Roasted Garlic Parmesan Fingerling Potatoes: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight

Are you ready to elevate your side dish game? These Roasted Garlic Parmesan Fingerling Potatoes are the answer! This recipe delivers perfectly crispy potatoes on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with savory garlic and parmesan flavor. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for a special occasion. Get ready to make a side dish that will steal the show!

## Why You’ll Love These Roasted Garlic Parmesan Fingerling Potatoes

* **Unbelievably Flavorful:** The combination of roasted garlic, parmesan cheese, and herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Crispy Perfection:** Roasting at a high temperature ensures that the potatoes get incredibly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and fluffy on the inside.
* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
* **Versatile:** These potatoes pair well with a variety of main courses, from steak and chicken to fish and vegetarian options.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This dish is always a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create these delectable roasted potatoes:

* **2 pounds Fingerling Potatoes:** Fingerling potatoes are the star of the show. Their unique shape and creamy texture make them perfect for roasting. Look for potatoes that are firm and free from blemishes.
* **1/4 cup Olive Oil:** Olive oil helps the potatoes get crispy and adds a rich flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best taste.
* **6-8 cloves Garlic:** Garlic is the key to the incredible flavor of this dish. Use fresh garlic cloves for the most intense flavor. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your preference.
* **1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese:** Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the garlic perfectly. Freshly grated parmesan is always best, but pre-grated parmesan will also work.
* **1 tablespoon Dried Italian Herbs:** A blend of dried Italian herbs adds complexity and aroma to the potatoes. You can use a pre-mixed Italian herb blend or create your own using herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme.
* **1/2 teaspoon Salt:** Salt enhances the flavor of the potatoes and helps them to crisp up properly. Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best results.
* **1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Black pepper adds a touch of spice and complements the other flavors in the dish. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended.
* **Optional: Fresh Parsley:** Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor. It’s the perfect garnish for these roasted potatoes.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect batch of Roasted Garlic Parmesan Fingerling Potatoes:

**Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving crispy potatoes.
2. Wash the fingerling potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. There’s no need to peel them, as the skin adds texture and flavor.
3. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. If some of the potatoes are particularly large, you may need to cut them into quarters to ensure even cooking.

**Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Mixture**

1. Mince the garlic cloves finely. You can use a garlic press or mince them by hand with a knife.
2. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful coating for the potatoes.

**Step 3: Coat the Potatoes**

1. Add the halved fingerling potatoes to the bowl with the garlic parmesan mixture.
2. Toss the potatoes thoroughly to ensure that they are evenly coated with the mixture. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss the potatoes, making sure that every piece is covered in the flavorful coating.

**Step 4: Roast the Potatoes**

1. Spread the coated potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this will prevent the potatoes from getting crispy. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
2. Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown. Flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**

1. Remove the roasted potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Serve the Roasted Garlic Parmesan Fingerling Potatoes immediately as a side dish to your favorite meal.

## Tips for the Best Roasted Garlic Parmesan Fingerling Potatoes

* **Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet:** Overcrowding will steam the potatoes instead of roasting them, preventing them from getting crispy. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
* **Use high heat:** Roasting at 400°F (200°C) is crucial for achieving crispy potatoes.
* **Flip the potatoes halfway through:** Flipping ensures even browning on both sides.
* **Don’t skip the olive oil:** Olive oil helps the potatoes get crispy and adds a rich flavor.
* **Use fresh garlic:** Fresh garlic provides the most intense flavor.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your taste:** Feel free to add more or less garlic, parmesan cheese, or herbs to suit your preferences.
* **Experiment with different herbs:** Try using other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano in addition to or instead of the Italian herb blend.
* **Add a touch of spice:** A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick to the potatoes.
* **Serve with a dipping sauce:** A creamy garlic aioli or a tangy lemon-herb sauce would be delicious with these potatoes.

## Variations and Add-ins

Want to switch things up? Here are some variations and add-ins to try:

* **Add Bacon:** Crispy bacon bits add a smoky, salty flavor to the potatoes.
* **Add Onions:** Sliced onions will caramelize in the oven and add a sweet, savory flavor.
* **Add Bell Peppers:** Diced bell peppers add a pop of color and a slightly sweet flavor.
* **Add Mushrooms:** Sliced mushrooms add an earthy, umami flavor.
* **Add Truffle Oil:** A drizzle of truffle oil after roasting will add a luxurious, decadent flavor.
* **Add Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice after roasting will brighten the flavors and add a tangy twist.

## Serving Suggestions

These Roasted Garlic Parmesan Fingerling Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Steak:** These potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to a juicy steak.
* **Chicken:** Serve them with roasted chicken, grilled chicken, or pan-fried chicken.
* **Fish:** They pair well with baked salmon, grilled cod, or pan-seared halibut.
* **Pork:** Serve them with roasted pork loin or pork chops.
* **Vegetarian Dishes:** They’re a great addition to vegetarian meals like lentil soup, vegetable curry, or grilled halloumi.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or ranch dressing.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the potatoes ahead of time by washing and cutting them, and then tossing them with the garlic parmesan mixture. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to roast them, simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake as directed.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Roasted Garlic Parmesan Fingerling Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use other types of potatoes?**

A: While fingerling potatoes are recommended for this recipe, you can use other types of potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces.

**Q: Do I need to peel the potatoes?**

A: No, there’s no need to peel the fingerling potatoes. The skin adds texture and flavor.

**Q: Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese?**

A: Yes, you can use pre-grated parmesan cheese, but freshly grated parmesan is always best for flavor.

**Q: Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh garlic?**

A: Fresh garlic is recommended for the most intense flavor, but you can use dried garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 2 cloves of fresh garlic.

**Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet?**

A: Make sure to grease the baking sheet well with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.

**Q: Can I freeze these potatoes?**

A: While you can freeze them, the texture may change slightly after thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh.

## Recipe Card

**Roasted Garlic Parmesan Fingerling Potatoes**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30-40 minutes
**Total Time:** 45-55 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds Fingerling Potatoes
* 1/4 cup Olive Oil
* 6-8 cloves Garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
* 1 tablespoon Dried Italian Herbs
* 1/2 teaspoon Salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* Optional: Fresh Parsley, chopped

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash the fingerling potatoes and cut them in half lengthwise.
3. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the potatoes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
5. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
6. Roast for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden brown.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
8. Serve immediately.

Enjoy these crispy, flavorful Roasted Garlic Parmesan Fingerling Potatoes! They’re sure to become a new family favorite. Happy cooking!