If you’ve been searching for the ultimate side dish that balances golden crispiness with a cheesy, savory punch, you’re going to adore this Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe. These potatoes come out of the oven boasting a perfectly crisp bottom crust made of melted Parmesan cheese that adds a rich, nutty flavor. Each tender bite reveals a harmonious blend of garlic, paprika, and Italian herbs, creating a dish that’s irresistible anytime you want something comforting yet elegant. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple for weeknight dinners and holiday feasts alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a distinct role to elevate flavor and texture while keeping the list straightforward and accessible.
- 2 pounds baby gold or red potatoes: Small potatoes roast evenly and have a creamy interior perfect for crisping.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds flavor and helps create the golden crunch.
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese: The magic ingredient for that crispy, cheesy crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory depth and a hint of warmth.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a gentle smoky sweetness and enhances color.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Infuses familiar herbaceous notes that complement Parmesan.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Essential to balance flavors and enhance all ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Provides a fresh, green pop of color and mild brightness for garnish.
How to Make Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to a hot 425°F to ensure crispiness from the get-go. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil so the Parmesan cheese won’t stick harshly and your potatoes can lift off easily after roasting.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a spacious bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning mix is what transforms simple potatoes into flavor-packed bites. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for consistent taste and texture throughout.
Step 3: Build the Parmesan Base
Sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the prepared baking sheet. This layer will melt and crisp as the potatoes roast, creating the signature crust of the Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe. Don’t be shy—spread it out in a single layer for maximum contact.
Step 4: Arrange Potatoes Cut-Side Down
Place your seasoned potatoes on top of the Parmesan layer, cut side down and press them gently so the cheese adheres. This little step ensures that when you flip the potatoes out of the pan, they come away with that glorious crispy coating on the bottom that’s brimming with cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Roast Until Golden and Crispy
Pop your pan into the oven and roast the potatoes for 30 to 35 minutes. Resist the urge to flip them during this time—the magic happens with the cheese caramelizing underneath. You’ll know they’re ready when the bottoms are deeply golden and crisp and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Let Rest and Serve
After roasting, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes. This brief moment lets the cheese crust set so the potatoes lift cleanly. Carefully lift the potatoes off the pan with a spatula and transfer them to a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like for an added burst of color and a subtle herbaceous touch.
How to Serve Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley is a classic choice to add a bit of brightness and fresh aroma, you can also elevate your potatoes with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a drizzle of garlic aioli, or even a dash of chili flakes for a hint of heat. These garnishes bring an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal to your plate.
Side Dishes
These Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes shine alongside grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables. They also make a fabulous partner to fish dishes, thanks to their hearty texture and bold flavor. If you want a vegetarian meal, pair them with a fresh salad or sautéed greens for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these potatoes in small ramekins with a dollop of sour cream or ranch dip on top, transforming them into individual sharable appetizers. Alternatively, toss them with a squeeze of lemon juice and chopped herbs to brighten the flavor for a refreshing take.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep their crunch, avoid stacking too many pieces on top of each other.
Freezing
While these potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them successfully. Spread cooled potatoes on a baking sheet to freeze individually for a couple of hours, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness, reheat leftovers in a 400°F oven on a lined baking sheet for about 10 minutes or until piping hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to soften the crust and makes the potatoes less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just cut larger potatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure even roasting and crispiness similar to baby potatoes.
What type of Parmesan cheese works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best melt and crust formation. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent perfect crisping.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses no flour or breadcrumbs. Just double-check your seasoning blends to be sure.
Is it possible to bake these potatoes in a convection oven?
Yes, baking at a slightly lower temperature around 400°F and checking for doneness a bit earlier will work well with convection settings.
What dips pair well with Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe?
Garlic aioli, ranch dressing, sour cream, or even a spicy chipotle mayo complement the cheesy, seasoned potatoes wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe that makes it stand out as an easy yet impressive side dish any cook can master. The way the Parmesan cheese crisps up to form that decadent crust combined with perfectly seasoned tender potatoes is pure magic. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, I highly encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every irresistible bite. You might find it quickly becoming your go-to comfort side that everyone asks for again and again!
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Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
These Crispy Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes are a deliciously golden and crispy side dish perfect for any meal. Roasted to perfection with a flavorful coating of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning, they offer a delightful combination of textures and savory flavors. Easy to prepare and gluten-free, these potatoes will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby gold or red potatoes, halved
Seasonings & Coating
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Toss the potatoes with seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until every potato piece is evenly coated with the mixture.
- Prepare the baking sheet with Parmesan: Evenly sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan cheese directly onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it out to form a thin layer for the potatoes to adhere to.
- Arrange potatoes for roasting: Place the seasoned potatoes cut-side down on top of the Parmesan cheese layer. Press them gently so they stick to the cheese, which will create a delicious crispy crust.
- Roast the potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for 30 to 35 minutes without flipping. The potatoes should be tender inside with deeply golden and crispy bottoms.
- Rest and serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes. Carefully lift each potato off the pan to keep the crispy Parmesan crust intact. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties.
- These potatoes pair wonderfully with dips like garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or sour cream.
