Golden Rosemary Parmesan Fingerlings

Why You’ll Adore These Rosemary and Parmesan Potatoes

There’s nothing quite like the joy of serving a side dish that delights everyone at the table, and these **Oven-Roasted Rosemary Parmesan Potatoes** do exactly that. Their insane ease of preparation belies the depth of flavor they deliver. Each fingerling potato half is transformed into a culinary masterpiece, boasting a beautifully crispy Parmesan crust on the exterior and a luxuriously creamy, buttery interior.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can effortlessly pair these potatoes with practically any main course – be it tender chicken, succulent turkey, rich beef, savory pork, or delicate fish. From effortless weeknight dinners to the grandeur of Thanksgiving dinner, these potatoes shine. We’ve even enjoyed them as a simple evening snack, perhaps with a side of ranch dressing, proving their versatile appeal. They are not just food; they are a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients elevated to gourmet status with minimal effort.

If you’re a true enthusiast of fingerling potatoes, be sure to explore our other fantastic recipes, including Parmesan Crusted Fingerling Potatoes for another cheesy delight, and our Grilled Fingerling Potato Kabobs for a perfect summer grilling option.

Essential Ingredients for Crispy Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Crafting the perfect batch of roasted potatoes begins with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful recipe:

• Fingerling Potatoes: These small, elongated potatoes are the star of our dish. Look for firm, unblemished potatoes that are roughly uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Their thin skin means no peeling is required, saving you precious prep time. While fingerlings are preferred for their unique texture and shape, you can also substitute new potatoes or small Yukon Golds if fingerlings are unavailable.
• Avocado Oil: Known for its high smoke point and neutral flavor, avocado oil is our top choice for roasting vegetables, contributing to that irresistible crispy exterior. However, a good quality extra virgin olive oil can be used as a perfectly acceptable substitute if that’s what you have on hand.
• Seasoning Blend: This recipe calls for a robust blend of garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This combination creates a savory base that enhances the potatoes’ natural flavor. Feel free to adjust the quantities of each spice to suit your personal preference, or experiment with additional herbs and spices for a customized twist.
• Fresh Rosemary: The aromatic essence of fresh rosemary is crucial to this recipe, imparting a distinct, piney, and slightly peppery flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully. If fresh rosemary is difficult to find, you can omit it or substitute with fresh thyme for a different but equally delicious herbaceous note. Dried rosemary can be used in a pinch, but remember that its flavor is more concentrated, so use about half the amount.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is non-negotiable for the ultimate flavor and melt. It forms a crispy, savory crust around the potatoes as they roast, adding a rich, umami depth. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can affect its melting properties and flavor, so grating your own is highly recommended.

Mastering the Art of Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Achieving perfectly **crispy roasted fingerling potatoes** is simpler than you might think. Follow these straightforward steps for a delicious outcome:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing your fingerling potatoes. There’s no need to peel them; their thin skin becomes delightfully crisp when roasted. Once clean, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Place the halved potatoes in a large mixing bowl or a sturdy ziplock bag. Drizzle them generously with 3 tablespoons of avocado oil, then toss until every potato piece is evenly coated. Next, add the fresh rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss again, ensuring the potatoes are thoroughly coated with the seasoning mixture. This step is crucial for distributing flavor and creating that fantastic crust.
2. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Prepare a large baking sheet by greasing it with the remaining 3 tablespoons of avocado oil, spreading it evenly across the surface. Carefully transfer the seasoned potatoes from the bowl or bag onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to scrape out any remaining seasoning from the container and add it to the potatoes. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer, ensuring they have ample space between them. Overcrowding the pan will steam the potatoes instead of roasting them, preventing that desirable crispiness. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
3. Roast to Perfection: Preheat your oven to a hot 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Place the baking sheet with the potatoes in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges of the potatoes begin to turn golden brown and slightly crisp. At this point, use a spatula to carefully turn each potato piece, ensuring even browning. Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes, or until all sides are beautifully golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Serve and Savor: Once your potatoes have achieved that glorious golden-brown color and irresistible crispiness, remove them from the oven. Taste one and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve these aromatic and perfectly **crispy fingerling potatoes** immediately as a delectable side dish. They are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when their texture is at its peak.

Expert Tips for the Best Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Elevate your **Rosemary Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes** from great to absolutely exceptional with these tried-and-true tips:

• Thorough Washing is Key: Before cooking, always give your fingerling potatoes a good rinse under cold water. Gently rub them between your fingers to ensure all dirt and debris have been removed, as you’ll be eating the skin.
• No Peeling Necessary: One of the best features of fingerling potatoes is their thin, delicate skin. There’s absolutely no need to peel them, which not only saves time but also adds to the potatoes’ crispy texture and nutritional value.
• Seasoning Variations: While our core seasoning blend is fantastic, don’t hesitate to get creative! Incorporate other fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or finely minced dill for different flavor profiles. A pinch of cumin or paprika can add a smoky warmth, while freshly squeezed lemon juice drizzled over the hot potatoes just before serving can brighten the flavors beautifully.
• Alternative Cooking Methods:
  • Stovetop/Skillet Roasting: If you’re looking for a quicker method or don’t want to turn on the oven, fingerling potatoes can be cooked in a cast-iron skillet or a good quality non-stick skillet. Add a few tablespoons of avocado or olive oil to the bottom of the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp and tender, similar to preparing hash browns. Season about halfway through cooking, then finish with grated Parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This method requires more active supervision but yields equally delicious results.
  • Boiling Before Roasting (Optional): For an extra creamy interior and super crispy exterior, you can par-boil your fingerling potatoes first. Add them to boiling, salted water and cook for 5-7 minutes (depending on size) until slightly tender but still firm. Drain thoroughly, let them steam dry for a few minutes, then proceed with the roasting steps. This creates a fluffy surface that crisps up wonderfully.
  • Air Fryer Method: An air fryer is excellent for making these potatoes extra crispy with less oil. Toss potatoes with oil and seasoning as directed. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if necessary). Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and tender.
• The Power of a Single Layer: This tip cannot be stressed enough. Always spread your potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring plenty of space between each piece. Overcrowding leads to steaming, which prevents browning and crispiness. If your batch is large, use two baking sheets.
• Preheat Your Pan: For an even crispier start, you can preheat your oiled baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes before adding the potatoes. This creates an instant sizzle when the potatoes hit the hot surface.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roasted Potatoes