Crispy Parmesan Herb Roasted Potatoes

Transform your meal with these utterly irresistible Herb and Parmesan Oven Roasted Potatoes. This recipe is a true game-changer for any home cook, delivering a side dish that’s both effortlessly simple to prepare and boasts a gourmet flavor profile. In just minutes of active prep time, you can achieve potatoes that are gloriously crispy on the outside, with a wonderfully fluffy and tender interior. Their perfect balance of convenience and elegance makes them suitable for any occasion – from a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner to an impressive accompaniment for special holiday feasts like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas gatherings.

Say goodbye to bland, ordinary roasted potatoes! This recipe elevates them to a new level, infusing every bite with an explosion of savory flavor that truly rivals a restaurant-quality side dish. The best part? They are incredibly quick and easy to make, proving that exceptional taste doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. These delectable potatoes are versatile enough to complement a vast array of main courses, effortlessly turning any simple meal into a memorable feast. Crafted with easily accessible, wholesome ingredients, you absolutely have to give these a try!

For potato lovers everywhere, this dish is a dream come true. While moderation is key for any indulgence, I always look forward to a smaller portion of these golden delights when I prepare them for my family. There’s just something about the comforting allure of potatoes, pasta, and desserts that I can never quite resist.

These Herb and Parmesan Oven Roasted Potatoes are the perfect pairing for a multitude of main courses. Imagine them alongside a perfectly cooked Simple Skillet Ribeye Steak, enhancing the rich flavors of Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken, or complementing the delicate taste of Baked Honey Garlic Salmon. But their versatility doesn’t stop there; they’re equally fantastic with roast chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a hearty vegetarian main like a lentil loaf. Get ready to elevate your dining experience with this incredible side!

Why These Parmesan Roasted Potatoes Will Be Your New Favorite Side

These oven-roasted potatoes aren’t just another side dish; they’re a culinary revelation. Here’s why they stand out and deserve a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:

• Unbelievably Simple and Easy: The preparation for these potatoes is minimal, requiring mere minutes of your time. You simply halve the potatoes, toss them with the flavorful seasoning blend, and into the oven they go. It’s a truly effortless process that yields remarkably delicious results, perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests without stress.
• Explosion of Flavor: What sets these potatoes apart is their robust seasoning. A generous coating of grated Parmesan cheese, combined with a carefully selected blend of aromatic herbs and spices like paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and fresh rosemary, infuses them with an incredibly vibrant and savory taste. Each bite offers a delightful complexity that will have everyone asking for more.
• Crispy Perfection, Lightly Oiled: Many roasted potato recipes call for a heavy hand with oil, but not these. We achieve that coveted wonderfully crispy exterior and tender interior with just two tablespoons of olive oil. This makes them a lighter option without compromising on texture or flavor, allowing you to enjoy this comforting side guilt-free.
• Versatile Pairing: Whether you’re serving a sophisticated holiday meal or a casual family dinner, these potatoes fit right in. Their appealing presentation and adaptable flavor profile make them a fantastic partner for a wide variety of proteins and vegetables.

Essential Ingredients You Will Need

One of the beauties of this recipe is that it relies on common, readily available ingredients. You likely already have many of these staples in your pantry, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes:

• Red Baby Potatoes: These are my top choice for this recipe, and for good reason! Red potatoes have a beautifully thin skin, which means no tedious peeling is required – a huge time-saver. Their vibrant red hue also adds a lovely pop of color to the finished dish, making it visually appealing. Using baby potatoes means they only need to be cut in half, ensuring quick and even cooking. If baby red potatoes aren’t available, you can use larger red potatoes or even Yukon Golds, simply cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
• Aromatic Herbs and Spices: This blend is key to the potatoes’ incredible flavor. We use a combination of simple yet powerful seasonings:
  • Salt: Essential for enhancing all other flavors.
  • Paprika: Adds a beautiful reddish hue and a mild, sweet, peppery warmth.
  • Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These pantry staples provide a concentrated savory depth that permeates the potatoes.
  • Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: For a touch of pungent heat.
  • Fresh Rosemary: The star herb! Its piney, slightly citrusy aroma is perfectly suited for roasted potatoes, adding a sophisticated, earthy note. If fresh isn’t available, you can use half the amount of dried rosemary.
• Cornstarch: This secret ingredient is crucial for achieving that irresistible crispy coating. A small amount goes a long way in creating a perfectly crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the fluffy interior.
• Fresh Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic adds a pungent, aromatic kick that complements the powders and fresh rosemary, providing another layer of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: The other star of the show! For the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend using freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents and can be much drier, lacking the rich, nutty depth that freshly grated Parmesan provides when it crisps up in the oven.
• Olive Oil: Just two tablespoons of good quality olive oil are all you need to coat the potatoes, help the seasonings adhere, and ensure they roast to a golden, crispy perfection. It also adds a lovely fruity note.

Effortless Steps to Make Perfect Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Achieving these golden, crispy, and flavorful potatoes is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these easy steps for a truly delicious side:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing your red baby potatoes. Once clean, cut each potato in half. After cutting, give them a final rinse under cold tap water to remove any excess starch. This step helps prevent them from sticking and contributes to a crispier result.
2. Ensure Dryness: This is a critical step for crispiness! After rinsing, spread the cut potatoes on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them thoroughly dry. Any residual moisture will steam the potatoes instead of roasting them, hindering that desired crisp exterior. Allow them to air dry for a few minutes if time permits, or pat them vigorously until completely dry.
3. Season with Flavor: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried potatoes with the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, paprika, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, fresh cracked black pepper, fresh chopped rosemary, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together vigorously until all the potato pieces are evenly coated with the herb and spice mixture. Don’t be shy – make sure every surface is seasoned!
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is ample space between each piece. Overcrowding the pan will cause the potatoes to steam rather than roast, preventing them from getting crispy. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
5. The Parmesan Crust: Once the potatoes are arranged, sprinkle or grate the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes. You don’t need a heavy layer; just enough to achieve that beautiful golden Parmesan crust as they bake.
6. Roast to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once preheated, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your potato pieces and your oven. halfway through the cooking process (around 20 minutes), gently flip the potatoes with a spatula to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.
7. Check for Doneness: The potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender in the middle and wonderfully golden-brown and crispy on the outside. If they aren’t quite tender after 40 minutes, give them another 5-10 minutes, checking periodically.
8. Serve Fresh: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the potatoes cool for just a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them hot and fresh to best appreciate their crispy texture and aromatic flavors!

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and place the pieces of potatoes on it leaving space between them.

Grate or sprinkle some more parmesan cheese on top of the potatoes. Not a ton, just a little bit to get that golden parmesan crush look on top.

Bake until the potatoes are soft in the middle and crispy on the outside.

Expert Recipe Notes and Handy Tips for Success

To ensure your Herb and Parmesan Oven Roasted Potatoes turn out perfect every single time, keep these essential tips in mind:

1. The Importance of Dry Potatoes: Once you’ve rinsed your cut potatoes, allowing them to dry thoroughly is paramount for achieving maximum crispiness. I always recommend patting them dry with a clean kitchen towel to speed up the process and get them into the oven faster. Moisture creates steam, which results in soft, rather than crispy, potatoes.
2. Uniformity for Even Cooking: To guarantee that all your potato pieces cook evenly and achieve that desired tender-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside texture, it’s crucial to choose similar-sized potatoes. If using baby potatoes, simply cutting them in half usually suffices. For larger potatoes, cut them into quarters or even smaller, making sure all pieces are roughly the same size. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others burn.
3. Resist the Urge for More Oil: It might be tempting to add more olive oil for extra crispiness, but resist! These potatoes only require a couple of tablespoons to get perfectly coated and beautifully crisp. Too much oil can make them greasy and prevent the delightful crunch we’re aiming for. The cornstarch helps achieve crispiness without excessive oil.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is another key factor for crispy potatoes. If you pile too many potatoes onto one baking sheet, they will steam instead of roast, leading to soft rather than crunchy results. Ensure there is enough space between each potato piece for proper air circulation. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
5. Preheat Your Baking Sheet: For an extra boost of crispiness, place your empty baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. Adding the seasoned potatoes to an already hot pan helps them start crisping immediately upon contact, creating a superior texture.
6. Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried herbs can be used, fresh rosemary truly elevates this dish with its vibrant aroma and flavor. If you can, always opt for fresh herbs for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roasted Potatoes

What are the best potatoes to roast for this recipe?

For this particular recipe, I highly recommend using red-skinned potatoes, especially baby reds. Their thin skin means you don’t have to peel them, saving you prep time, and they cook up beautifully with a fluffy interior. The vibrant red skins also add a lovely visual appeal to your plate. Red potatoes are widely available in most grocery stores across the U.S. If you’re located overseas or can’t find red potatoes, golden potatoes (like Yukon Golds) are an excellent substitute. Just ensure you cut them into evenly sized pieces to promote consistent cooking.

How do I know when my roasted potatoes are perfectly cooked?

Roasted potatoes will typically take about 30-40 minutes to cook, but the exact time can vary based on their size and your oven’s calibration. To check for doneness, simply insert a toothpick or the tines of a fork into the largest potato piece after about 30 minutes. If it slides in easily with little resistance, the potatoes are tender and soft on the inside. If you feel a bit of hardness, give them another 10-15 minutes, checking again. Personally, I prefer my potatoes to still have a slight crunch on the outside, not overly soft, but this is entirely down to your preference. Keep an eye on the color too; they should be golden brown and crispy.

Can I prepare these Herb and Parmesan Roasted Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Parmesan roasted potatoes are a fantastic make-ahead side dish, perfect for simplifying meal prep or holiday cooking. You have a couple of options:

1. Prep Ahead: You can coat the potatoes in all the herbs, spices, and Parmesan cheese, then transfer them to an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you’re ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
2. Cook and Reheat: You can roast the potatoes completely, let them cool, and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp again. For best results, spread them out on a baking sheet.

As I’ve mentioned, these Oven Roasted Parmesan Herbed Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served with almost any dish. Given their carbohydrate content, I particularly love pairing them with a lean protein. My go-to choices typically include grilled chicken, a juicy steak, succulent shrimp, or perfectly baked salmon. No matter how you choose to enjoy these magnificent potatoes, I truly hope you try them and savor every delicious bite!

More Easy Potato Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of potatoes, you’re in luck! There are endless ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Here are some other fantastic and easy potato recipes that are sure to become family favorites:

• Parmesan Herbed Potatoes (another take on a classic!)
• Crispy Baked Potato Skins
• Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra)
• Easy Homemade Mashed Potatoes
• Spicy Cilantro Hassleback Potatoes

I genuinely hope you enjoy all the recipes I share, especially this simple yet incredibly delicious Herb and Parmesan Oven Roasted Potatoes. Please give it a try, savor the flavors, feel free to rate it, and share this wonderful recipe with your friends and family!

Don’t forget to sign up for my blog newsletter to receive all the latest recipes directly in your inbox. And when you make this dish (or any other!), remember to tag me on INSTAGRAM so I can see your delightful culinary creations. Until our next recipe, XoXo…