Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for these Parmesan Crusted Potatoes, a dish that delivers crunchy, savory bliss in every single bite. Imagine baby potatoes, their creamy interiors encased in a crackly, golden crust of Parmesan and spices—honestly, they’re the side you’ll find excuses to make for any meal. These potatoes are gloriously simple, yet every ingredient brings its own flavor and texture magic to the table. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast or as a treat-yourself weeknight side, Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are impossible not to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a few everyday ingredients can transform into such an irresistible delight. Each one plays a starring role—from the earthiness of the potatoes to the savory punch of Parmesan. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Baby Potatoes: Their tender flesh and petite size make them perfect for crispy edges and a hearty bite.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the Parmesan mixture stick while ensuring the potatoes oven-roast to a golden, crunchy finish.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: The key to a salty, cheesy crust that gets addictive as it crisps up in the oven.
- Garlic Powder: Brings a mellow, aromatic background that deepens the flavor throughout each potato.
- Paprika: Adds a hint of warmth and color, enhancing both taste and appearance.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the potatoes’ flavors and balancing the dish.
- Black Pepper: Gives a slight, peppery heat that keeps every bite interesting.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of this green herb at the end adds brightness and a beautiful pop of color.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Tools
Preheat your oven to 400°F, and line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper. This is the first step to guaranteeing none of that beautiful cheesy crust sticks or burns. If you’re feeling bold, try a cast iron skillet for extra crunch—just grease it lightly to avoid sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Parmesan Coating
Grab a small bowl and combine your grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This is the flavor powerhouse for your potatoes, so give everything a thorough mix to ensure the spices distribute evenly. The aroma alone is enough to get you excited for what’s next!
Step 3: Dress and Coat the Potatoes
Drizzle the cut side of each halved baby potato with olive oil—this helps achieve that glorious crunch once baked. Then, press each oiled, cut side firmly into the Parmesan mixture. This gentle press ensures maximum cheesy coating for a truly irresistible crust.
Step 4: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Place the potato halves cut-side down, spreading them out across your prepared baking sheet. Give them space so hot air can circulate and help the Parmesan crust crisp up perfectly. It’s this step that really sets Parmesan Crusted Potatoes apart from your average roasted potatoes!
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the undersides are a deep, golden brown. Let them cool for about five minutes (if you can wait!) before using a spatula to gently lift them off the tray, keeping that crunchy crust intact.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you’ve got fresh parsley, sprinkle it over your finished Parmesan Crusted Potatoes for a finishing touch. Not only does it add color, but the fresh, herbal notes also balance out the rich, savory flavors. Now dig in and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley is the simplest—and perhaps the best—garnish for Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. The parsley’s fresh flavor brightens up the rich, cheesy crust and the vibrant green looks stunning. For an extra flavor boost, a sprinkle of chives or a very light dusting of smoked paprika works wonders too.
Side Dishes
These potatoes love being at the center of your dinner spread alongside almost anything. They’re amazing with roasted chicken or grilled steak for classic comfort, but equally delicious paired with lemony salmon or even a big green salad. The savory, crispy nature of Parmesan Crusted Potatoes makes them the perfect foil for fresh veggies or juicy proteins.
Creative Ways to Present
Shake things up by serving these potatoes as finger food for gatherings! Pile them onto a platter with toothpicks and a creamy garlic dip for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Or, try nestling them into big bowls and topping with a dollop of sour cream and extra herbs for a playful, loaded-potato twist that always wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are at their crispy best fresh from the oven, but leftovers will keep nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to let the potatoes cool completely before transferring them to keep the crust from turning soggy.
Freezing
While these potatoes can technically be frozen, the texture of the cheesy crust can suffer. If you do decide to freeze them, arrange in a single layer on a tray to freeze first, then transfer to a resealable bag. Reheat straight from frozen, but count on a slightly softer crust.
Reheating
To bring back as much crispiness as possible, spread the potatoes cut-side down on a baking sheet and heat in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes. The microwave is quick, but you’ll sacrifice that coveted crunch, so stick with the oven or even an air fryer for best results.
FAQs
Can I use larger potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely—just cut them into smaller chunks or thick slices so every piece gets its share of the crispy, cheesy crust. The key is to keep the pieces roughly the same size for even baking.
What’s the best kind of Parmesan cheese for Parmesan Crusted Potatoes?
Freshly grated Parmesan is the gold standard, as it melts and crisps up more evenly than pre-grated. However, in a pinch, the pre-shredded kind will still yield delicious results.
Can I make Parmesan Crusted Potatoes dairy-free?
You sure can! Substitute your favorite plant-based Parmesan-style cheese, or use nutritional yeast for a savory, slightly cheesy crunch that’s completely dairy-free.
How do I make these even crispier?
A cast iron skillet will give you maximum crunch thanks to its superior heat retention. Also, resist overcrowding the pan—space between the potatoes lets the heat circulate and crisps up the cheese beautifully.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No peeling required! The thin skin of baby potatoes adds extra texture and helps the crust adhere. Just give them a good scrub before prepping, and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a side dish that never fails to win hearts (and taste buds), you can’t go wrong with Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. They’re quick to make, irresistible to eat, and always manage to steal the show. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll look forward to every excuse to make them again!
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Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a crispy and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and paprika creates a delicious crust on tender baby potatoes.
Ingredients
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Parmesan mixture: In a small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat potatoes: Drizzle olive oil on cut side of halved potatoes, press into Parmesan mixture to coat.
- Bake: Place potatoes cut-side down on baking sheet, bake for 30–35 minutes until tender and golden.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a cast iron skillet.
- Enhance flavor with Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
