These savory baked Parmesan crusted potatoes are made with only four ingredients — potatoes, butter, cheese, and salt. The result is perfection!

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes on a plate.

Growing up in a Ukrainian household, potatoes were a whole food group. Just kidding — but I’m not joking when I mean we ate potatoes all the time. If we wanted to, we could make them differently for almost every meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and still not get sick of them.

In this recipe, I take a few simple ingredients and combine roasted potatoes with a crispy layer of Parmesan cheese. The crust that develops as the cheese melts and bakes in the oven is epic, crispy, and has so much flavor. It makes for an easy side for any meal you can think of.

Love roasted potatoes? These oven roasted potatoes are another version I absolutely adore (and a great option if you’re out of Parmesan!).

How to Make Easy Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Before we get started, grab a sharp knife, a medium bowl, a silicone spatula, and baking tray. Now you’re ready!

  • Clean the potatoes: While the oven is preheating to 425°F, clean the potatoes and cut them in half. Score the potato flesh into diamond shapes.
  • Season the potatoes: Season the potatoes with garlic parsley salt.
  • Combine the Parmesan mixture: In a bowl, combine the melted butter and Parmesan cheese into a thick paste-like spread.
  • Spread onto the potatoes: Spread the Parmesan mixture on the flesh of the potatoes. Place the potatoes cut-side/face down onto a baking dish.
  • Bake: Bake the potatoes until they’re tender inside and golden brown on the outside (about 30 minutes).

Hot tip: These crusted potatoes are a perfect side dish. To make a fully-rounded meal, pair the carbohydrate-rich potatoes with a protein/meat dish, and veggies. If you’re looking for a tasty dipping sauce for the potatoes, I love serving them with a small bowl of homemade ranch dressing or sour cream.

Flavor Additions & Substitutions

Despite having only four ingredients, these easy Parmesan crusted potatoes don’t lack any flavor. But, if you want to change things up, here are a few ideas to get you started.

  • Add spice: Sprinkle on a teaspoon of black pepper, paprika, and/or red pepper flakes along with the Parmesan butter mixture.
  • Make it herby: For a more herby flavor, toss in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, or add a mixture of dried thyme, oregano, fresh parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, and/or basil.
  • Replace the butter: When you’re out of butter or simply want another option, use olive oil instead.
Crispy parmesan crusted potato.

Tips from the Kitchen

It’s always nice when a recipe turns out great the first time. Follow these tips to make sure your potatoes are perfect the first time and every time after that!

  • Use fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields the best flavor, so try to avoid the shelf-stable version and pre-grated cheese. You can also use Parmigiano Reggiano for a richer, less salty flavor. Instead, buy a block and grate it yourself.
  • Adjust the baking time: Depending on the size of the potatoes, adjust the baking time. Check for doneness by piercing with a fork. If it pierces easily, the potatoes are done. Smaller potatoes (or chunks) cook faster than thicker pieces.
  • Use a good roasting potato: Yukon Gold potatoes are the best for roasting because of their rich, buttery flavor. The next best options are Russet potatoes, red potatoes, fingerling potatoes, or new/baby potatoes.
  • Avoid overcrowding: Allow enough space between the potatoes so they crisp up individually instead of steaming together.

Hosting tip: If you’re hosting and making these potatoes for a gathering or party, plan about 30 minutes for the cook time. If you want to prep ahead of time, cut the potatoes and keep them soaked in water until ready to season and bake (make sure to dry them well before you do!).

Parmesan Crusted Potatoe on a plate.

Storage Tips & Reheating

I don’t blame you if you make more baked Parmesan potato halves than you and your family are able to eat in one meal. But that’s actually a blessing! Store and reheat them in the next few days to enjoy the deliciousness of leftovers again.

  • Refrigerator: To store for up to three days, place the potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • Reheating: To reheat for the best flavor and crispiness, preheat the oven to 350°F and spread the potatoes on a baking pan. Bake for about ten minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Or, reheat in the air fryer at the same temperature until heated through and crispy. For a quick reheat (but less crisp), warm them in the microwave.

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About Author

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Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.