If you are craving a side dish that is crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this Parmesan Crusted Roasted Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender baby Yukon gold potatoes with golden, crunchy Parmesan cheese crusts that add an irresistible savory crunch to every bite. The marriage of melted butter, fragrant garlic, and a hint of spice elevates these roasted potatoes from simple to spectacular. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these potatoes bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of gourmet magic to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Parmesan Crusted Roasted Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the creamy texture of the Yukon gold potatoes to the aromatic herbs and the crispiness of the Parmesan crust. These are all pantry staples that come together to create something truly special.
- Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes: The star of the dish, chosen for their creamy interior and thin skin that crisps beautifully.
- Butter (3 Tbsp, melted): Adds rich flavor and helps the potatoes roast to a golden perfection.
- Olive Oil (3 Tbsp): Balances the butter with a smooth texture and helps in crisping the crust.
- Garlic Cloves (2, crushed): Infuse the potatoes with fragrant and savory notes that make the dish aromatic.
- Oregano (½ tsp): Brings a subtle herbaceous lift that complements the richness of the cheese.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance every layer of flavor.
- Dried Parsley (1 tsp): Adds a fresh, mild herb flavor and visual appeal.
- Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp): Offers a gentle kick, balancing the creaminess with a touch of heat.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): The secret weapon that creates the irresistible golden crust everyone will love.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF so it’s ready to crisp the potatoes to golden perfection. Line a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil and give it a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures easy cleanup and keeps your potatoes from sticking, so every bit of the crust stays intact and perfect.
Step 2: Clean and Cut the Potatoes
Grab your baby Yukon gold potatoes and give them a thorough rinse, removing any dirt from their thin skins. Then, cut each potato in half lengthwise. This simple cut creates the perfect surface area for the Parmesan crust to cling to, maximizing that delicious crunchy texture.
Step 3: Make the Flavorful Coating
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, crushed garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes. This aromatic mixture will soak into every crevice of the potatoes, infusing them with savory goodness before roasting.
Step 4: Toss the Potatoes
Add the cut potatoes to the bowl and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring each piece is well coated in the herb-infused butter and oil mixture. This creates a flavorful base layer that will keep the insides tender and the outsides crispy.
Step 5: Parmesan Dip and Placement
Here’s the fun part: dip the cut side of each potato half into the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Be generous, because this cheese crust is what gives the dish its signature flavor and crunch. Place the potatoes cheese side down on the prepared baking sheet, ready to bake into golden, cheesy perfection.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Pop your potatoes into the preheated oven and bake them for 30 to 35 minutes. The goal is tender insides that yield easily to a fork paired with a crispy, golden, Parmesan crust that shatters delightfully with each bite. Keep an eye on that crust so it doesn’t burn but turns a beautiful shade of golden brown.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To add a final fresh touch, sprinkle a bit of chopped fresh parsley or chives over the hot potatoes just before serving. This adds a pop of vibrant green and a subtle freshness that balances the rich, cheesy crust.
Side Dishes
These Parmesan Crusted Roasted Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork chops. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables make for a balanced plate, complementing the hearty, cheesy potatoes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve these potatoes in a rustic wooden bowl with lemon wedges on the side. For a casual gathering, toss the roasted potatoes with a little extra parsley and parmesan before plating for a rustic, family-style appeal. They also shine atop a creamy dip or alongside a zesty aioli for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Parmesan Crusted Roasted Potatoes Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners after busy days.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the potatoes before roasting, arranged on a baking sheet to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Roast from frozen adding extra baking time so you get the freshest, crispiest crust on demand.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a 375ºF oven for 10-15 minutes. This helps revive their crispiness far better than the microwave, which can sometimes make them soggy. A quick pan-fry in a skillet with a bit of oil also works beautifully to restore the crunch.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby Yukon Golds?
Yes, you can use regular potatoes, but baby Yukon Golds are preferred for their creamy texture and thinner skin that crisps well. If using larger potatoes, cut them into smaller pieces for even roasting.
Is it necessary to use fresh Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan is highly recommended because it melts and crisps beautifully, creating the best crust. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that might affect the texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor, although the crust won’t be quite the same.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle kick that enhances the flavor without overpowering the dish. You can adjust or omit the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preferences.
Can these potatoes be cooked in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 400ºF for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The air fryer will crisp the potatoes nicely, but watch the Parmesan crust closely to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Crusted Roasted Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that makes me smile every time I eat it. The crispy, cheesy exterior paired with tender, flavorful potatoes inside is pure comfort food bliss. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these potatoes are an easy way to add a little sparkle to your meal. I hope you love making and sharing them as much as I do!
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Parmesan Crusted Roasted Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy and flavorful Parmesan Crusted Roasted Potatoes made with baby Yukon gold potatoes coated in a savory garlic herb butter and olive oil mixture, then baked to golden perfection with a crisp Parmesan cheese crust.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 (24-oz) bag baby Yukon gold potatoes
Coating
- 3 Tbsp butter (melted)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Topping
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Line a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Clean the baby Yukon gold potatoes thoroughly and cut each potato in half lengthwise to create flat surfaces for roasting and better cheese adhesion.
- Make the Coating: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, crushed garlic cloves, oregano, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes until well combined to form a flavorful herb butter mixture.
- Toss the Potatoes: Add the halved potatoes into the bowl with the coating mixture. Toss the potatoes thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the garlic herb butter and seasonings.
- Apply the Cheese Crust: Dip the cut (flat) side of each potato half into the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, pressing gently so the cheese adheres well, and then place the cheese-coated side down onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the Potatoes: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender and the Parmesan cheese crust is golden and crispy.
Notes
- You can substitute baby red potatoes or fingerlings if Yukon gold are unavailable.
- For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.
