are well coated in the seasoned oil.
- Add the Parmesan Crust: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes and toss again, making sure the cheese clings to the oil-coated surface. For an even crispier bottom, you can press each potato half, cut-side down, into the leftover Parmesan in the bowl before placing them on the baking sheet.
- Arrange and Roast: Place the potatoes cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single, uncrowded layer. Drizzle any leftover oil and Parmesan mixture over the top.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Roast in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender inside and a beautiful deep golden brown on the bottom. The Parmesan should have formed a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle them with a little extra fresh parsley. Serve immediately while they are hot and crispy.
Tips for Success
- Dry Potatoes are Key: Make sure the potatoes are completely dry before you season them. This helps the oil and cheese stick and results in a crispier texture.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: A single layer on the baking sheet is crucial. If the potatoes are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, and you won’t get that crispy crust.
- Cut-Side Down: Placing the potatoes cut-side down on the baking sheet is the secret to a perfectly crispy, cheesy bottom.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Parmesan crusted potatoes are an incredibly versatile side dish. They would be a perfect complement to a simple roast chicken, a juicy steak, or a piece of baked fish. For a hearty, comforting meal, serve them alongside my Easy Turkey Wings.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
- Calories: Approx. 350 kcal
- Protein: Approx. 10g
- Fat: Approx. 20g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 35g
Storage and Leftover Tips
These potatoes are best served immediately. The crispy edges will soften as they cool. If you do have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, the best way to get them crispy again is to warm them in a hot oven or an air fryer.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you love a good, hearty, and easy meal, you’ll love these other recipes from my kitchen:
- For a similar one-pan wonder, this Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver.
- For a simple and flavorful dinner, my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is always a hit.
- For a fun, crowd-pleasing dinner, my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders are a true go-to.
- And for a cheesy appetizer, my Crockpot Nacho Dip is always a favorite.
- My Sheet Pan Quesadillas are a great option for feeding a crowd fast.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Parmesan Crusted Roasted Potatoes are a perfect example of how a few simple steps can transform a humble ingredient into something truly special. They are a healthy, delicious, and easy side dish that’s a fantastic addition to any meal.
I hope you give this recipe a try! Let me know in the comments below what your favorite way to serve them is. Happy cooking!
The Ultimate Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: A Foolproof Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (halved or quartered)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the halved or quartered baby potatoes to the bowl and toss until well coated.
- Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping once halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with extra parsley before serving.
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