If you love the idea of golden, crunchy potatoes with a rich, cheesy crust, then you are going to absolutely adore this Oven Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe. Imagine tender baby potatoes roasted to perfection, coated in a luscious garlic butter and olive oil mixture, then topped with a beautifully crisp layer of Parmesan cheese. Each bite is a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that feels both familiar and a little special. This recipe is perfect for anyone who appreciates a simple yet impressive side dish that can effortlessly elevate any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Oven Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe comes from a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a key role. From the creamy butter that adds richness to the sharp, nutty Parmesan that brings a crunch you won’t forget, every component works together to form a perfectly balanced dish.
- 2 lbs baby potatoes (halved): These are the perfect size for roasting evenly and soaking up flavors.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps create the crispy coating.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides moisture and helps the potatoes brown beautifully.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the potatoes with aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the potatoes without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient, creating that golden, crispy crust.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Oven Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is what will give the potatoes their signature crispiness. While it’s warming up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This small step makes cleanup a breeze and helps protect that priceless Parmesan crust.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is the flavor powerhouse that will coat the potatoes and help bind everything together once everything hits the pan. Be sure the butter has just melted and isn’t too hot, so it blends well with the olive oil and doesn’t cook the garlic prematurely.
Step 3: Create the Parmesan Base
This is where the Oven Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe really shines. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking sheet. This creates a golden, crispy crust under the potatoes that will wow your taste buds with every bite. Don’t rush this step—an even layer is key for that beautiful crust.
Step 4: Toss and Arrange the Potatoes
In a separate bowl or directly on the pan, toss the halved potatoes in the buttery garlic mixture ensuring each piece is well coated. Then, arrange the potatoes cut-side down on top of the Parmesan layer. This positioning helps that side get ultra-crispy and full of cheesy goodness. Resist the urge to crowd the pan; giving the potatoes room to roast evenly will reward you later.
Step 5: Roast to Crispy Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and roast the potatoes for 25 to 30 minutes. You will know they’re ready when the potatoes are tender inside and the Parmesan beneath them is deeply golden and crispy. Avoid moving the potatoes while baking to allow the crust to fully develop. After roasting, let them rest for about 5 minutes, then carefully use a spatula to lift them, preserving that irresistible crust.
How to Serve Oven Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley right before serving not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a refreshing herbal note that balances the rich, cheesy potatoes beautifully. You can also consider a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon for a bit of zing.
Side Dishes
These potatoes make a fantastic side for roast chicken, grilled steak, or even a hearty vegetarian main course. They pair particularly well with simple green salads, steamed vegetables, or roasted Brussels sprouts. The versatility of this Oven Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe means you can use it to complement virtually any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just mix things up, serve these potatoes on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with additional Parmesan and garnished with fresh herbs. For a cozy dinner, pile them high in a beautiful ceramic dish next to a small bowl of flavored sour cream or garlic aioli for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Oven Crispy Parmesan Potatoes keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Storing them carefully will help maintain their texture and flavor for quick enjoyment later.
Freezing
While these potatoes are best fresh, you can freeze them after roasting. Just place cooled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to freezer bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring back as much crispiness as possible, reheat the potatoes in a preheated 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes rather than using a microwave. This restores the crust and warms the potatoes evenly, keeping your Oven Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe tasting freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use regular large potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just cut regular potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook through evenly alongside the Parmesan crust.
Is it necessary to use both butter and olive oil?
Using both provides a balance of richness and a higher smoke point for roasting, helping prevent burning while keeping the potatoes flavorful and tender.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely. Feel free to experiment with paprika, rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper to customize the flavor to your liking.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan is key for the iconic crust, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or a sharp aged Asiago for a similar crispy, cheesy effect.
How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?
Poke a potato with a fork or knife — it should slide in easily without resistance. The potatoes should be tender inside yet have a golden, crunchy bottom crust.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Oven Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for holiday gatherings, sure to impress family and friends with minimal effort. The harmony of tender potato, crispy cheesy crust, and aromatic garlic is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients and get ready to add a new favorite side dish to your recipe collection that you’ll turn to again and again.
Print
Oven Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
Oven crispy Parmesan potatoes are golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory garlic and cheesy flavor. Roasted with a buttery Parmesan crust, these easy potatoes make the perfect side dish for any dinner—from weeknights to holidays.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 lbs baby potatoes (halved)
Seasoning and Toppings
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Butter and Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, creating a flavorful butter mixture to coat the potatoes.
- Create Parmesan Layer: Spread the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking sheet; this will form a crispy, cheesy crust under the potatoes.
- Toss Potatoes in Butter Mixture: In a separate bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes in the butter and seasoning mixture until they are fully coated.
- Arrange Potatoes on Parmesan: Place the coated potatoes cut-side down on the Parmesan layer on the baking sheet. This arrangement helps develop a golden, crispy bottom crust.
- Roast Potatoes: Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the Parmesan crust is golden and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes after roasting. Then, carefully lift them with a spatula to preserve the Parmesan crust. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, do not move the potatoes while baking to allow the Parmesan crust to fully form.
- Yukon Gold or red potatoes are excellent alternatives to baby potatoes.
- Add a pinch of paprika or crushed red pepper to the butter mixture for a spicy kick.
