If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both effortless and absolutely irresistible, look no further than Browned Butter Roasted Potatoes with Parmesan. These golden, crispy potatoes are tossed in nutty browned butter and garlic, then showered with a flurry of Parmesan cheese for the ultimate savory finish. The result is a mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors in every bite—perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There are only a handful of ingredients in this recipe, but each one plays a starring role. The magic is in how these simple pantry staples transform humble potatoes into a show-stopping side you’ll crave again and again!
- Baby Yukon Gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and thin skins roast up perfectly crisp and golden, making them ideal for Browned Butter Roasted Potatoes with Parmesan.
- Unsalted butter: Browning the butter adds incredible depth and a rich, nutty aroma that’s simply irresistible.
- Olive oil: Helps to crisp up the potatoes and adds another layer of flavor.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves infuse the browned butter with that classic, comforting aroma.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the potatoes’ natural flavors and seasoning every bite.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle, warming kick that balances the richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The nutty, salty finish that makes these potatoes impossible to resist.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
- Nonstick cooking spray or parchment: Keeps the potatoes from sticking and ensures easy clean-up.
How to Make Browned Butter Roasted Potatoes with Parmesan
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is key for that coveted crispy exterior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a good spritz of nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks and clean-up is a breeze.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Swirl the pan occasionally and watch as the butter foams and then turns a deep golden brown—this usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. The nutty aroma will let you know it’s ready. Remove from the heat and immediately stir in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle and infuse the butter without burning.
Step 3: Toss the Potatoes
In a large bowl, combine the halved potatoes with olive oil, the glorious browned butter and garlic mixture, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until every potato is evenly coated in flavor—don’t be afraid to use your hands here for the best coverage!
Step 4: Arrange and Roast
Spread the potatoes out on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re in a single layer and all cut-side down. This little trick helps them get extra crispy and beautifully caramelized. Pop them in the oven and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure every side gets golden and irresistible.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Finish
Once the potatoes are deeply golden and fork-tender, pull them from the oven. While they’re still piping hot, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss gently to coat—watch it melt into all the nooks and crannies. If you’re feeling fancy, finish with a shower of fresh parsley for color.
How to Serve Browned Butter Roasted Potatoes with Parmesan
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh parsley, extra Parmesan shavings, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can take your Browned Butter Roasted Potatoes with Parmesan from delicious to downright dazzling. Don’t be shy with the herbs—a little green goes a long way in making the dish pop.
Side Dishes
These potatoes truly go with everything. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a hearty vegetarian main. They’re equally at home next to a fresh green salad or buttery, steamed veggies for a lighter touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling them up on a rustic wooden board for a casual family-style vibe, or arrange them in a shallow bowl and scatter with microgreens for a dinner party twist. You can even skewer them onto fancy toothpicks for a fun appetizer version of Browned Butter Roasted Potatoes with Parmesan.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the potatoes cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready for snacking or another meal.
Freezing
While Browned Butter Roasted Potatoes with Parmesan are at their best fresh, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag or container for up to 1 month. Reheat straight from frozen for an easy side any night.
Reheating
To recapture that crispy magic, spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet and reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes. A quick toss halfway through helps them heat evenly. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make them soft rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While baby Yukon Golds are especially creamy and crisp up beautifully, you can swap in baby red potatoes or fingerlings for equally delicious results. Just be sure to halve them, so they cook evenly.
What’s the secret to getting extra crispy potatoes?
For maximum crunch, soak your cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before roasting. This draws out excess starch and helps them crisp up in the oven. Just dry them thoroughly before tossing with the butter and oil.
Can I make Browned Butter Roasted Potatoes with Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the potatoes a few hours in advance, then reheat them in a hot oven just before serving. Add the Parmesan and parsley after reheating for the best flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
While the browned butter and Parmesan are key to the classic flavor, you can use a dairy-free butter substitute and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a similar savory effect.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Stir the minced garlic into the butter right after removing it from the heat. The residual warmth is enough to mellow and flavor the garlic without risking bitterness from burning.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Browned Butter Roasted Potatoes with Parmesan, you’re in for a treat! This dish has a way of turning any meal into something special, all with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Give it a try—your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!
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Browned Butter Roasted Potatoes with Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Browned Butter Roasted Potatoes with Parmesan are a deliciously crispy and flavorful side dish featuring tender baby Yukon Gold potatoes tossed in nutty browned butter, garlic, and finished with savory Parmesan cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for enhancing any meal, this recipe creates irresistibly golden and crunchy potatoes with a rich, cheesy finish and optional fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
Butter and Oils
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Garnish
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Others
- Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper for lining
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Continue cooking until the butter turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Once browned, remove from heat and stir in the minced garlic to infuse its flavor without burning.
- Toss Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the halved Yukon Gold potatoes with olive oil, the browned butter with garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure each potato piece is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange and Roast: Spread the potatoes cut-side down in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even roasting. Place in the oven and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through to achieve uniform golden crispiness and a tender interior.
- Add Parmesan and Garnish: Remove the roasted potatoes from the oven and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over them. Gently toss to coat the potatoes with the melted cheese. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve: Serve the browned butter roasted potatoes warm as a savory and satisfying side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before roasting, then drain and pat dry thoroughly.
- You can substitute baby red potatoes or fingerling potatoes if Yukon Golds are unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
