Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
If there’s one dish that can turn a regular dinner into a celebration, it’s this Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe. Imagine golden, buttery potatoes with impossibly crisp edges, cloaked in a savory Parmesan crust—the kind of irresistible side dish you’ll want to make again and again. This recipe is my not-so-secret weapon whenever I want to impress family, friends, or honestly, just myself! It’s simple enough for weeknights but delicious enough to steal the show at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the magic behind these potatoes! This Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe calls for a handful of humble, everyday ingredients, each playing an essential role. From earthy baby potatoes to that salty Parmesan crunch, nothing fancy—just good stuff coming together for maximum flavor and texture.
- Baby or Yukon gold potatoes (2 pounds, halved): Tender, creamy, and perfect for roasting; their small size gives you the ideal cut surface for extra crispiness.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and ensures even roasting—it’s the key to those golden, crispy edges.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): The star of the show! Parmesan forms a nutty, salty crust that makes these potatoes totally unique.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): For a savory boost that fills your kitchen with tantalizing aromas.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): A little warmth and color, plus it helps the crust develop gorgeous golden hues.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Brings all the flavors together—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just enough for gentle heat and depth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a pop of green and a hint of fresh flavor as the final touch.
- Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper: The secret to easy release so that lovely crisp Parmesan stays put!
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is your ticket to that signature crunch. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or spritz it generously with nonstick cooking spray—this keeps the cheese from sticking and helps the potatoes release easily after roasting.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a big bowl, toss your halved potatoes with the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every potato gets coated, so the seasoning and oil hug each surface for full flavor and golden browning.
Step 3: Create the Parmesan Crust
Sprinkle your grated Parmesan cheese directly onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out into a thin, even layer—especially concentrating extra cheese in the spots where you’ll arrange your potatoes cut-side down. This is what forms that deliciously crispy base.
Step 4: Arrange the Potatoes
Gently press each potato half, cut-side down, onto the Parmesan layer. Space them evenly, being careful not to move them once they’re placed. Lightly pressing ensures each one makes direct cheesy contact, setting you up for maximum crunch.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Slide the tray into the hot oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Resist the urge to move or flip the potatoes—they need uninterrupted oven time for the cheese to melt, crisp up, and stick. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re fork-tender, golden, and the edges of cheese look lacy and caramelized.
Step 6: Cool Briefly and Serve
Let the potatoes rest for a couple of minutes after pulling them from the oven. This lets the Parmesan crust firm up for easier removal. Use a spatula to carefully lift each potato from the pan, revealing that gorgeous, golden cheese layer. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you want a splash of vibrant color and flavor.
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, adding a burst of green and a hint of herbal brightness. For extra flair, you could grate a little more Parmesan over the top, or scatter a few chili flakes for some subtle heat. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon brings unexpected freshness too.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines beside simple proteins like roast chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. It’s also fabulous next to a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or a bowl of homemade soup. For brunch, serve these potatoes with eggs and avocado for a seriously satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the potatoes high on a rustic platter, or present them in miniature cups for a dazzling appetizer. If you’re feeling playful, thread them onto skewers for a fun, dippable party bite. The Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe is endlessly adaptable—let your imagination run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover potatoes should be cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them a meal-prep superstar or midnight snack hero.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze these potatoes, the crispy Parmesan crust will soften a bit once thawed. If you do freeze them, use parchment between layers and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. The flavor remains delicious, even if the crunch isn’t quite like day one.
Reheating
To bring back as much crisp as possible, reheat the potatoes in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and edges re-crisp. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose most of that magical texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for the Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes and Yukon golds deliver creamy interiors and crisped exteriors, red potatoes or even small fingerlings would work wonderfully. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized halves for even cooking.
Can I add other spices or herbs?
Definitely! This recipe is incredibly forgiving. Try Italian seasoning, rosemary, or even a dash of cayenne for added flavor. Just remember, the classic garlic and paprika combo provides a great base that pairs with almost anything.
What’s the best way to make the Parmesan crust extra crispy?
A thin, even layer of cheese on parchment or a well-oiled pan is essential. Press the potatoes down firmly and, most importantly, don’t move them during roasting. That uninterrupted contact is what creates the signature crust of this Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe.
Are these potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check your cooking spray and cheese labels to be extra sure, but no flour or gluten-containing ingredients are needed.
Can I make the Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe ahead for a party?
You can roast them in advance and reheat right before serving. For best results, re-crisp them in a hot oven. They’re lovely at room temperature too, which makes them perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or buffets.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate side dish, the Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Recipe might just be your new favorite obsession. Warm, crunchy, and packed with flavor, these potatoes transform every meal into a special occasion. Go on, give it a try—you might find yourself making a double batch next time!
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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 delightful side dish or appetizer, featuring tender baby or Yukon gold potatoes coated in a savory blend of Parmesan cheese and spices, roasted to perfection until golden and crispy.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby or Yukon gold potatoes, halved
Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Additional:
- Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick spray.
- Toss Potatoes: In a bowl, coat halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add Parmesan: Spread Parmesan on the baking sheet, place potatoes cut-side down over the cheese.
- Roast: Roast for 25–30 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and cheese is crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let cool for 2 minutes, then gently lift and serve, garnishing with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Do not move potatoes during baking for a crispy cheese crust.
- Enhance with Italian seasoning or chili flakes for added flavor.
- Serve with favorite dip as a side dish or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg