My Favorite Weeknight Potato Side
Let’s talk about an easy side dish. These crispy roasted potatoes are my go-to. They turn plain potatoes into something special. I make them almost every week.
The secret is the Parmesan. It gets all golden and crunchy in the oven. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It makes the whole kitchen feel cozy. This recipe is a true weeknight potato side hero.
How to Cook Fingerling Potatoes
First, heat your oven nice and hot. Then, just cut the potatoes in half. Toss them with oil, salt, and pepper. That’s it for the start.
Here’s a mini-anecdote for you. My grandson once used a whole cup of Parmesan. He said “more is better, Grandma!” The potatoes were one big cheesy crisp. I still laugh at that. So don’t be afraid to adjust.
The Magic of Parmesan
After the potatoes roast, the fun begins. You toss them with freshly grated Parmesan. Back in the oven they go. In minutes, you have Parmesan roasted potatoes.
*Fun fact*: The heat makes the cheese crisp up like a savory chip. It sticks to each potato half. This matters because that crunch is everything. It turns a simple spud into a crispy potato side dish you’ll crave.
Why This Simple Recipe Matters
This is more than just potato recipes with Parmesan. It’s about making everyday food feel like a treat. Good food doesn’t need to be hard. That’s an important lesson in my kitchen.
Using what you have matters, too. No chives? Use parsley. No lemon? That’s okay. Cooking should be flexible and fun. What’s your favorite herb to sprinkle on top? Tell me in the comments.
Your Turn to Make Them
So, give these oven-baked fingerling potatoes a try. They are the best crispy roasted potatoes. The lemon at the end is a bright little surprise. Do you like a squeeze of lemon on your potatoes?
This fingerling potatoes recipe is a keeper. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too. Share a picture if you make them! What’s your favorite thing to serve them with? Chicken? Fish? Let me know.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fingerling potatoes | 1 1/2 lb | Cut in half lengthwise |
| Olive oil | 2-3 Tablespoons | Enough to coat potatoes |
| Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper | To taste | A generous sprinkling |
| Parmesan or Pecorino cheese | 1/2 cup | Freshly grated |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced (optional) |
| Fresh chives or parsley | For garnish | Chopped |
| Fresh lemon | For serving | Sliced, for optional squeeze |
Instructions
Step 1: First, get your oven nice and hot. I set mine to 425°F. This heat is the secret for those crispy roasted potatoes. It makes them golden and perfect. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?
Step 2: Now, slice your potatoes in half longways. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Be generous with the salt! (This draws out moisture for extra crispiness). Spread them on a baking sheet in one layer.
Step 3: Bake them for 15 minutes, then give them a good stir. Pop them back in for 15 more. This is how you get oven-baked fingerling potatoes that are crispy all over. I still laugh at how I used to skip the stir!
Step 4: Time for the magic! Put the hot potatoes back in your oily bowl. Toss with your grated Parmesan and minced garlic. This creates the best Parmesan roasted potatoes. Sweet or regular Parmesan? Share below! Bake again until the cheese is golden and crispy.
Step 5: Finally, sprinkle your potato recipes with Parmesan with fresh chives. A squeeze of lemon makes everything taste brighter. You just made the easiest, tastiest weeknight potato side. See, how to cook fingerling potatoes is simple!
Creative Twists
Smoky Paprika: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika with the oil. It gives a cozy, campfire flavor.
Everything Bagel: After baking, toss with everything bagel seasoning. So crunchy and fun!
Herb Garden: Mix in fresh rosemary or thyme with the chives. Your kitchen will smell like a garden.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
These Parmesan fingerling potatoes are a wonderful crispy potato side dish. I love them next to a simple roasted chicken. They also shine with a juicy burger instead of fries. For a pretty plate, serve them on a platter with extra lemon wedges. This fingerling potatoes recipe is so versatile. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Crispy Potatoes Perfect
Let’s talk about keeping your crispy roasted potatoes tasty. Store cooled leftovers in the fridge for three days. Use a container with a tight lid. You can also freeze them on a tray first. Then pop them into a freezer bag.
I remember my first batch of Parmesan roasted potatoes. I left them out all night. What a soggy mess the next day! Now I always tuck them in the fridge. It saves the wonderful crispy texture we love.
Batch cooking this easy side dish is a smart move. Double the recipe on a quiet Sunday. You will thank yourself on a busy weeknight. Having a potato side dish ready makes dinner feel easy. It turns a hectic evening into a calm one.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
Even grandmas face cooking problems. First, if your potatoes aren’t crispy, your pan is too crowded. They need space to breathe. Spread them in one even layer. This lets the oven heat reach all sides.
Second, watch that cheese. Parmesan can burn fast. I once got distracted by the phone. My beautiful Parmesan crust turned black! Now I set a timer for those last minutes. It makes all the difference.
Third, if your chives won’t stick, the potatoes need to be hot. Toss them right from the oven. The heat helps the herbs cling. Fixing these small issues builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the flavor of your potato recipes with Parmesan truly shine.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What are the best herbs to pair with fingerling potatoes?
Chives are classic for this fingerling potatoes recipe. Their mild onion flavor is perfect. Fresh parsley or rosemary are great too. Rosemary needs to be chopped very fine. Thyme also works well with oven-baked fingerling potatoes. Always add fresh herbs after cooking. This keeps their color bright and flavor fresh.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of fingerlings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use regular potatoes. Cut them into similar-sized wedges. This helps them cook evenly. Small Yukon Golds are a wonderful choice. The cooking time might be a little longer. Just roast until they are tender inside. This swap still makes a delicious crispy potato side dish for any weeknight.
How do I get the chive crust to stick to the potatoes?
The secret is timing. Sprinkle the chives on right after baking. The potatoes must be very hot. Toss them gently in your bowl. The heat and a little residual oil will help. The herbs will cling to the crispy roasted potatoes and melted cheese. This creates that beautiful, flavorful crust everyone loves.
What temperature is best for roasting fingerling potatoes?
A hot oven is key. Four hundred twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit is perfect. This high heat is how to cook fingerling potatoes right. It makes the outsides crispy and golden. The insides become fluffy and tender. *Fun fact: This high heat also helps the Parmesan cheese get beautifully browned and crispy.*
What can I serve with chive crusted fingerling potatoes?
These Parmesan roasted potatoes are a versatile weeknight potato side. They go with almost anything! Try them with roasted chicken or a simple fish fillet. They are lovely with a big green salad too. For a treat, serve them alongside a juicy burger. They are one of the best easy side dish recipes to have in your pocket.
How do I make crispy roasted fingerling potatoes?
First, do not crowd the baking sheet. Space lets the heat circulate. Second, use enough oil to coat them well. Third, do not skip the final cheese step. Baking the Parmesan fingerling potatoes at the end creates a magic, crispy shell. Following these steps guarantees you will have perfect crispy roasted potatoes every single time.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making these crispy potatoes. They always remind me of Sunday dinners. My family gathers around when they smell these in the oven. Cooking should be joyful, not stressful. These little potatoes are a simple way to bring joy to your table.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Did your family enjoy them? What did you serve them with? Your stories make my day. Please tell me all about it in the comments.
Have you tried this recipe?
Happy cooking!
—Danielle Monroe
