Crispy Roasted Baby Potatoes with Pesto and Parmesan

Prep: 5 minCook: 35 min6 servingsmediumAmerican
Crispy Roasted Baby Potatoes with Pesto and Parmesan

Golden, crispy-edged baby potatoes tossed with vibrant pesto and finished with parmesan cheese. These roasted potatoes make an excellent side dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The high-heat roasting creates perfectly crispy exteriors while keeping the insides fluffy, and the fresh pesto adds bright herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with the nutty cheese.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 ½ lbs baby Yukon gold potatoes, quartered
    fingerling potatoes1:1

    Similar size and texture

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 3 tbsp pesto
    chimichurri1:1fresh

    Different herb profile but similar bright flavor

    Full guide →
  • 2 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese
    pecorino Romano1:1sharpdairy-free

    Sharper, saltier flavor

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 425 degrees

  2. 2

    Add potatoes to a large bowl and toss with olive oil

  3. 3

    Sprinkle with salt and toss again

  4. 4

    Spread onto a large rimmed baking sheet

  5. 5

    Roast for 20 minutes

  6. 6

    Use a spatula to turn the potatoes over and roast another 8-10 minutes until crispy and golden brown

  7. 7

    Add roasted potatoes back to the same bowl

  8. 8

    Spoon in pesto and toss to coat

  9. 9

    Pour into desired serving dish and sprinkle with parmesan cheese

Tips

Tip 1

Make sure potatoes are completely dry before tossing with oil for maximum crispiness

Tip 2

Don't overcrowd the baking sheet or potatoes will steam instead of roast

Tip 3

Add pesto while potatoes are still warm so it coats evenly

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight container

Make Ahead

Can roast potatoes up to 2 hours ahead and reheat in 400F oven for 5 minutes

Serve With

Serve immediately while hot and crispy

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming

Watch

Don't skip turning the potatoes or they won't crisp evenly

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

parmesan cheese
pecorino Romano1:1sharpdairy-free

Sharper, saltier flavor

Full guide →

General Alternatives

baby Yukon gold potatoes
fingerling potatoes1:1

Similar size and texture

pesto
chimichurri1:1fresh

Different herb profile but similar bright flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, cut regular potatoes into 1-inch pieces for similar cooking time and texture.

What if I don't have pesto?

Try herb butter, garlic oil, or even just fresh herbs with lemon juice for flavor.

How long do leftovers keep?

Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, though they're best reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.