Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Parsley Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you know there’s nothing quite like a good roasted potato to bring comfort to the table, and this Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Parsley Recipe is a true winner. The fingerling potatoes get beautifully crisp on the outside and stay tender inside, while that golden layer of Parmesan cheese adds this mouthwatering, cheesy crunch that keeps me coming back for more. Plus, the fresh parsley sprinkled right at the end keeps things bright and fresh—such a simple addition that totally elevates the dish.
This recipe is one I turn to whenever I want something that feels a little special but still comes together quickly. It’s perfect as a side for dinner parties, casual family meals, or even holiday gatherings. The mix of smoked paprika and garlic with the cheesy finish makes it versatile enough to pair with so many mains, from roasted chicken to grilled steak. Trust me, once you try this Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Parsley Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever made potatoes without it!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect potato texture: Fingerling potatoes roast evenly with a crisp edge and tender core.
- Cheesy crisp finish: Parmesan melts and browns nicely, creating a delicious crust on top.
- Balanced seasoning: Smoked paprika and garlic powder add depth without overpowering the natural potato flavor.
- Fresh garnish: Parsley adds a fresh brightness to cut through the richness of the cheese and oil.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Parsley Recipe uses simple, high-quality ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays an important role—from the unique texture of the fingerlings to the bold, savory pop of Parmesan and the fresh hint of parsley.
- Fingerling Potatoes: Their small size and waxy texture mean they roast quickly and crisp nicely without falling apart.
- Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil helps the potatoes crisp up and adds subtle fruitiness.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances natural flavors without overpowering.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- Garlic Powder: Gives that savory punch without risking burnt fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder: Deepens the overall flavor profile with a subtle sweetness.
- Black Pepper: Just the right bite of heat and earthiness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated for an even, golden crust that’s nutty and salty.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish at the end with a fresh, herbaceous note.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love making this Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Parsley Recipe my own by playing with the seasoning, and I encourage you to do the same! It’s a flexible dish that responds well to little tweaks, so don’t hesitate to jazz it up or dial back flavors depending on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.
- Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes if I want a bit of heat. It pairs surprisingly well with the smoky paprika.
- Herb swap: If you don’t have parsley, fresh thyme or rosemary can be fantastic alternatives, just chop them finely and sprinkle on before serving.
- Cheese variety: Occasionally I swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier kick—just grate it finely like the Parmesan.
- Garlic boost: If you love garlic, tossing in some thinly sliced fresh garlic before roasting adds a nice punch, but watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Parsley Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
First things first, position your oven rack in the middle and preheat to 400°F. This temperature is perfect for roasting fingerling potatoes to crispy perfection without drying them out. While it heats up, wash your potatoes and cut them lengthwise—this exposes a nice surface that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Step 2: Season and Arrange
Place the halved potatoes cut-side down in a rimmed baking sheet or a roasting pan—make sure they’re in a single layer so everything gets nice and evenly crisp. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to coat all sides before arranging them cut-side down again. This prevents steaming and helps form that golden crust you want.
Step 3: Roast Until Golden
Roast the potatoes for about 30 minutes, checking that the cut-sides are turning a gorgeous golden brown. This step is key for that crispy texture I adore. While they roast, grate your Parmesan finely—that’s crucial to get an even melt—and chop your fresh parsley finely. Having these ready means you can move quickly onto the final step.
Step 4: Flip, Top with Cheese, and Finish Roasting
Use tongs or a thin spatula to flip every potato so the unbrowned side is now up. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan generously over the top—it’s okay if some cheese falls into the pan; it’ll crisp up nicely there, too. Pop them back in the oven for about 10 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and crisp. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving for a lovely fresh contrast.
Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Parsley Recipe
- Cut Evenly: Try to make all potato halves roughly the same size so they cook evenly—little ones can crisp faster, big ones take longer.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and crisps up more evenly compared to pre-grated types.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leaving space around each potato helps them roast instead of steam, which gives you that perfect crispness.
- Handle Flips Gently: Use a thin metal spatula to flip the potatoes so they don’t break apart or lose that crispy crust you worked so hard for.
How to Serve Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Parsley Recipe
Garnishes
On my plate, a final sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley is a must—it brightens every bite. Sometimes I also add a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if I’m feeling zesty. A little flaky sea salt on top just before serving takes the flavor to the next level.
Side Dishes
These Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Parsley go great alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. I’ve also paired them perfectly with garlic butter shrimp and roasted vegetables to round out a colorful, hearty plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like serving these potatoes in a rustic cast-iron skillet right out of the oven—that way they stay warm and crispy longer, plus it looks inviting on the table. You could also pile them on a wooden board garnished with extra herbs for a casual family-style vibe that everybody loves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, though I recommend reheating soon to enjoy that crisp texture still intact.
Freezing
Freezing works, but I’ve found the crispy crust softens a bit after thawing. If you plan to freeze, flash freeze the roasted potatoes on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftover potatoes in a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes uncovered, flipping once halfway through. This brings back that lovely crisp exterior far better than the microwave, which tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of potatoes for this Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Parsley Recipe?
Absolutely! While fingerling potatoes work best due to their size and texture, small Yukon gold or red potatoes can also be used. Just adjust roasting time to get them tender and crisp without drying out.
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What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika or a touch of cayenne pepper can work as substitutes. The smoke flavor adds depth but isn’t absolutely necessary for a tasty result.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, simply omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top after roasting also adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
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How do I know when the potatoes are done roasting?
They should be golden brown and crispy on the cut sides after the first 30 minutes, and fully tender inside after finishing with the cheese. Test doneness by piercing a potato with a fork—it should go in easily with little resistance.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Parsley Recipe has become one of those go-to dishes that never fails to impress, whether I’m making a quick weeknight side or hosting friends. It’s a delicious way to elevate humble potatoes with simple ingredients and easy technique. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try, and I think you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again just like I do.
PrintParmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Parsley Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy roasted Parmesan potatoes with a smoky paprika seasoning, topped with fresh parsley for a flavorful and satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds fingerling potatoes (30 to 34 potatoes)
- 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
Toppings
- 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.
- Prepare Potatoes: Cut the fingerling potatoes in half lengthwise. Place them in a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss well to combine and arrange the potatoes cut-side down in a single layer.
- Initial Roast: Roast the potatoes until the bottoms start to turn golden-brown, about 30 minutes. While roasting, finely grate the Parmesan cheese and finely chop the parsley leaves.
- Flip and Add Cheese: Carefully flip each potato cut-side up using tongs or a thin metal spatula. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the potatoes, allowing some to fall onto the pan.
- Final Roast: Continue roasting the potatoes until they are cooked through and the cheese is crisp and golden-brown, about 10 minutes more.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fingerling potatoes for their size and shape, which roast evenly and crisply.
- For extra crispiness, make sure potatoes are arranged in a single layer without overcrowding the pan.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the smoked paprika slightly.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts and crisps better than pre-grated cheese.
- Parsley adds freshness but can be omitted or substituted with fresh chives or thyme.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg