Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes are the ultimate side dish, with a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting them just right every time is to toss them in oil and pesto before roasting. This adds incredible flavor and ensures they’re perfectly crispy. Keep reading for my best tips on how to make the best Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt and Easy Tomato and White Bean Soup with Garlic Toast.
Why This Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes Is Pure Comfort
- Golden, crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior
- Packed with flavor from the homemade pesto
- Easy to make and perfect for any meal
- Better than takeout and a family favorite
What You'll Need for Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 lbs baby potatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: Fresh basil leaves
- Optional: Red pepper flakes
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Baby potatoes: Use small to medium-sized potatoes for even cooking.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Makes quick work of chopping potatoes and blending pesto. → See on Amazon
- Baking sheet — Ensures even roasting and crispy potatoes. → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
- Prepare potatoes: Cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, pesto, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Roast potatoes: Spread potatoes on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Add cheese: Toss potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese and return to the oven for 5 minutes to melt and crisp.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. If potatoes are too close together, they won't crisp up properly. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Time-saving tip: Make the pesto ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
- Flavor boost: Add minced garlic to the potatoes before roasting for an extra garlicky flavor.
- Make-ahead tip: Roasted potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Potatoes can be cut and tossed in oil and pesto up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to roast.
Freezing Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Microwave can make potatoes soggy. Reheat in the oven if possible.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Tossing potatoes in oil and pesto before roasting ensures they're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Best substitution: Substitute baby potatoes with small red or Yukon Gold potatoes if needed.
- Make-ahead: Potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on the number of servings needed.
- Troubleshooting: If potatoes are not crispy, increase the oven temperature and roast for a few more minutes.
Want to level up this recipe?
Pesto maker — Makes fresh, homemade pesto in seconds. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare potatoes: Cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, pesto, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Roast potatoes: Spread potatoes on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Add cheese: Toss potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese and return to the oven for 5 minutes to melt and crisp.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chef tip: Tossing potatoes in oil and pesto before roasting ensures they're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Best substitution: Substitute baby potatoes with small red or Yukon Gold potatoes if needed.
- Make-ahead: Potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on the number of servings needed.
- Troubleshooting: If potatoes are not crispy, increase the oven temperature and roast for a few more minutes.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Microwave can make potatoes soggy. Reheat in the oven if possible.
- Make ahead: Potatoes can be cut and tossed in oil and pesto up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to roast.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sat. Fat: 5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes FAQs
Yes, potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
If potatoes are not crispy, increase the oven temperature and roast for a few more minutes. Also, ensure they are not overcrowded on the baking sheet.
No, frozen potatoes will not crisp up properly. Use fresh potatoes for the best results.
These potatoes are the perfect side dish for steak, chicken, or fish. They also make a great addition to a holiday meal.
Yes, potatoes can be made in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
