Growing up, my mom used to make the most incredible roasted potatoes. They were always perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with a flavor that was out of this world. As I got older and started experimenting in the kitchen more, I knew I had to recreate that magic. That’s when I stumbled upon the game-changing combination of parmesan and pesto, and let me tell you, it’s a flavor explosion that’ll have you coming back for more.
These Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes are the ultimate side dish – they’re easy to make, packed with delicious ingredients, and the perfect accompaniment to just about any main course. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Why This Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
The secret to these Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes is in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is to start with high-quality ingredients and then let the oven work its magic. The combination of the crispy, golden-brown exterior and the fluffy, creamy interior is simply irresistible.
What really sets this recipe apart, though, is the addition of the basil pesto and parmesan cheese. The pesto adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor that perfectly complements the rich, salty parmesan. And the garlic powder? Well, that just takes the whole dish to the next level, adding a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes: Yukon Golds are the perfect choice for this recipe because they have a creamy, buttery texture that holds up well to roasting.
- 1/4 cup basil pesto: The pesto adds a vibrant, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the parmesan and olive oil.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: The parmesan adds a salty, umami punch that perfectly complements the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The olive oil helps the potatoes get that crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that ties everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes and other ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of black pepper adds a little bit of heat and complexity to the dish.
Step-by-Step Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes Instructions
Preparing Your Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, these Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes are a quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. All you’ll need is a baking sheet, a mixing bowl, and a few simple kitchen tools.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating up, cut your Yukon Gold potatoes into 1-inch cubes, making sure they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, basil pesto, grated parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.
3- Spread the seasoned potato cubes out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded, as this will help them get nice and crispy.
4- Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden-brown and fork-tender.
5- Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and give them a final toss to ensure the parmesan and pesto are evenly distributed.
6- Serve your Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves, if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Cut your potatoes into evenly-sized cubes to ensure they cook at the same rate. This will help you achieve the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet – give the potatoes plenty of room to spread out and get crispy.
- Toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning.
- For extra crispy potatoes, try broiling them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Serving and Storing Your Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
Perfect Pairings for Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
These Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes are the perfect side dish to serve with a variety of main courses. They pair beautifully with grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken, steak, or pork. For a vegetarian-friendly meal, they also make a great accompaniment to roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. And don’t forget the drinks – a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade would be the perfect pairing.
With this recipe serving 6 people, it’s the perfect side dish to share with family and friends at a dinner party or a casual weeknight meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the potato cubes up to 2 days in advance. Just keep them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to toss them with the pesto, parmesan, and seasonings. Then proceed with the roasting instructions as usual.
If you want to get a head start even further, you can also freeze the roasted potatoes for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply transfer them to a baking sheet and roast at 400°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
Creative Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes Variations
While the classic combination of parmesan and pesto is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to switch up this recipe and make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Swap the Yukon Gold potatoes for sweet potatoes or baby red potatoes for a different flavor and texture.
- Use a different type of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato or walnut pesto, to change up the flavor profile.
- Add in some roasted vegetables, like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, for a more well-rounded side dish.
- Sprinkle on some chopped fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, for an extra boost of flavor.
Making Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes Diet-Friendly
For those following a gluten-free or low-carb diet, this recipe can easily be adapted. Simply swap the regular potatoes for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. For a vegan version, use a plant-based parmesan alternative and a dairy-free pesto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato besides Yukon Gold?
A: While Yukon Golds are the best choice for this recipe, you can also use russet or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and texture may vary slightly.
Q: How long do these Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes take to make?
A: This recipe has a total time of 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time.
Q: Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the potato cubes up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to toss them with the pesto and parmesan.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes recipe serves 6 people.
Q: What if my potatoes aren’t getting crispy?
A: Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and that the potatoes are in a single layer on the baking sheet. You can also try broiling them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to get them extra crispy.
Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes are a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish that is sure to impress. Crispy roasted potatoes are tossed in a vibrant pesto sauce and topped with melted parmesan cheese for a delicious combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup basil pesto
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with the basil pesto, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the potatoes are evenly coated.
3. Spread the pesto-coated potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
4. Roast the potatoes for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and crispy, flipping halfway through.
5. Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Return the potatoes to the oven and roast for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. 7. Serve the Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes hot, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired.
Notes
For a crispier texture, try roasting the potatoes for a bit longer. You can also experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato or walnut pesto.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Tarts, Toasts & Flatbreads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
These Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes are the ultimate side dish – they’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress everyone at the table. With their crispy exterior and fluffy interior, they’re the perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of main courses. Plus, with make-ahead and storage options, you can enjoy these delicious potatoes anytime. So why not give this recipe a try? I promise it’ll become a new family favorite in no time. Let me know in the comments how your Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes turn out!
