Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a deliciously crispy and savory side dish that combines the earthy flavor of baby potatoes with the rich, cheesy goodness of Parmesan. Roasted to perfection, the outside of the potatoes develops a golden crust while the inside stays tender and fluffy. With a simple blend of olive oil, spices, and Parmesan cheese, these potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will complement any main dish.

Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, holiday feast, or just as a quick side for a weeknight meal, these Parmesan Crusted Potatoes will become your go-to recipe for a flavorful and satisfying dish. The best part is that they come together in under an hour, making them as convenient as they are delicious. Plus, with easy variations for dietary preferences, you can customize them to suit your tastes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy and Golden

The combination of Parmesan cheese and olive oil creates a perfect golden crust on the outside of the potatoes, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.

2. Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses just a few pantry staples, including baby potatoes, olive oil, and a blend of spices, making it an easy go-to for a quick side dish.

3. Versatile

These Parmesan Crusted Potatoes pair perfectly with a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian meals, making them a versatile addition to any dinner.

4. Customizable

You can adjust the spices to suit your taste or make substitutions for dietary needs, like using vegan cheese for a dairy-free option or adding cayenne pepper for extra heat.

5. Quick and Easy

With just 10 minutes of prep and 35-40 minutes in the oven, these potatoes are easy to prepare even on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

• Baby potatoes, scrubbed and halved (leave the skin on for extra texture)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Dairy-Free Option:

• Substitute Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative.

Spicy Version:

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix for a spicy kick.

Sweet Potato Variation:

• Use sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes for a unique flavor profile.

Variations

• Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast as a Parmesan substitute to make this recipe completely dairy-free.
• Extra Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mix if you prefer a spicier version of these potatoes.
• Sweet Potato Option: Swap out the baby potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor and a beautiful color contrast.
• Herb Variations: Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for additional flavor. Simply sprinkle them over the potatoes before baking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for roasting.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Scrub the baby potatoes thoroughly and cut them in half. Keeping the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients to the dish.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Make sure each potato is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 4: Coat with Parmesan

Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl and toss the potatoes again, ensuring the cheese sticks to the surface of each potato. The cheese will help create the golden, crispy crust during roasting.

Step 5: Roast the Potatoes

Place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top to enhance the crispiness. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and fork-tender on the inside.

Step 6: Serve

Once roasted, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve as a side dish with your favorite meal, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than crisp up.
• Check for doneness: Pierce a potato with a fork to check for tenderness. If the fork easily goes through, the potatoes are done.
• Flip halfway: For even browning, flip the potatoes halfway through the roasting process.
• Use parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup easier and helps prevent the potatoes from sticking.

How to Serve

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes make a great side dish for nearly any main course. Pair them with grilled chicken, steak, fish, or a vegetarian dish like roasted vegetables or a hearty salad. They also work well alongside pasta dishes or as part of a larger holiday spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Parmesan Crusted Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy Parmesan Crusted Potatoes fresh, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. After baking, let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat in the oven or a toaster oven to maintain the crispy crust. If reheating in the microwave, be aware that the potatoes may lose some of their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, you can use regular potatoes. Just cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking and crisping.

2. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses like Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or a cheddar blend for a different flavor profile.

3. How do I make these potatoes extra crispy?

Make sure the potatoes are well-coated with olive oil and cheese. Also, flipping them halfway through roasting helps ensure they crisp up evenly.

4. Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the potatoes and store them in the refrigerator before roasting. Simply season and refrigerate the potatoes, then roast them when you’re ready to serve.

5. Can I use olive oil spray instead of drizzling with olive oil?

Yes, you can use an olive oil spray to coat the potatoes. Just ensure they are evenly coated for optimal crispiness.

6. Are these potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Parmesan cheese or a dairy-free alternative.

7. Can I use frozen potatoes?

For best results, use fresh potatoes. Frozen potatoes may not crisp up as well and could result in a soggier texture.

8. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts to the roasting pan for a more hearty dish.

9. Can I use ghee or butter instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can use ghee or melted butter for a richer flavor.

10. Can I make these potatoes spicier?

Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix to give the potatoes a spicy kick.

Conclusion

These Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a simple yet flavorful side dish that will elevate any meal. With their crispy, golden exterior and tender, fluffy interior, they are the perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, these potatoes are sure to impress. Customize them with your favorite seasonings or swap out ingredients for different flavor profiles, and enjoy a dish that’s always a hit!

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