These Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes are little bites of joy! They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, coated with yummy Parmesan cheese and spices.
Who can resist the golden crunch? I love serving these as a side dish or snack. Just warning you, they might disappear quickly – so you might want to make extra! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These small, tender potatoes are perfect for roasting. You can substitute them with regular potatoes; just chop them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps the Parmesan stick. If you’re out of olive oil, feel free to use canola, sunflower, or avocado oil instead for similar results.
Parmesan Cheese: This is the star ingredient, providing that crispy, savory crust. If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can deliver a cheesy flavor. Grated Pecorino Romano also works well if you want a sharper taste.
Garlic Powder: It brings a nice garlic flavor without the work of chopping. For a fresher touch, you could use minced garlic instead—about 2-3 cloves should do.
Paprika: This adds a mild smokiness and color. Smoked paprika gives a deeper flavor if you want to amp it up, or simply skip it if you prefer a milder dish.
How Do I Get My Potatoes Extra Crispy?
Getting that ideal crispy texture is all about preparation and cooking. Start with drying the potatoes after washing them. Any extra moisture can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Here’s how to ensure they come out perfect:
- Cut the potatoes uniformly so they cook evenly.
- When mixing with the oil and seasonings, make sure each potato piece is well-coated.
- Arrange them cut-side down on the baking sheet to maximize surface contact with the hot pan, which promotes crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. If they’re too close, they’ll steam and won’t get crispy.
Keep an eye on them as they roast; the exact time may vary depending on your oven. Happy roasting!
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
For The Coating:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to roast in the oven, totaling approximately 40 minutes from start to finish. With a little waiting time for roasting, you’ll have these delicious, crispy potatoes ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat The Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help make your potatoes crispy! While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare The Coating:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and looks like a thick, delicious paste.
3. Coat the Potatoes:
Now it’s time for the baby potatoes! Add them to the bowl with the Parmesan mixture. Toss the potatoes gently but thoroughly so that each piece gets a nice, even coating. You want them to be well covered with that tasty mixture!
4. Arrange and Roast:
Once the potatoes are coated, place them cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. This really helps them get crispy! Pop them into your preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, while still tender inside.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When your potatoes are done roasting, take them out of the oven and transfer them to a serving plate. To finish, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve these delicious Parmesan crusted baby potatoes hot, and enjoy as a tasty side dish or appetizer!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are perfect for this recipe, you can use other small potatoes like red or Yukon gold. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
What Else Can I Add to the Coating?
If you’re looking to spice things up, you can add herbs like oregano or thyme for added flavor. You could also include a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat or swap in some grated mozzarella for an extra cheesy layer.
How to Store Leftover Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make a Larger Batch?
Definitely! Just ensure you have enough space on your baking sheet. If needed, roast them in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent them from getting crispy.
