Looking for a side dish that combines crispy exteriors, tender interiors, and incredible flavor? These Crunchy Parmesan Potato Bites deliver all that and more! With their perfect seasoning blend and double hit of parmesan cheese, these potato wedges elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Best of all, they’re surprisingly simple to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether served alongside your favorite protein, as a game day snack, or even as an appetizer with dipping sauces, these potato bites are guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes, washed (do not peel)
- 2.5g (½ teaspoon) garlic powder
- 2.5g (½ teaspoon) onion powder
- 1.25g (¼ teaspoon) ground black pepper
- 1.25g (¼ teaspoon) salt
- 60ml (4 tablespoons) olive oil
- 2.5g (½ teaspoon) dried parsley
- 60ml (4 tablespoons) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated or from the refrigerated section, DIVIDED
Instructions
FIRST STEP:
- Preheat your oven to 232°C (450°F).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Slice the washed, unpeeled potatoes to approximately 0.6cm (¼ inch) thickness, or cut them into eighths lengthwise for steak fry style.
SECOND STEP:
- In a large bowl, add the olive oil.
- Place the potato slices in the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the oil.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and dried parsley.
- Add half of the Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons) to the spice mixture and mix well.
THIRD STEP:
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oil-coated potato slices.
- Toss gently to ensure all potato pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Arrange the seasoned potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking tray, being careful not to overcrowd them.
FOURTH STEP:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, carefully remove the tray from the oven and flip each potato slice to ensure even browning.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
FIFTH STEP:
- Remove the baking tray from the oven.
- Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese evenly over the hot potato slices.
- Switch your oven to the broiler setting on low.
- Place the tray under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese begins to bubble and turn a light golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy while still warm!
Nutritional Information and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 225
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Potato Selection: Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their buttery flavor and creamy texture, but Russet or red potatoes will also work well. Just adjust cooking time slightly as needed.
- Even Cutting: Try to cut the potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for achieving consistent thickness.
- Spacing Matters: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave space between the potato pieces to allow for proper air circulation, which helps them get crispy all around.
- Oil Distribution: Make sure each potato slice is well-coated with oil before adding the seasoning. This helps the spices stick and promotes browning.
- Cheese Quality: Using freshly grated Parmesan rather than the shelf-stable pre-grated variety makes a significant difference in flavor and melting quality.
- Broiler Watch: When broiling, check frequently to prevent burning. Broilers can vary significantly in intensity, so the time given is just a guideline.
Variations and Substitutions
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning blend in place of or in addition to the parsley.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Options: Try other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a smoked cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Omit the cheese and add an extra pinch of salt and a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option with a cheesy flavor.
- Sweet Potato Version: Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes. They may need slightly less cooking time, so check them earlier.
- Loaded Potato Bites: After broiling, top with bacon bits, chives, and a dollop of sour cream for loaded potato bite experience.
Common FAQs
Why aren’t my potato bites getting crispy?
This could be due to overcrowding the baking sheet, not having a hot enough oven, or excess moisture on the potatoes. Make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly after washing, preheat the oven fully, and arrange the potatoes in a single layer with space between them.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can slice the potatoes and prepare the seasoning mix ahead of time, but for the crispiest results, it’s best to coat and bake them just before serving. If needed, you can partially bake them, then finish them off just before serving.
Do I really need to flip them halfway through baking?
Yes, flipping ensures even browning on both sides. If you skip this step, one side may be overly crisp while the other remains pale and less crispy.
Can I use parchment paper under the broiler?
Most parchment paper is safe up to about 425-450°F (218-232°C), but can burn under a broiler. If using the broiler, you can either briefly remove the parchment paper for that final step or keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Add the remaining cheese and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until melted and golden.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy.
- Freezing Raw Potatoes: You can freeze the raw, cut potatoes in water to prevent browning. Drain and pat very dry before proceeding with the recipe.
- Freezing Cooked Potatoes: While possible, freezing cooked potato bites isn’t ideal as they may lose their crispy texture. If necessary, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid.
- Make Ahead Components: You can wash and slice the potatoes up to 24 hours ahead, storing them in cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Just be sure to drain and pat them completely dry before proceeding with the recipe.
These Crunchy Parmesan Potato Bites are the perfect combination of simple preparation and impressive results. The crispy exterior gives way to a fluffy interior, while the carefully selected seasonings and two layers of Parmesan cheese create depth of flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish or a satisfying snack, these potato bites deliver every time. They pair beautifully with everything from burgers to roast chicken, making them a versatile addition to your recipe collection!
