Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe

If you love potatoes with that irresistibly crisp edge and savory flavor, you’re going to swoon over these Crispy Parmesan Potatoes. Each bite is a golden, cheesy marvel—perfectly tender inside, outrageously crunchy on the outside, and loaded with garlicky goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crispy Parmesan Potatoes is that you only need a handful of staple ingredients, but each one plays an important role—from the alluring nuttiness of Parmesan to the rich silkiness of olive oil. Gather these simple items, and you’re set for potato perfection that’s big on both flavor and texture.

• Yellow baby/new potatoes: These stay tender and creamy inside, while crisping up beautifully on the outside—plus, they’re the perfect size for halving.
• Olive oil: Helps coat the potatoes with seasonings and creates that essential golden, crispy crust.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the best melt and flavor; it’s the key to that signature crispy-cheesy base.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly grated garlic infuses every bite with bold, aromatic depth.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: These bring out the flavors and balance all that cheesy richness.
• Cayenne (optional): A touch of heat for those who love a little extra kick.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds color and a pop of freshness, both in the mix and as a garnish.

Variations

The best thing about Crispy Parmesan Potatoes is how incredibly easy they are to customize. Whether you’re looking to tweak the seasonings, make them fit a special diet, or use up herbs from your garden, there’s plenty of creative room to play.

• Switch up the cheese: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different cheesy depth and sharpness.
• Add fresh herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or chives sprinkled over the top give these potatoes an aromatic lift.
• Make it dairy-free: Use your favorite plant-based hard cheese, or skip the cheese and go extra bold on the garlic and herbs for crisp, golden results.
• Toss in smoked paprika: For a hint of smoky warmth, add a half teaspoon to the olive oil mixture.

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Sheet Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and make sure the rack is positioned squarely in the center—this encourages even, golden roasting. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy release (and even easier clean-up!).

Step 2: Make the Olive Oil Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, grated garlic, salt, pepper, cayenne (if using), and chopped parsley. Give it all a good stir—this fragrant mixture is the flavor backbone of your potatoes, clinging to every bit of their creamy surface.

Step 3: Prepare and Season the Potatoes

Halve your baby potatoes and drop them straight into the olive oil mixture as you go; this prevents browning and ensures all sides get coated. Stir until the potatoes are slick and gleaming with all those herbs and spices.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Toss

Now for the magic: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and toss gently so each piece gets coated—just enough to stick, but not so much that it clumps together. This is where your crispy base comes to life!

Step 5: Arrange and Roast

Lay the potato halves cut-side down in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure any bits of parmesan and seasoning from the bowl end up on the cut sides of the potatoes—they’ll crisp up into melt-in-your-mouth golden goodness. Roast for 25 to 35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the undersides are deeply golden and crisp.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your Crispy Parmesan Potatoes rest for about 5 minutes—this helps set that cheesy, crunchy bottom. Carefully flip the potatoes to reveal their crispy, golden faces, then pile them onto a serving platter with a flourish of fresh parsley.

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

Garnishes

I love finishing these Crispy Parmesan Potatoes with a fresh shower of chopped parsley—it gives a burst of color and a subtle herbal note that balances the richness. For a luxe touch, you could also grate a little extra Parmesan over the top just before serving.

Side Dishes

These potatoes make a fantastic sidekick for just about anything. They pair beautifully with grilled chicken, juicy steak, or even roasted salmon. For a fun, casual meal, serve them with a crisp green salad and your favorite dipping sauces.

Creative Ways to Present

For party appetizers, stack the potatoes on a platter with toothpicks and a tangy aioli dip. Or nestle them in paper cones for a fun, street-food vibe. Don’t be shy about showing off that crispy, golden cheese when you serve—they’re absolutely made for admiring (before devouring)!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. The potatoes hold onto their flavor even as the crispy edges soften a touch, making for delicious snacking or speedy side dishes during the week.

Freezing

While Crispy Parmesan Potatoes are at their absolute best fresh from the oven, you can freeze the leftovers if needed. Lay them out on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. Just know that while they’re still tasty, the crispiness won’t quite be the same once thawed and reheated.

Reheating

For bringing back the crunch, arrange leftover potatoes cut side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and reheat in a 375°F oven for 5–10 minutes. An air fryer also works wonders here—just a few minutes until sizzling and crisp again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Crispy Parmesan Potatoes are such a beloved favorite in my kitchen—they’re fast, foolproof, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re making them as a weeknight side or celebrating with friends, this recipe is sure to earn raves. I hope you’ll give them a try soon and fall in love, bite after cheesy, golden bite!

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