Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes Recipe is one of those delightful little dishes that turns simple baby potatoes into a crowd-pleasing side. Imagine tender, fluffy potatoes with a golden, crunchy Parmesan crust that's full of savory herbs and spices. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or whenever you crave something crispy and satisfying. If you love potatoes but want to elevate them with a bit of cheesy flair and a fantastic crunch, you’re going to adore this recipe.
Jump to:
What Makes This So Good
This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes Recipe nails that magical combination of crispy exterior and tender interior, all kissed with rich, cheesy goodness that simply can’t be beat. The aromatic garlic and herbs infuse every bite while the Parmesan forms an irresistible crust that crunches perfectly without any deep frying.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients and one baking sheet to create something extraordinary.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters respond to the savory crust and soft potato inside, making this a hit for all ages.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples like Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika come together beautifully without complicated preparation.
- Works Any Night: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend get-together, this recipe adapts perfectly to your schedule.
Ingredient Guide
Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference in your Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes Recipe. Here’s what I recommend for the best flavor and texture, plus a few swaps if you want to switch things up.
- Baby Potatoes: Golden or red baby potatoes work wonderfully. Pick ones that are firm and smooth-skinned for consistent roasting.
- Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor and to help the crust stick.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan makes the crispiest, most flavorful crust—skip pre-grated for best results.
- Garlic Powder: Adds that warm, subtle garlicky depth without overpowering the potatoes.
- Onion Powder: A mild onion note that complements the garlic and cheese perfectly.
- Dried Oregano: Brings a slight earthiness and herbaceous charm.
- Paprika: Just a dash for color, a hint of smoky sweetness, and a little zing.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Brightens the dish right before serving with fresh color and a light herbal note.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is the secret to cracking that crispy crust. While the oven warms, wash and dry your baby potatoes thoroughly—any moisture left on the surface can prevent crispiness. Then, slice the potatoes in half lengthwise so the cut sides can get beautifully golden in the oven. Toss them in a large bowl so you have room to coat evenly.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
Drizzle olive oil over the halved potatoes and gently toss to coat. Next, mix your Parmesan cheese with the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Sprinkle this cheesy-herb mixture over the potatoes and toss again, making sure each potato half gets a generous coating. This is where all the magic happens! Arrange the potatoes cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer; this ensures maximum crispiness. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll notice a mouthwatering aroma filling your kitchen as the cheese starts to brown. Halfway through the cook time, flip each potato to get that golden crust on both sides.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
When your potatoes look gloriously golden and crisp, take them out and let them cool just a bit so the crust sets perfectly. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve them warm alongside your favorite main – I promise they’ll disappear fast once everyone tastes that crispy, cheesy exterior paired with fluffy potato inside!
Extra Helpful Tips
This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes Recipe is straightforward, but a couple of tricks help you nail that perfect texture and flavor every time. I know it’s easy to rush, but patience during prep and baking pays off big.
- Watch for This Sign: The potatoes should be golden brown with crispy edges before pulling them out. The smell of toasted Parmesan is your cue.
- Temperature Trick: Keep your oven at a steady 400°F to ensure crispiness; lower temps lead to soft or soggy potatoes.
- Prep-Ahead Option: You can toss the potatoes in oil and spices the night before—just add the Parmesan right before baking to keep it crisp.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t overcrowd the pan; crowding steam-cooks the potatoes instead of roasting them crisp.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
To jazz up your Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes Recipe even more, try adding freshly chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary before baking, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat. A dollop of garlic aioli or a drizzle of lemony herb yogurt on the side makes a lovely creamy contrast. You can even toss in some crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions for extra indulgence.
Tasty Pairings
This recipe pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted chicken, seared steak, or a simple green salad for lighter fare. It also shines alongside pan-seared salmon or roasted vegetables. For drinks, a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea complements the cheesy, crispy flavors nicely.
Quick Plating Tips
Serve these potatoes on a warm platter sprinkled with extra freshly chopped parsley or chives. For an inviting look, add lemon wedges on the side to brighten the plate visually and flavor-wise. A small bowl of herb dip or flavored mayonnaise nearby can make your presentation look effortless yet intentional.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
You can keep leftover Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They’ll stay tasty, though the crust might soften a bit over time. Reheating well will help bring back some of that crispiness.
Freezer Friendly?
These potatoes freeze okay but aren’t ideal for freezing if you want to preserve that crispy crust. If you do freeze them, flash freeze first on a tray, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight and re-crisp in the oven. Avoid microwaving from frozen, as it can make them soggy.
Reheat Like New
For rebooted crispiness, the oven is your best friend. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C), spread the leftover potatoes on a sheet pan, and bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crunchy again. You can also reheat in a hot skillet with a touch of oil, turning occasionally to refresh the crust. Microwaves tend to make them soft, so I use it only for a quick warm-up if needed.
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes Recipe FAQs
Yes, but you'll want to cut larger potatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy. Smaller baby potatoes roast more uniformly, so they’re easiest here.
Keep the oven temperature steady at 400°F and flip the potatoes halfway to avoid any one side getting too browned. Using freshly grated Parmesan also helps it crisp without burning.
You can swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and use olive oil as usual. The texture won't be exactly the same, but it's a tasty alternative for vegan diets.
Reheating in a hot oven or skillet keeps the crust crispy. Microwaving tends to make them soggy, so I recommend avoiding it for texture's sake.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I hope this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes Recipe becomes one of your go-to sides because it’s just that delicious and reliable. If you try it, please come back and leave a star rating or share your favorite variations. Maybe next time you’ll toss in some fresh rosemary or finish with a squeeze of lemon for a bright twist. Cooking should be fun and full of little discoveries, and I’m thrilled to guide you to crispy potato perfection!
Print📖 Recipe
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes Recipe
These Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish, perfectly golden and full of savory flavors from Parmesan cheese and aromatic spices. With a crispy exterior and tender inside, they make an ideal accompaniment to any meal and can be prepared in under 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (golden or red)
Seasoning & Coating
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the potatoes bake to a perfect crispy texture.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Thoroughly wash and dry the baby potatoes. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then place them into a large mixing bowl.
- Season and Coat: Drizzle the olive oil over the halved potatoes and toss them to coat evenly. In a separate bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this cheese and spice mixture over the potatoes and toss again until each piece is fully coated, ensuring a flavorful crust.
- Bake the Potatoes: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the coated potatoes cut-side down in a single layer to promote even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through to achieve golden brown and crispy surfaces all around.
- Serve and Garnish: Once baked, let the potatoes rest for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and a fresh flavor note. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use golden or red baby potatoes for best results as they hold their shape well when baked.
- Adjust spices like paprika, garlic, and oregano to match your flavor preferences or add herbs such as thyme or rosemary for extra aroma.
- Ensure potatoes are arranged in a single layer to receive even crisping in the oven.
- Flipping the potatoes halfway through baking is key to achieving a uniform crispy crust.
- For a gluten-free dish, verify that the Parmesan cheese used is gluten-free certified.
Leave a Reply