Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are a revelation in side dish simplicity, transforming humble baby potatoes into golden, cheesy perfection with an irresistible crunch. These potatoes achieve their spectacular texture through a clever technique: roasting them cut-side down on a hot baking sheet, which creates a beautifully browned, crispy crust that contrasts wonderfully with the fluffy, tender interiors. The Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning form a savory, aromatic coating that caramelizes in the oven, creating a flavorful crust that adheres perfectly to each potato half. What makes these potatoes truly exceptional is how the Parmesan melts into a delicate, lacy crispness around the edges while the seasonings infuse every bite with garlicky, herbal notes. This dish proves that with the right method, ordinary ingredients can become extraordinary with minimal effort.
The success of these potatoes lies in understanding the science of roasting. Starting with dry potatoes ensures proper crisping, while the initial coating of oil helps conduct heat evenly and promotes browning. The Parmesan cheese serves double duty—it adds its distinctive salty, nutty flavor while also contributing to the Maillard reaction that creates that beautiful golden crust. Placing the potatoes cut-side down is the secret to achieving maximum surface contact with the hot pan, which is essential for developing that satisfying crunch. The high oven temperature quickly sears the exterior while slowly cooking the interiors to creamy perfection. These potatoes are incredibly versatile, equally at home alongside a weeknight roast chicken as they are gracing a holiday dinner table. The final garnish of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the richness, making each bite perfectly balanced.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Perfect Texture: Incredibly crispy exterior with a fluffy, tender interior
• Savory Flavor: Parmesan and Italian seasoning create a deliciously seasoned crust
• Easy Preparation: Simple technique with spectacular results
• Versatile Side: Complements everything from casual meals to fancy dinners
Ingredients:
• 1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Create Seasoning Mix
• In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Coat Potatoes
• In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil until evenly coated.
• Sprinkle the Parmesan seasoning mixture over the potatoes and toss again until all pieces are well coated.
Step 4: Arrange for Maximum Crispiness
• Place the potatoes cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, pressing gently to ensure full surface contact.
• Make sure the potatoes aren’t crowded to allow for proper air circulation.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
• Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the bottoms are deeply golden and crispy, and the centers are fork-tender.
• For extra crispiness, you can broil for the final 1-2 minutes (watch carefully).
Step 6: Serve
• Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
• Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Tips:
• Uniform Sizing: Choose similarly sized potatoes for even cooking
• Dry Potatoes: Pat potatoes dry before coating for better crisping
• Don’t Crowd: Leave space between potatoes for proper air circulation
• Press Firmly: Ensuring good pan contact is key to crispy bottoms
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheating: Re-crisp in air fryer or oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes
• Freezing: Not recommended as texture will become mealy
Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are the ultimate side dish that consistently delivers spectacular results with minimal effort. Their perfect combination of crispy texture and savory flavor makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a regular in your recipe rotation.
