Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, let me introduce you to my beloved Parmesan Roasted Potatoes. These little gems are baked to perfection, boasting a creamy center wrapped in a crispy, cheesy exterior. Whether you’re whipping them up for a busy weeknight dinner or serving them at a family gathering, these potatoes are sure to become a favorite at your table.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and the delightful combination of flavors. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a side dish that feels like a warm hug. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can pop these potatoes in the oven while you focus on your main dish.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves potatoes! This recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at the table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the potatoes ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of butter and Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Together, they create the perfect blend of flavors for your Parmesan Roasted Potatoes.

• 1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons herb seasoning (divided (any brand – I use Mrs. Dash))
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 lbs red potatoes (washed)
• nonstick cooking spray

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and ingredients.

• Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
• Cheesy Delight: Mix in other cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
• Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you love a bit of heat.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or onions before baking for added flavor and nutrition.

How to Make Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by adding 1 stick of butter to a 9×13 baking pan. This step is essential because it helps create that delicious, crispy bottom layer as the potatoes roast.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Place the baking pan into a cool oven and turn it to 400°F. Letting the butter melt as the oven preheats ensures that every potato will soak up those buttery flavors right from the start.

Step 3: Cut and Score Potatoes

While waiting for the oven, cut each potato in half and score them lightly with a knife. Scoring allows the seasoning to penetrate better and gives those edges more surface area to crisp up beautifully.

Step 4: Mix Your Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese with 2 tablespoons of herb seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mixing this together creates an aromatic blend that will enhance each bite of potato.

Step 5: Assemble in the Pan

Remove the baking pan once the butter has melted. Sprinkle your seasoning mixture onto the bottom of the pan, then place each potato cut side down right on top. This way, they absorb all those delicious flavors while cooking!

Step 6: Finish with Cooking Spray

Spray the tops of your potatoes with nonstick cooking spray and sprinkle them with the remaining tablespoon of herb seasoning. This little extra touch ensures they get nice and crispy while baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes or until your potatoes are tender inside. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly—trust me!

Now you know how easy it is to make these delightful Parmesan Roasted Potatoes! Enjoy serving them alongside your favorite dishes—they’re bound to become a staple in your home!

Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Creating the perfect Parmesan roasted potatoes is easy if you keep a few handy tips in mind!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, can enhance the flavor profile significantly. They provide a fragrant aroma and vibrant taste that complements the creamy potatoes beautifully.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Giving each potato enough space ensures they will roast evenly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, which means you won’t achieve that delightful crispiness.

• Score your potatoes deeply: Scoring creates more surface area for the seasoning to adhere to and allows the heat to penetrate, resulting in a creamier center while keeping the outside crispy.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to mix in other spices or seasoning blends tailored to your taste. This adds a personal touch and lets you customize the dish according to what you love.

• Let them rest before serving: Allowing the potatoes to cool for a couple of minutes after baking helps them hold their shape better when serving, ensuring they look as good as they taste.

How to Serve Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

These luxurious Parmesan roasted potatoes are not just delicious; they also make for an appealing presentation on your dining table. Here are some ideas on how to serve them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a touch of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Lemon zest: Grating some lemon zest over the top right before serving introduces a zesty brightness that complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Grilled vegetables: A medley of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus makes for a colorful and nutritious accompaniment that balances out the richness of the potatoes.
• Mixed green salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast that enhances your meal’s overall experience.
• Roasted chicken breast: Juicy roasted chicken seasoned with herbs pairs wonderfully with these potatoes, creating a classic comfort food combination that’s hard to resist.
• Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds not only vibrant color but also valuable nutrients, making it a nutritious side option that complements this hearty dish.

Enjoy making these crispy and creamy Parmesan roasted potatoes as part of your next family dinner or get-together!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Parmesan roasted potatoes are not only a delightful side dish but also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare them ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover Parmesan roasted potatoes in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Be sure to let them cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the roasted potatoes to cool down before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• They can be stored for up to 2 months. For best results, label your container with the date!

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread the frozen or refrigerated potatoes on a baking sheet.
• Reheat for about 20-25 minutes until they are hot and crispy again. You may want to spray a bit more cooking spray if they look dry.

FAQs

If you’re wondering about this recipe, I’ve got you covered!

Can I use different types of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a unique flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Romano or Asiago for a different taste profile.

How do I make these Parmesan Roasted Potatoes healthier?

You can reduce the amount of butter and use olive oil instead. Additionally, using less cheese or opting for a lower-fat version can help cut calories while still keeping the delicious flavor.

Can I prepare these Parmesan Roasted Potatoes in advance?

Yes! You can slice and season the potatoes ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember that they may need a few extra minutes in the oven if they’re cold from storage.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these scrumptious Parmesan roasted potatoes as much as I do! They are truly special not just for their flavor but also for their comforting nature. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a gathering with loved ones, these potatoes will surely impress. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!