Parmesan Baked Potatoes are a crispy, savory side dish that combines golden roasted potatoes with the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese. With a crisp exterior, tender interior, and irresistible cheesy crust, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or backyard BBQs, these potatoes prove that simple ingredients can create big flavor. Minimal prep, maximum comfort—this is an easy way to elevate your potato game.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano
- Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized wedges to ensure even baking. - Season
Place potato wedges in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until well coated.
In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle over the potatoes and toss again. - Add Parmesan
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the potatoes, gently pressing it into the surface so it adheres and forms a crispy crust while baking. - Bake
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between pieces.
Bake for 30–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. - Finish & Serve
Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish.
How It Works
Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, which creates a fluffy interior and crisp exterior. Olive oil promotes browning, while Parmesan melts and crisps into a savory crust. Flipping the potatoes halfway ensures even cooking and consistent crunch.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
- Cheese Swap: Use Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Substitute garlic powder with fresh minced garlic
- Herb-Forward: Add chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
- Smoky: Sprinkle smoked paprika before baking
- Rich Finish: Drizzle with melted butter after baking
- Hearty Option: Top with bacon crumbles or shredded chicken
- Fresh Touch: Add arugula or spinach after baking
- Lighter Version: Use olive oil spray and reduced-fat Parmesan
Pro Tips
- Cut wedges evenly for consistent crispiness
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—use two sheets if needed
- Press Parmesan gently onto the potatoes so it sticks
- For extra crunch, parboil wedges for 5 minutes before baking
- Monitor closely during the final minutes to prevent burning
- Finish with lemon juice or extra Parmesan for a flavor boost
- Add breadcrumbs for extra texture if desired
Conclusion
Parmesan Baked Potatoes are the ultimate comfort side—crispy, cheesy, and endlessly versatile. Whether paired with a hearty main dish or served on their own with a dipping sauce, they’re guaranteed to become a household favorite. Simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this recipe proves that great food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Enjoy! 🥔🧀
