Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes: The Perfect Side Dish

If you’re looking for a side dish that will wow your family and friends, you’ve come to the right place! Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes: The Perfect Side Dish is just that—simple yet sensational. These little gems are not only easy to whip up but also have that perfect crunch that makes them irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, these potatoes will always steal the show.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s all about transforming humble baby potatoes into something truly unforgettable. With a golden, crispy Parmesan crust and a fluffy interior, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Let’s dive into what makes these potatoes a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortlessly Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep and cooking time, making it perfect for any occasion.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the crunchy texture and cheesy flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare them in advance and reheat for quick serving.
• Versatile Pairing: These potatoes go wonderfully with almost any main dish, from grilled chicken to hearty vegetarian meals.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of herbs and spices elevates the natural taste of the potatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome components that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes:

• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, scrubbed clean
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, finely crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with flavors and ingredients. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add some zest: Toss in some lemon zest before baking for a fresh twist.
• Spice it up: Incorporate your favorite spices like cumin or chili powder for extra heat.
• Cheese it up: Swap out Parmesan for other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
• Herbal Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried ones for a burst of flavor.

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes: The Perfect Side Dish

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by scrubbing those baby potatoes until they’re squeaky clean—this helps get rid of any dirt so they roast perfectly. If you have larger ones, halving or quartering them ensures they cook evenly. Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This step is crucial because boiling will soften the potatoes just enough before roasting. Cook them for about 8–10 minutes until they’re fork-tender but not mushy. Drain them well and let them steam dry in the colander for about 5 minutes; this helps achieve that crispy exterior later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan Coating

While the potatoes cool off, it’s time to make our flavorful coating! In a shallow bowl, combine your freshly grated Parmesan cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, finely crushed rosemary, kosher salt, black pepper, and any optional spices you decide to use like smoked paprika or red pepper flakes. Mixing these ingredients together creates an aromatic blend that adds wonderful depth to your potatoes.

Step 3: Coat the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you get ready to coat those spuds! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps clean-up easy and ensures nothing sticks. In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the par-boiled potatoes with olive oil and toss gently until they’re well-coated. Then add in your delicious Parmesan-herb mixture and toss again until every potato piece is fully coated. It’s important that each potato gets its fair share of flavor!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Spread those coated beauties out on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer—this ensures they crisp up nicely without steaming each other. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes until they start turning golden brown. Flip them halfway through baking; this helps achieve an even crunch on both sides. They should be tender inside while having that glorious crispy exterior when done.

Step 5: Optional Broiler Boost

For an extra touch of perfection, move your baking sheet to the top oven rack and turn on the broiler for just a couple of minutes—watch closely! This final step intensifies that beautiful golden crust on top, making it even more inviting.

Step 6: Serve

Once they’re out of the oven, let them rest on the baking sheet for about 1–2 minutes; this gives them time to settle down while still being hot! Transfer those gorgeous potatoes onto a serving platter and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley before serving—trust me; it makes everything look even more inviting!

Step 7: Storage & Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To bring back their crispness when reheating, simply spread them out on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–15 minutes.

Enjoy these Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes as your new favorite side dish—they’re sure to become a staple at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes: The Perfect Side Dish

Creating the perfect crispy Parmesan crust on your baby potatoes is all about technique and a few insider secrets. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out absolutely delightful!

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for waxy baby potatoes, like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they hold their shape better and yield a creamier texture inside.

• Don’t Skip the Parboiling: Parboiling the potatoes before baking ensures that they cook evenly and become tender on the inside while developing that coveted crispy exterior.

• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also promotes even cooking and crispiness, allowing air to circulate around the potatoes.

• Spacing is Key: When arranging the potatoes on the baking sheet, make sure they’re spaced apart. This allows them to roast properly without steaming each other, ensuring maximum crispness.

• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning mix according to your taste! Adding different herbs or spices can bring unique flavors that elevate the dish further.

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes: The Perfect Side Dish

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes make for an eye-catching side dish that can complement a variety of meals. Presenting them beautifully will enhance their appeal at your dinner table!

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives right before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
• Lemon Zest: A light dusting of lemon zest adds brightness and balances the rich flavors of Parmesan.
• Grated Cheese: For cheese lovers, adding extra grated Parmesan just before serving can create an indulgent finishing touch.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables grilled with olive oil and herbs pairs wonderfully with the crispy potatoes, bringing vibrant color and flavor to your plate.
• Creamy Coleslaw: The crunch from a fresh coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the crispy potatoes while adding a tangy bite that complements any main dish.
• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Juicy herb-crusted chicken brings protein to your meal, making it hearty while allowing the potatoes to shine as a delicious side.
• Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus offers a fresh and slightly sweet counterpoint, making it an excellent partner for these flavorful baby potatoes.

Enjoy serving this delightful side dish at your next gathering—it’s bound to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes are not only a delightful side dish but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily make these potatoes ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy their scrumptiousness throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the leftover potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can be kept for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked potatoes.
• Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Use within 2 months for the best quality.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread the leftover potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes that might be on your mind!

Can I use other cheese instead of Parmesan in Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes?

Absolutely! While Parmesan gives these potatoes an iconic flavor and texture, feel free to experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a different twist.

How do I achieve extra crispiness with my Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes?

To achieve that coveted crunch, ensure that your potatoes are well-coated with the olive oil and Parmesan mixture. Broiling them briefly at the end of cooking is also key—just keep a close eye on them!

Can I make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes vegan-friendly?

Yes! You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or your favorite vegan cheese alternative. Just ensure it has good melting properties for that satisfying crust.

What meals pair well with Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes?

These delicious potatoes make a perfect side dish for roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or even alongside a fresh salad. They’re versatile enough to complement many meals!

Final Thoughts

I’m so excited for you to try these Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes! They truly elevate any meal with their golden crust and fluffy interior. Whether you’re serving them at dinner or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, I hope this recipe brings joy and warmth to your table. Happy cooking!