Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
What happens when a golden roasted potato meets the nutty richness of Parmesan and a punchy blend of spices? You get Crispy Parmesan Potatoes: a side dish that outshines most mains and will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. These bite-sized gems transform simple spuds into something special thanks to their ultra-crunchy bottoms, plenty of big, cheesy flavor, and just the right hint of garlic and smokiness. Whether you’re planning a Sunday roast, a weeknight dinner, or even a brunch spread, this crowd-pleasing recipe is here to boost your potato game in the most delicious way.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Crispy Parmesan Potatoes come together with just a handful of humble ingredients, each one chosen to pack in flavor, crunch, and color. Don’t skip on quality—these basics work in harmony to make this dish truly irresistible.
- Baby potatoes: Their natural sweetness and creamy interior are perfect for roasting and ensure bite-sized perfection.
- Olive oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully while adding a touch of earthy richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: This is where the magic happens; it melts into a lacy crust that’s salty, nutty, and golden brown.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, savory depth that melds with the cheese and potatoes.
- Onion powder: A subtle sweetness that boosts the well-rounded flavor profile.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a hint of smoky warmth, making the potatoes extra intriguing.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together and balances the richness.
- Black pepper: Just a touch for subtle heat and sharpness.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top, it adds freshness and a pop of green color.
- Extra Parmesan (optional): For cheese lovers, a little more to finish never hurts!
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, this makes for easier cleanup and ensures nothing sticks. High heat and proper pan prep are secrets to the irresistible crunch in Crispy Parmesan Potatoes.
Step 2: Toss the Potatoes with Goodness
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your halved baby potatoes with the olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Don’t be shy here: use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to really coat every spud. They should glisten and look almost too flavorful to roast!
Step 3: Arrange for Maximum Crispiness
Spread the potatoes out on your prepared sheet, cut-side down and in a single layer. Give them space! This step is critical; crowding causes steaming, not roasting. The cut sides will caramelize and soak up that Parmesan crust, delivering the best part of Crispy Parmesan Potatoes—the ultra-crispy, cheesy base.
Step 4: Roast Until Golden
Pop the tray in the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. By the end, your kitchen will smell heavenly, and the potatoes will be fork-tender with outrageously crisp, golden bottoms. Let them cool for a minute or two before using a thin spatula to gently release those beautiful cheesy crusts from the pan.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your Crispy Parmesan Potatoes onto a serving platter. Don’t forget an extra shower of fresh parsley and a last flurry of Parmesan if you like things cheesy. These taste-bomb potatoes are officially ready to disappear!
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

Garnishes
A traditional finish for Crispy Parmesan Potatoes is a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—its freshness cuts through the richness and makes everything brighter. You can also amp them up with a squeeze of lemon, a dash of flaky sea salt, or even a pinch of chili flakes if you want a little heat. And of course, more Parmesan is always a very welcome upgrade.
Side Dishes
These potatoes are wildly versatile. Serve them with classic roast chicken, grilled salmon, or alongside a hearty vegetarian main for the ultimate comfort meal. They’re also brilliant at a brunch buffet, next to scrambled eggs or a spinach frittata. Honestly, it’s hard to think of a savory main they don’t love!
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Skewer individual potatoes on toothpicks for a party appetizer platter, or pile them into tiny ramekins for an upscale touch. Toss leftovers into a salad for crunchy, cheesy croutons, or drizzle with a little garlicky aioli for dipping. Don’t be afraid to make them the main event; they are that good.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extras (a rare occurrence!), place cooled Crispy Parmesan Potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay delicious for up to three days, making them perfect for meal prep or snacking.
Freezing
While these are at their very best fresh from the oven, you can freeze them if needed. Lay the cooled potatoes out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. This helps keep them from sticking together.
Reheating
To recapture the original crunch, spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet and reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Skip the microwave if you can—the oven brings back that all-important crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for Crispy Parmesan Potatoes?
Definitely! Yukon gold or red potatoes work beautifully—just cut them into small wedges about the same size as halved baby potatoes, so everything roasts evenly and crisps up just right.
Why do I need to place the potatoes cut-side down?
Arranging them cut-side down gives you maximum surface area for the crispy Parmesan layer to caramelize and stick to each spud. It’s the secret to that signature crunch and cheesy golden bottom.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
If you need a dairy-free variation, try swapping the Parmesan with your favorite dairy-free hard cheese alternative. Just look for one that melts and crisps up for equally irresistible results.
Can I make Crispy Parmesan Potatoes ahead of time?
While they’re at their very best fresh out of the oven, you can roast the potatoes ahead and re-crisp them in a hot oven just before serving. Great for prepping in advance for parties or weeknights!
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan?
Lining your tray with parchment paper helps, and don’t skimp on either the olive oil or Parmesan coating. Both act as delicious barriers that help ensure an easy release and the crispiest finish.
Final Thoughts
If potatoes have never really wowed you before, Crispy Parmesan Potatoes could just be the side dish to change your mind. Between their golden, cheesy crunch and simple prep, they deserve a spot in every cook’s rotation. Give them a try, share them with friends, and get ready for them to become a staple at your table!
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Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Crispy Parmesan Potatoes are a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. The baby potatoes are roasted to golden perfection with a flavorful Parmesan coating, creating a crispy and savory treat.
Ingredients
Baby Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Additional Parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Toss potatoes with seasonings:
- Roast the potatoes:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Arrange the potatoes cut-side down on the baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Let cool slightly and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, don’t overcrowd the pan.
- This recipe also works with Yukon gold or red potatoes cut into small wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg