There’s something undeniably irresistible about golden, crispy potatoes. Now imagine those potatoes generously coated in savory Parmesan cheese, roasted to perfection, and infused with garlic, herbs, and butter. These Crispy Parmesan Potatoes take classic comfort food and elevate it to gourmet level—while staying simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Whether served as a stunning side dish, a show-stopping party appetizer, or even a satisfying snack, these potatoes deliver the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, fluffy center, wrapped in cheesy, garlicky bliss.
Why Crispy Parmesan Potatoes Are a Must-Try
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Crispy on the outside, soft inside
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Loaded with flavor from garlic, herbs, and cheese
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Easy to prepare with just a few pantry staples
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Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or casual meals
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Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing
This dish is proof that humble ingredients, when cooked with care, can become something truly extraordinary.
Ingredients for Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make these unforgettable potatoes:
Main Ingredients
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2 lbs baby potatoes (red or yellow, halved)
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3 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or rosemary/thyme)
Optional Garnishes
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Fresh chopped parsley
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Extra Parmesan for sprinkling
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A drizzle of garlic butter or truffle oil for indulgence
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Layer
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly onto the baking sheet, forming little circles or a full cheese bed—this is what gives the potatoes their iconic crispy crust.
Step 3: Toss the Potatoes
In a bowl, mix halved potatoes with olive oil (or melted butter), minced garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs. Toss until every piece is coated.
Step 4: Press Potatoes onto Cheese
Place each potato cut-side down onto the cheese layer, pressing gently to help the cheese adhere.
Step 5: Roast Until Golden
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and crispy and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 6: Let Them Rest
Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tray to allow the Parmesan crust to fully set. Use a spatula to gently lift.
Tips for the Crispiest Potatoes
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Dry the potatoes thoroughly before roasting for maximum crispiness.
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Use freshly grated Parmesan, not pre-shredded—fresh melts and crisps better.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan. Space them out for even roasting.
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Pressing the potatoes into the cheese ensures a crispy, cheesy crust.
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Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes for a hint of spice.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy wonders pair perfectly with:
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Grilled steaks or roasted chicken
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Holiday roasts or baked ham
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Soups or hearty stews
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Dipping sauces like garlic aioli, sour cream, or ranch
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Or simply on their own with a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh herbs!
They’re also a fantastic addition to any brunch spread, especially when paired with eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
Crispy Parmesan Potato Variations
Spicy Kick
Add cayenne pepper or hot smoked paprika for heat lovers.
Cheese Lovers’ Dream
Try mixing Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for more complex flavor.
Garlic Bomb
Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a sweeter, deeper garlic flavor.
Mini Hasselback Style
Score each potato with shallow cuts before roasting for more crisped edges.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes to bring back the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose that signature crunch.
Make-Ahead Option
You can prepare the seasoned potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply sprinkle the Parmesan and roast. It’s the perfect holiday side dish you can prep in advance!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 180
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Fat: 9g
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Carbs: 18g
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Protein: 6g
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Fiber: 2g
These values may vary depending on the size of potatoes and amount of cheese used, but they’re still a balanced side dish option with protein and fiber.
Final Thoughts: A Potato Dish That Steals the Show
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or making a quiet family meal, these Crispy Parmesan Potatoes are a guaranteed hit. They’re easy to prepare, affordable, and absolutely delicious—proving that a handful of ingredients can produce comfort food that feels luxurious.
Once you try these, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite, requested again and again. Golden, cheesy, garlicky, and crisped to perfection—this recipe is comfort food, elevated.
