Imagine a side dish so delectable, so perfectly crispy, and so bursting with flavor that it steals the spotlight from the main course. These Parmesan Potatoes are not just a side dish - they're a culinary experience that transforms simple baby potatoes into a golden, cheesy masterpiece that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. With a perfect balance of crispy exterior, tender interior, and a rich Parmesan coating, this recipe is about to become your new go-to side dish that impresses with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly under cool running water, then pat them dry completely with paper towels to ensure crispy roasting.
- Cut the baby potatoes in half lengthwise, creating uniform pieces that will cook evenly and provide maximum surface area for seasoning.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
- Add the halved potatoes to the seasoning mixture, tossing gently to ensure each potato piece is completely coated with the cheese and oil mixture.
- Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper browning and crispiness.
- Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them once halfway through cooking to ensure even golden-brown coloration.
- Check the potatoes for doneness by piercing with a fork - they should be tender inside and crispy on the outside with a golden Parmesan crust.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and potatoes to cool slightly.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Always thoroughly pat your potatoes dry before seasoning to ensure they roast beautifully.
- Use a large baking sheet and spread potatoes in a single layer. Overcrowding prevents proper browning and can result in steamed instead of roasted potatoes.
- Invest in good quality Parmesan cheese - freshly grated will melt and crisp up better than pre-packaged varieties.
- For extra crispiness, consider preheating your baking sheet in the oven before adding the potatoes.
- Don't skip turning the potatoes halfway through cooking - this ensures even browning and prevents burning.
- Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the cheese to set and the potatoes to cool slightly, enhancing their texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg