Name: Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 2 ounces Parmesan cheese (about 1 lightly packed cup, finely grated); 5 to 6 sprigs fresh parsley (about 2 tablespoons finely chopped)

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 5 reviews

If you’re anything like me, finding a simple side dish that feels a little special without much fuss is a total win. That’s exactly why I adore this Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe. The fingerling potatoes roast up irresistibly crispy on the outside but tender inside, and the Parmesan adds that perfect savory touch that makes every bite memorable.

This recipe is a go-to for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without standing over the stove for hours. Plus, it pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats to fresh salads, making it such a versatile side you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation. Trust me, once you try this Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever made potatoes any other way!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect potato texture: Fingerling potatoes roast up tender inside with a crispy, golden exterior that’s just irresistible.
Flavor boost with Parmesan: Adding freshly grated Parmesan in the last few minutes creates a crunchy, cheesy crust that transforms simple roasted potatoes.
Balanced seasoning: Smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powders add depth and warmth without overpowering the potatoes.
Easy to customize: You can tweak herbs and spices to fit your mood or occasion without losing the essential magic of the recipe.

The image shows a close-up view of golden brown roasted fingerling potatoes with a crispy texture. The potatoes are coated with melted cheese, likely parmesan, giving them a slightly rough and crunchy look. They are sprinkled with small pieces of chopped fresh green parsley scattered evenly on top. The potatoes have a mix of yellow and reddish skin, and they are piled together in a simple arrangement. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe work together to create layers of texture and flavor. Choosing the right potatoes and fresh Parmesan cheese really makes all the difference here, so a quick shopping tip: opt for firm, unblemished fingerlings and freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.

Fingerling potatoes: Their waxy texture holds shape well when roasted, making them ideal for slicing in half and getting extra crispy edges.
Olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity flavor and helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural potato flavor and helps create that desirable golden crust.
Smoked paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a smoky depth, making the flavor profile unique and comforting.
Garlic powder: Brings that familiar garlic punch without burning in the oven like fresh garlic might.
Onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness and savory complexity in every bite.
Freshly ground black pepper: Balances the seasoning with a hint of mild heat throughout.
Parmesan cheese: The star of the recipe, it crisps up golden on the potatoes, making each bite cheesy and decadent.
Fresh parsley: Adds a welcome pop of color and fresh herbal brightness just before serving.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love experimenting with herbs and a little spice depending on the season or what protein I’m serving it alongside.

Variation: When I crave a little heat, I sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes with the paprika—trust me, it adds a nice kick without overwhelming the flavors.
Herbs swap: Try rosemary or thyme for an earthy touch instead of parsley if you want something more aromatic.
Dairy-free option: If you’re avoiding cheese, use nutritional yeast sprinkled on top at the end for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Potatoes

First, I preheat my oven to 400°F and arrange the rack in the middle to ensure even heat. Then I slice the fingerling potatoes in half lengthwise, which helps them roast faster and develop that wonderful crispy cut-side. Tossing them with olive oil and the mix of salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper is key—make sure every potato half is well coated for even seasoning. Lining them cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet lets them crisp right where it counts.

Step 2: Roast Until Golden-Brown

I roast the potatoes for about 30 minutes at 400°F, keeping an eye on the edges—they should start turning golden and crispy but not burnt. This stage is the foundation for the texture that makes the recipe shine, so resist the temptation to stir too often. While the potatoes are roasting, I grate the Parmesan finely and chop the fresh parsley, getting everything ready for the final flavorful touch.

Step 3: Flip, Add Parmesan, and Finish Roasting

Carefully flipping each potato so the cut side is now facing up, I sprinkle them generously with the grated Parmesan cheese. Some cheese will fall onto the pan and crisp up too—feel free to scrape that onto the potatoes before serving, it’s pure gold! I return everything to the oven for another 10 minutes. This short final roast crisps the cheese perfectly and ensures the potatoes are fully cooked and piping hot all the way through.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, I scatter fresh parsley over the top to brighten the dish and add a fresh herbal note that really balances the richness of the cheese. Then it’s time to dig in—these Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes are best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven, crunchy, cheesy, and totally satisfying.

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Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe

Choose uniform potatoes: Try to pick fingerlings of similar size so they cook evenly and finish all at the same time.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each potato enough space on the baking sheet to crisp properly instead of steaming.
Freshly grate Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often doesn’t crisp as well; fresh grating adds a lovely texture and flavor punch.
Use a thin spatula for flipping: Avoid breaking the potatoes by gently flipping with a thin metal spatula or tongs for easy handling.

How to Serve Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe

Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always garnish these potatoes with a handful of finely chopped fresh parsley because it brightens the dish and adds a burst of color. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll sprinkle a little lemon zest to add a subtle citrus lift that cuts through the richness. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can also add a silky finish.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe with grilled chicken or a juicy steak. It also complements roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad wonderfully—making it a great all-around side. On busy weeknights, I often serve it alongside a simple pan-seared salmon and some steamed greens for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these potatoes in decorative ceramic baking dishes straight from the oven, letting the Parmesan crust glisten under some ambient lighting. Another fun trick is to arrange the potatoes in a pretty fan shape on a wooden board garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges—an easy, rustic look that always impresses guests at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying a batch, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep nicely for 3 to 4 days, which means you can easily make this recipe ahead of time or have tasty roasted potatoes ready for quick meals during the week.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze roasted fingerling potatoes because their texture changes after thawing. However, if you want to freeze, flash freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a sealed bag, but expect them to be best used in soups or casseroles rather than eaten crisp.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the leftovers in a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the potatoes soggy. A quick re-toast in a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil also works wonders if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use other potatoes instead of fingerlings?

Absolutely! Baby Yukon Golds or red potatoes can be used, but they may require slightly different cooking times and might not crisp up in quite the same way. Fingerlings are my top pick for their texture and flavor, but feel free to experiment based on what you have.
Do I have to flip the potatoes halfway through?

Yes, flipping is essential for this Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe because it allows the cut side to crisp and lets the Parmesan cheese brown beautifully. Skipping this step might result in uneven cooking and less flavorful cheese crust.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can absolutely season and arrange the potatoes on the baking sheet a few hours before roasting, keeping them covered in the fridge. Just add the Parmesan and finish roasting right before serving to maintain that crisp cheese topping.
What’s the best way to grate Parmesan for this recipe?

Freshly grating Parmesan with a microplane or fine grater gives you a light, fluffy texture that toasts perfectly. Pre-grated or shredded bags often have anti-caking agents that can affect melting and crisping.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe has become one of those dishes I always come back to when I want something simple yet insanely delicious. It’s an effortless way to elevate humble potatoes into a crowd-pleasing side with a crisp cheesy crust that’s just addictive. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—you’ll have a new favorite at your dinner table in no time!