Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Crispy golden Parmesan Crusted Potatoes make every dinner table feel just a bit more special with minimal effort. Their savory edges and melting centers win over kids and adults alike and you can prep them with ingredients you already have on hand. Whether you serve them with a family brunch or next to a weeknight roast, they have a way of disappearing fast.

These potatoes rescued me when I needed a last minute side dish for unexpected guests and their crispy crust had everyone requesting the recipe before the meal was over.

Ingredients

• Baby potatoes: Provide crisp exteriors and creamy insides Choose firm smooth potatoes with thin skins for the best texture
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty rich flavor Always use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and melt
• Olive oil: Helps the Parm and spices stick and promotes even roasting Use extra virgin if you can
• Garlic powder: Creates savory depth Opt for a fresh high quality jar for best results
• Smoked paprika: Delivers subtle warmth Genuine smoked paprika takes these over the top
• Dried thyme: Lifts with an herbal note Crumble between your fingers before adding to release the oils
• Kosher salt: Ensures even seasoning Choose flakes over fine salt for better distribution
• Freshly ground black pepper: Wakes up the whole dish Grind just before using for a peppery kick
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds color and a burst of freshness Pick bright green leaves and chop them just before serving
• Extra Parmesan for garnish: Brings a salty finishing touch

Instructions

Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet:

Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius and get out a baking sheet Line it with parchment paper or grease lightly so the potatoes will not stick and to ensure easy clean up

Coat the Potatoes with Oil:

Grab a large mixing bowl Toss halved baby potatoes in olive oil Ensure each potato surface is lightly and evenly glossy so the Parmesan mixture will adhere everywhere

Mix the Parmesan Seasoning:

Combine grated Parmesan garlic powder smoked paprika dried thyme kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl Use a fork to blend so the flavors distribute throughout the Parmesan shreds

Season the Potatoes Thoroughly:

Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture over the oiled potatoes and toss well Every cut surface should be speckled with cheese and seasoning so do not rush this step

Arrange and Roast:

Lay each potato half cut side down on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer Make sure the potatoes do not touch so each one crisps up instead of steaming

Bake Until Golden and Crispy:

Roast in the hot oven for thirty to thirty five minutes The bottoms should be deep golden brown crisp and the insides fork tender Let cool on the baking sheet a couple of minutes

Plate and Garnish:

Loosen potatoes gently with a spatula then transfer to a serving dish Top with plenty of fresh parsley and more Parmesan if you like Serve while warm and crispy

Save

Parmesan is my favorite part because it goes crunchy along the pan edges like a cheesy cracker I once made these for my niece’s birthday picnic and she still talks about those crispy bits months later

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days To restore crispness reheat on a baking sheet at 400 degrees until hot and sizzling again not in the microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if baby potatoes are unavailable Use a hard aged cheese like Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite If you prefer dairy free try nutritional yeast for the umami note

Serving Suggestions

Serve with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for dipping My kids love these with ketchup but a tangy aioli or ranch is great too For a full meal pair with roast chicken or a veggie omelet

Cultural and Historical Notes

Parmesan crusted potatoes are a casual spin on classic American meat and potatoes recipes They get their irresistible crust from the Italian tradition of baking with hard cheeses but are designed for quick weeknight cooking

Seasonal Adaptations

In spring swap parsley for chives or dill Add a pinch of chili flakes for winter warmth Try grating lemon zest over the potatoes before serving in summer

Success Stories

A friend once reported making a double batch for her book club and there were not a single potato left My own best memory with this recipe was serving them at a cookout with neighbors and watching people sneak seconds before dinner was even served

Freezer Meal Conversion

Par roast the potatoes for twenty minutes then cool and freeze in a single layer Finish baking from frozen at 425 degrees until crispy for an easy make ahead side

Save

Once you taste these potatoes you will want to make them again and again for any occasion They are the perfect crispy side dish for everything from weeknight dinners to family celebrations

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I achieve maximum crispiness?

Arrange potatoes cut side down and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to help them crisp up beautifully.

→ Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

→ Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?

You may use a vegetarian hard cheese or a dairy-free alternative, but flavor and texture will vary.

→ Are these potatoes suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all core ingredients are gluten-free, but always verify cheese and spices for cross-contamination.

→ What garnishes pair well with these potatoes?

Fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes add freshness and a flavor boost.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

For best texture, bake just before serving. Reheating may reduce crispiness but can be done in a hot oven.