Description
These Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a crispy, golden roasted side dish featuring tender yukon gold potatoes marinated in a flavorful blend of garlic, parsley, red pepper flakes, and extra virgin olive oil, then coated with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a deliciously cheesy crust. Perfect as a savory accompaniment to any meal, they offer a delightful crunch and herbaceous aroma that will elevate your dinner table.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 kg (2 lb) small to medium Yukon Gold potatoes, washed
Marinade & Coating
- 3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves, grated
- Handful of parsley leaves, chopped
- 1 ¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano), finely grated, divided
- Good pinch of red pepper flakes
- Sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and marinade. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, grated garlic, chopped parsley, sea salt, red pepper flakes, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to form a thick paste that will serve as the marinade for the potatoes.
- Slice and score the potatoes. Cut each washed potato in half. Then, on the cut side, make diagonal slits carefully without cutting all the way through to the bottom. Turn the potato and make diagonal slits crossing the first cuts to create a crosshatch pattern. This technique helps the marinade and cheese penetrate the potatoes and creates a crispy crust.
- Coat the potatoes in marinade. Place the scored potatoes into the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly coat both sides of each potato piece with the flavorful mixture.
- Dip potatoes in Parmesan cheese. Pour the remaining grated Parmesan cheese onto a plate. Press the cut, scored side of each potato half into the cheese to create an extra thick and crispy cheese crust.
- Arrange and bake. Lightly drizzle olive oil or use cooking spray on a baking dish. Place the potatoes cut-side down in an even layer to ensure the crust gets golden and crispy. Brush any remaining marinade over the potatoes. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, checking for tenderness by piercing with a fork. The potatoes should be tender inside with a golden brown and crispy cheese crust.
- Serve and enjoy. Serve these Parmesan Crusted Potatoes hot alongside your favorite dipping sauce or drizzle with a meat-free gravy for a flavorful vegetarian accompaniment.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their buttery texture and flavor, but other waxy potatoes also work well.
- Be careful when scoring the potatoes to avoid slicing all the way through; this ensures they hold together during cooking.
- For extra crispiness, ensure the Parmesan is finely grated and pressed firmly onto the cut side of the potato.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference, or omit for a milder dish.
- These potatoes reheat well in the oven to retain their crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
