Prepare to transform your ordinary side dish into a restaurant-worthy culinary masterpiece! These Parmesan Thyme Roasted Potatoes are about to become the star of your dinner table, promising a crispy exterior, tender interior, and a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance. Imagine golden-brown potatoes kissed with aromatic thyme and rich Parmesan cheese, creating a side dish so irresistible that even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry completely with clean kitchen towels or paper towels to ensure crispy roasting.
- Cut the baby potatoes in half lengthwise, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking. This will help them roast consistently.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved potatoes with olive oil, ensuring each potato is evenly coated. The oil helps create a crispy exterior.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the potatoes. Toss gently to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Spread the seasoned potatoes cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting and browning.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking to ensure even golden-brown coloration.
- Remove from oven when potatoes are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve hot as a delicious side dish.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness: Always thoroughly pat your potatoes dry before roasting to ensure a perfectly crisp exterior.
- Use fresh thyme when possible - it provides a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to dried herbs.
- For maximum crispiness, arrange potatoes cut-side down on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Don't skip turning the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and a uniform golden color.
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and freshly grate it yourself for the most robust flavor.
- Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes after roasting to help them develop an extra crispy crust.
- Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or add garlic for extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
