Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes

Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes are the ultimate side dish. After making these many times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting them perfectly crispy every time. The golden, crispy exterior gives way to a creamy, tender interior that will make your family beg for more. Keep reading for my best tips, or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Spicy Miso Carrot Soup Recipe for Cozy Dinners and Crispy Ranch Potatoes Recipe for Easy Air Fryer Dinner.

Why This Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes Is Pure Comfort
- Better than takeout taste at home
- Crispy exterior with a creamy center
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect side dish for any meal
What You'll Need for Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 lbs baby potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup store-bought or homemade pesto
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional
- Optional: Fresh basil, chopped
- Optional: Additional grated Parmesan cheese

📝 Ingredient Notes
- Baby potatoes: You can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Makes quick work of minced garlic and pesto. → See on Amazon
- Baking sheet — Ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior. → See on Amazon

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
- Prepare the potatoes: Cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast the potatoes: Roast in a preheated 425°F oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Add the toppings: Remove from oven. Toss with pesto and grated Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil and additional cheese if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
- : For extra crispy potatoes, flip them halfway through cooking.
- Common mistake and fix: If your potatoes are soggy, try increasing the oven temperature and cooking time, or spreading them out more on the baking sheet.
- : For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the potatoes before roasting.
- : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made ahead of time and reheated.
Freezing Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Tossing the potatoes with oil, garlic, and seasonings before roasting ensures even flavor.
- Best substitution: If you don't have pesto, you can use chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead.
- Make-ahead: These potatoes are best served fresh, but can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your potatoes are not crispy, try increasing the oven temperature and cooking time, or spreading them out more on the baking sheet.
Want to level up this recipe?
Pesto — Adds a burst of flavor to these potatoes. Using store-bought or homemade is up to you! → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup store-bought or homemade pesto
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast the potatoes: Roast in a preheated 425°F oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Add the toppings: Remove from oven. Toss with pesto and grated Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil and additional cheese if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: Tossing the potatoes with oil, garlic, and seasonings before roasting ensures even flavor.
- Best substitution: If you don't have pesto, you can use chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead.
- Make-ahead: These potatoes are best served fresh, but can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your potatoes are not crispy, try increasing the oven temperature and cooking time, or spreading them out more on the baking sheet.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Can be made ahead of time and reheated.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sat. Fat: 3g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes FAQs
This can happen if they are not cooked long enough, or if they are overcrowded on the baking sheet. Try increasing the oven temperature and cooking time, or spreading them out more.
Yes, you can make them ahead of time and reheat in the oven or microwave. They are best served fresh, but can be made ahead of time.
These potatoes pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a side for a simple weeknight dinner.
Yes, you can make these potatoes in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
This can happen if they are overcooked. Try reducing the cooking time or covering the potatoes with foil for the last few minutes of cooking.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!






