Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe
There’s something irresistibly cozy about Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe — they’re the perfect little bites of crispy, cheesy goodness with a hint of smoky warmth from the paprika. Whenever I’m craving a side dish that feels both simple and special, this recipe is my go-to. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but also impressive enough to serve when friends come over.
What really makes this Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe stand out is the way the fingerlings roast beautifully in olive oil, locking in creaminess inside while turning perfectly crispy on the outside. Toss in the garlic and onion powders and that sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, and you’ve got a side dish that’s bursting with flavor but never overwhelming — trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors: The combination of smoked paprika and Parmesan gives the potatoes a unique smoky and savory kick that’s instantly addictive.
- Perfect Texture: Roasting cut-side down locks in moisture while crisping the exterior — every bite is tender inside, crispy outside.
- Simple Ingredients: You can easily find everything at your local grocery store, making this recipe accessible and fuss-free.
- Quick Yet Impressive: In under an hour, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it took way longer — ideal for weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe plays a part in building layers of flavor and texture. Plus, they’re all straightforward pantry staples or fresh produce, which means minimal shopping hassle.
- Fingerling potatoes: Their small size and waxy texture roast evenly and keep a creamy interior, perfect for crispy roasting.
- Olive oil: Helps the skins crisp up beautifully and carries the seasoning flavors.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning; its coarse grains help enhance the potatoes’ natural flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that’s less overpowering than chipotle but still gives a warm flavor.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the potatoes with a gentle savory aroma without overpowering fresh garlic’s sharpness.
- Onion powder: Boosts umami and rounds out the seasoning nicely.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a peppery bite that balances the richness of the cheese.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated freshly, it crisps up perfectly in the oven and adds an irresistible salty, nutty layer at the finish.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens up the dish with a pop of freshness and color.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how versatile this Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe is — a few swaps or add-ins can completely change the vibe. Don’t hesitate to adapt it for your preferences or whatever you’ve got on hand.
- Herb Twist: Sometimes I swap fresh parsley for rosemary or thyme for a more woodsy, fragrant note that pairs great with chicken or beef.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes turns these into a mildly spicy treat.
- Cheese Swap: I’ve tried grating Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan — it’s saltier and sharper, and totally delicious!
- Make it Vegan: Just leave out the Parmesan and sprinkle nutritional yeast on top before the final roast for that cheesy flavor without dairy.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Potatoes
First, set your oven rack right in the middle and preheat to 400°F — this gives you a nice even heat for roasting. While that heats up, slice your fingerling potatoes lengthwise in half. The cut side down cooking helps them crisp up gorgeously without drying out. Don’t forget to pat them dry if they look wet; moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Step 2: Season and Roast the First Round
Drizzle three tablespoons of olive oil over the potatoes—make sure each gets a nice coating. Then sprinkle kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground pepper evenly. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so the spices cling to each potato. Arrange them cut side down on your baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 30 minutes until the bottoms are lovely and golden brown. Peek in occasionally, and if you see the edges getting too dark too fast, you can loosely cover with foil.
Step 3: Flip, Add Parmesan, and Finish Roasting
Now the magic moment: flip each potato cut side up using tongs or a thin spatula. This step can be a little fiddly, but try to keep them intact—you want that cooked crispy side on the bottom and the inside exposed for the cheese. Next, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan generously over the tops. Don’t worry if a little cheese falls on the pan — it’ll get crispy and taste like a treat! Pop the pan back into the oven for about 10 more minutes until the cheese melts, crisps, and turns a gorgeous golden color.
Step 4: Add Fresh Parsley and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle your finely chopped fresh parsley over the potatoes to add brightness and a pop of color. Serve piping hot, and enjoy the perfect crispy-cheesy bites with friends or family.
Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t crisp up as nicely — fresh grating makes a huge difference in texture and flavor.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give each potato some breathing room so they roast instead of steam.
- Flip Carefully: Using tongs gently helps keep the potatoes intact and ensures the cheesy side roasts to golden perfection.
- Watch the Oven: Every oven is different — check a few minutes early to avoid burning the cheese while achieving crispiness.
How to Serve Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish these potatoes with fresh parsley – it adds a nice fresh zing and keeps things from feeling too heavy. Sometimes I throw on a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness, especially if serving alongside richer mains.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a juicy burger. I’ve also loved them alongside sautéed green beans or a crisp garden salad for a lighter meal. They’re pretty versatile — perfect for everything from casual dinners to holiday spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served these potatoes in rustic cast iron skillets straight from the oven; it keeps them warm and adds a cozy touch. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan and herbs at the table for guests to customize their servings. Stacking them in small bowls garnished with a sprig of parsley or rosemary also looks lovely on a festive table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for about 3 days. To help keep that crispy exterior, I avoid stacking too many on top of each other.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t my first choice for this recipe because the texture can get a bit soggy. But if you want to save leftovers longer, freeze the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer to regain some crunch.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the potatoes on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. A quick blast in the air fryer works wonders too, bringing back that freshly roasted crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While fingerling potatoes are ideal for their size and texture, you can substitute baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes cut similarly. Just keep in mind that starchy potatoes like Russets might not hold their shape as nicely during roasting.
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How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply omit the Parmesan cheese and consider topping the potatoes with toasted breadcrumbs mixed with nutritional yeast before the final roasting. This will add a savory, cheesy flavor without dairy.
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Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?
You can slice and season the potatoes ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before roasting, but I recommend adding the Parmesan close to roasting time so it crisps up best.
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What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can substitute with regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder for warmth. Smoked paprika does add a nice smoky note, but the recipe is flexible to your spice cupboard.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe has become one of those comforting dishes I turn to when I want a reliable crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss. It’s wonderfully flavorful without needing fancy ingredients, and the crispy, cheesy finish feels truly special. I’m confident that if you give this a try, you’ll love how easy it is to elevate simple potatoes into something unforgettable — like sharing a warm, tasty hug at the dinner table.
PrintParmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy roasted fingerling potatoes coated with a flavorful blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh parsley for a delicious side dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 1/2 pounds fingerling potatoes (30 to 34 potatoes)
Seasonings and Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cheese and Herbs
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese
- 5 to 6 sprigs fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F to prepare for roasting the potatoes evenly.
- Prepare Potatoes: Cut the fingerling potatoes in half lengthwise and place them in a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle all the seasonings—kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss the potatoes thoroughly to coat them evenly, then arrange them in a single layer cut-side down.
- First Roast: Roast the potatoes in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the bottoms start turning golden-brown, indicating they are crisping up nicely.
- Grate Cheese and Chop Parsley: While the potatoes roast, finely grate the Parmesan cheese until you have about 1 cup lightly packed, and chop the fresh parsley leaves to yield about 2 tablespoons.
- Flip and Add Cheese: Carefully flip each potato cut-side up using tongs or a thin spatula. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the potatoes, allowing some cheese to fall onto the pan, which will crisp up beautifully.
- Second Roast: Return the potatoes to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes until the potatoes are fully cooked and the Parmesan cheese is crisp and golden-brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the finely chopped fresh parsley over the potatoes before serving to add a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a baking sheet that allows air circulation around the potatoes.
- You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika if preferred, but it will slightly alter the smoky flavor.
- If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley can be used, but add it after roasting to maintain flavor.
- Fingerling potatoes work best for this recipe due to their size and texture; baby potatoes can be a substitute if needed.
- Make sure the potatoes are arranged in a single layer without overlapping to ensure even roasting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg