Crispy Parmesan Roast Potatoes Recipe

When you need a side dish that’s absolutely irresistible, you can’t go wrong with Crispy Parmesan Roast Potatoes. Little golden potatoes roast up with a crackly, cheesy parmesan crust on the bottom—every bite is the perfect balance of fluffy, tender potato and savory, crispy cheese. This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight, but its incredible flavor and texture make it worthy of any dinner party spread. Trust me, one bite and you’ll find yourself sneaking extra straight off the pan!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but powerful ingredients are the secret behind the magic of Crispy Parmesan Roast Potatoes. Each one plays a vital role in creating that signature crisp, cheesy bottom and fluffy interior. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:

• Oil: A bit of oil ensures that the parmesan melts evenly and the potatoes roast up beautifully golden and crispy.
• Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan), grated: The star of the show, this cheese creates the signature savory crust—use good quality parmesan for extra flavor!
• Small potatoes, cut in half (about 1 1/2 pounds): Go for baby potatoes or any small waxy variety; their texture turns light and fluffy inside while the cut side crisps up perfectly.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning allows the parmesan’s nutty tang and the potatoes’ natural sweetness to shine.

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Roast Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Brush a baking dish or pan with the oil, making sure to coat it evenly. This nonstick layer ensures the parmesan forms a beautifully crisp crust and prevents any tragic cheese stickage. Sprinkle a generous, even layer of grated parmesan all over the oiled surface—this is the foundation for that signature golden bottom.

Step 2: Season & Toss the Potatoes

In a bowl, toss the halved potatoes with the remaining oil, salt, and pepper. Giving them a quick toss ensures every potato gets a hint of seasoning and that signature roasted flavor in every bite. The oil also helps the potatoes achieve that gorgeous, golden edge.

Step 3: Arrange Potatoes Cut-Side Down

Press each potato half, cut side down, firmly into the parmesan in the baking dish. This gives each piece an extra crunchy, cheesy crust. Make sure they’re nestled side by side with as much surface contact as possible for maximum crispiness!

Step 4: Roast! The Magic Happens

Pop the dish into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes. The parmesan will melt, sizzle, and form that epic golden crust, while the potatoes become pillowy soft on the inside. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.

Step 5: Cool & Break Apart

Once the potatoes are gloriously golden, take the dish out and let them cool for about 5 minutes. This gives the cheese a moment to set and crisp up further. Then, use a spatula to gently break apart the Crispy Parmesan Roast Potatoes—don’t be surprised if the edges are extra crunchy!

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Roast Potatoes

Garnishes

For a pop of color and a fresh twist, scatter chopped parsley or chives over your Crispy Parmesan Roast Potatoes just before serving. Their herby freshness pairs beautifully with the rich, cheesy crust and gives your platter a restaurant-worthy look.

Side Dishes

These potatoes are the ultimate sidekick! Serve them next to roasted chicken, juicy steak, or a hearty veggie main. They also play nicely with grilled sausages or even a fresh, lemony salad—just imagine them soaking up extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve up Crispy Parmesan Roast Potatoes layered on a rustic wooden board with little ramekins of dipping sauce (gochujang mayo or sriracha mayo are game-changers). Or, skewer a few on cocktail sticks for an appetizer with major crunch appeal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you actually have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), let your potatoes cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty in the fridge for up to 3 days—the cheesy crust may soften a bit, but the flavor stays amazing.

Freezing

While you can freeze Crispy Parmesan Roast Potatoes, the texture does change slightly once reheated—the cheese may lose a bit of its original crispiness. For best results, freeze in a single layer so they don’t stick, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To restore crispiness, reheat the potatoes in a 400°F (200°C) oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes, straight from the fridge or freezer. The high heat brings back that glorious crunch, much better than microwaving!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of parmesan?

Absolutely! While parmesan gives the best crispy, salty crust, you can experiment with pecorino romano or even gruyere for a different flavor. Just avoid using softer cheeses—they won’t get as crispy or release as much flavor.

Why do I need to let the potatoes cool before breaking them apart?

Letting the potatoes rest helps the parmesan crust set properly, so it stays crisp and doesn’t pull away from the potatoes. It’s well worth the five-minute wait for perfect edges!

Can I make Crispy Parmesan Roast Potatoes ahead for a party?

Yes! You can roast them ahead and reheat in a hot oven just before serving. They’re perfect for make-ahead entertaining, and your guests will love them piping hot with extra dipping sauces on the side.

What’s the best potato variety for this recipe?

Look for small waxy potatoes, like baby Yukon Golds or red potatoes. They have the perfect texture for roasting: creamy inside, crisp outside, and they hold their shape nicely.

How can I spice up the flavor?

Get creative with seasonings! Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian herbs to the parmesan before pressing in the potatoes, or try Cajun or taco spice blends for extra punch. This dish is endlessly adaptable to your cravings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a side dish that everyone will love, you simply have to try Crispy Parmesan Roast Potatoes. They deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, and honestly, once you start making them, you’ll never look at potatoes the same way again. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this crunchy, cheesy delight!

Print