If you’re looking for a simple yet irresistible dish to complement any meal, Mini Baked Parmesan Potato Rounds are the perfect solution. These bite-sized potato medallions are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients—small potatoes, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika—this recipe delivers a delicious balance of crispy texture and savory seasoning. The outside of each potato round becomes perfectly golden and crunchy, while the inside remains tender and fluffy, creating a delightful contrast in every bite.

Ideal as a side dish, appetizer, or even a quick snack, Mini Baked Parmesan Potato Rounds fit seamlessly into various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, serving them as finger food at a casual get-together, or simply indulging in a comforting snack, these crispy potato rounds are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, they require minimal effort and time in the kitchen, making them a go-to option for any busy home cook.

Why Choose Mini Baked Parmesan Potato Rounds?

The appeal of these crispy, cheesy potato rounds lies in their combination of simplicity and versatility. Not only are they packed with flavor, but their crispiness, enhanced by the Parmesan, gives them an addictive texture. These potato rounds are perfect for a variety of occasions—serve them as a side with dinner, as a fun appetizer at a party, or as a satisfying snack.

Baked instead of fried, this dish also offers a healthier alternative to traditional potato dishes. By avoiding the use of excessive oil, you still achieve the desired crispiness without the extra calories or heaviness of frying. This makes Mini Baked Parmesan Potato Rounds a lighter yet still indulgent option that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients Breakdown

Small Potatoes: Small potatoes, such as baby or new potatoes, work best for this recipe because their size allows for even cooking, ensuring a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and fluffy. The thin skin crisps up beautifully in the oven, providing the perfect texture without the need for peeling. Their slightly waxy texture helps the rounds hold their shape and remain moist inside.
Olive Oil: Olive oil plays a crucial role in this recipe, not only helping the potato rounds crisp up but also adding a subtle richness to the dish. It serves as a healthier fat option compared to butter or frying oils, offering heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The oil also aids in evenly distributing the seasonings, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor that enhances the natural taste of the potatoes. As the rounds bake, the Parmesan melts and browns, creating a golden, crispy crust on the surface. This cheese is essential for giving the dish its signature crunchy, cheesy topping that makes each bite irresistible.
Garlic Powder & Paprika: These spices bring depth to the flavor profile. Garlic powder infuses a savory undertone, while paprika adds a hint of warmth and mild spice. Paprika also gives the potatoes a beautiful golden-red color, enhancing their visual appeal.
Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings like salt and pepper are essential for balancing the flavors. Salt enhances the natural taste of the potatoes and Parmesan, while pepper adds a subtle hint of spice, preventing the dish from becoming too one-dimensional.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness, brightening the dish visually and balancing the richness of the Parmesan and olive oil with a clean, herbal note.

Nutritional Benefits

Choosing to bake the potatoes rather than fry them makes this dish a healthier option without sacrificing taste or texture. Baking significantly reduces the oil content, which lowers the calorie count while still achieving a crispy finish. This method also preserves the natural vitamins and minerals found in potatoes, such as vitamin C and potassium, which contribute to heart health and proper muscle function.

Olive oil, a staple of Mediterranean diets, is rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health. Its moderate use in this recipe ensures that the potatoes get crispy without becoming greasy, making it a much healthier choice compared to deep-fried alternatives.

Parmesan cheese not only adds a burst of flavor but also provides a good source of protein and calcium. Protein is important for muscle repair and growth, while calcium supports bone health. Despite the dish’s rich taste, this recipe is relatively low in calories, making it a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful side without overindulging. The balance of fats, protein, and carbohydrates makes this a dish that can easily fit into a balanced diet.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preparing the Potatoes

To ensure that your Mini Baked Parmesan Potato Rounds cook evenly and achieve the perfect crispness, it’s important to slice the potatoes uniformly. Aim to cut them into ¼-inch thick rounds, which allows them to cook through while developing a crispy exterior. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer can help maintain consistency, ensuring that no pieces are over- or under-cooked.

After slicing, it’s recommended to rinse or soak the potatoes in cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps remove excess starch from the surface of the potato slices. Too much starch can cause the potatoes to stick together and prevent them from becoming crispy. After soaking, make sure to pat the slices thoroughly dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels before tossing them in oil. Dry potatoes will absorb the seasonings better and crisp up more efficiently in the oven.

Seasoning the Potatoes

Properly tossing the potato rounds in olive oil and seasoning ensures that every slice is coated evenly, leading to better flavor and crispness. Start by placing the dry potato slices in a large bowl, then drizzle the olive oil over them. Gently toss the potatoes with your hands or a spatula, ensuring that each slice is lightly coated with oil. This step helps the potatoes brown evenly and develop a crunchy texture during baking. Once the oil is distributed, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and toss again to ensure the seasoning is evenly spread.

For variety, you can experiment with different seasonings. Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor, while rosemary or thyme can provide a fragrant, earthy note. Alternatively, try adding chili powder for a bit of heat or grated cheddar for an extra cheesy version of the dish.

Cooking Process and Tips for Perfect Crispiness

Baking Technique for Maximum Crispiness

To achieve the perfect crispiness, one of the most important steps is to arrange the potato rounds in a single layer on the baking sheet. This ensures that each slice has enough exposure to the oven’s heat, allowing them to brown evenly. If the potato rounds overlap or are too closely packed, the steam they release will cause them to become soggy rather than crisp. Using parchment paper or lightly greasing the baking sheet can help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Baking at 400°F (200°C) is the ideal temperature for achieving crispy potato rounds. This high heat is necessary to create the golden-brown exterior while ensuring the inside remains tender and cooked through. Baking at a lower temperature would extend the cooking time and result in less crispiness, while a higher temperature could cause the potatoes to burn on the outside before they cook through on the inside.

For the best results, flip the potato rounds halfway through the baking process, typically around the 15-minute mark. Flipping ensures that both sides of the potato slices are exposed to the heat, promoting even browning and preventing one side from becoming overly crisp or burnt. After flipping, continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and crispy.

For added crispiness, you can also turn on the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye on the potatoes to avoid burning.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes

Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet: Overcrowding traps moisture between the potatoes, which leads to sogginess instead of crispiness. Use two baking sheets if necessary to give each round enough space.
Make sure the potatoes are dry: After rinsing or soaking, pat the potato rounds dry thoroughly before tossing them in oil. Excess moisture will interfere with the oil’s ability to crisp the potatoes.
Don’t use too much oil: While olive oil helps with crisping, too much can make the potatoes greasy. Stick to the recommended amount to ensure they turn out crispy rather than oily.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings and Dips

Mini Baked Parmesan Potato Rounds are delicious on their own, but they become even more irresistible when paired with flavorful dips. Sour cream is a classic option that complements the crispy texture and cheesy flavor with its creamy tang. For a richer taste, try dipping the rounds in garlic aioli, which adds a smooth, garlicky note. Ranch dressing also works well, offering a cooling contrast to the savory potatoes. For a more elevated option, serve with a herb-infused yogurt dip, blending Greek yogurt with dill, parsley, and a touch of lemon juice.

These potato rounds also make a great side dish for heartier main courses. They pair perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, or even burgers, adding a crispy and cheesy element to balance the meal. For breakfast or brunch, serve them alongside eggs and bacon for a delicious alternative to hash browns.

To enhance the presentation and taste, consider adding garnishes like chopped chives for a fresh, oniony bite or bacon bits for an extra layer of smoky flavor. For cheese lovers, a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or cheddar just before serving can take the dish to the next level.

Variations of the Recipe

While the classic Parmesan version is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to customize these potato rounds to suit different tastes. Sweet potatoes can be used as an alternative to regular potatoes, offering a natural sweetness that pairs well with the salty Parmesan. If you prefer a stronger cheesy flavor, try adding shredded cheddar or a combination of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix can provide a nice kick.

For a more aromatic twist, try using Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence for a Mediterranean flair. To make the recipe vegan-friendly, substitute regular Parmesan with vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast, which will still give that savory, cheesy taste without dairy. This variation keeps the dish accessible to everyone while maintaining its delicious and crispy appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I make these potato rounds extra crispy?

To make your Parmesan potato rounds even crispier, try using a convection oven if available. The fan in a convection oven circulates hot air more efficiently, which helps the potatoes brown and crisp up more evenly. Another tip is to brush the rounds with a little extra olive oil before baking. This additional layer of oil promotes even browning and ensures a crispy outer layer. You can also let the potato rounds sit in the oven for a few extra minutes or briefly use the broiler at the end to achieve an extra golden, crispy finish—just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes! You can substitute russet potatoes or sweet potatoes for small potatoes in this recipe. Russet potatoes, with their high starch content, will produce a fluffier inside and an even crispier exterior. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, will have a softer texture and a slightly sweet flavor, which pairs beautifully with the savory Parmesan and garlic seasoning. Each type of potato brings its own unique texture and taste to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.

Can I prepare these potato rounds in advance?

Yes, you can partially prepare the rounds ahead of time by par-baking them. Bake the potatoes for about 15 minutes, then remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely. Store the partially baked rounds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to serve, simply return them to a preheated oven to finish baking and crisp them up, adding a few minutes to the total baking time.

Are these Parmesan potato rounds gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since potatoes, Parmesan cheese, and basic seasonings do not contain gluten. However, if you’re using pre-grated Parmesan or packaged seasonings, it’s always a good idea to check the labels to ensure there are no added gluten-containing ingredients, especially if you’re serving someone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

To store leftovers, place the cooled potato rounds in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the best method is to use the oven to preserve their crispiness. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rounds on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the rounds soggy.

Conclusion

Mini Baked Parmesan Potato Rounds are an easy, delicious, and versatile recipe that works well for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients—small potatoes, olive oil, Parmesan, and basic seasonings—you can create crispy, flavorful bites that are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. The golden-brown exterior contrasts beautifully with the tender interior, making each bite satisfying and full of flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a quick snack, or adding a side to a meal, these potato rounds fit seamlessly into any setting. Plus, the recipe can be easily customized: try using different types of potatoes, or experiment with seasonings like rosemary, smoked paprika, or even cheddar cheese for a new twist. Pair them with your favorite dips, or serve alongside your favorite main courses for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress.

Mini Baked Parmesan Potato Rounds

Author: Christine

Print Recipe

Description

These Mini Baked Parmesan Potato Rounds are a quick and easy recipe that brings out the best in crispy potatoes. Thinly sliced small potatoes are tossed with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of seasonings, then baked until golden brown and crunchy. This versatile dish is perfect for serving as a side, appetizer, or snack, and can be customized with different flavors to suit any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a family dinner, or just a casual snack, these crispy potato rounds are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Scale

12 small potatoes, sliced into rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss potato rounds with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Potato Choice: Small potatoes work best for this recipe as they crisp up nicely while remaining tender inside. However, russet or sweet potatoes can be used as well for variation in flavor and texture.
Crispiness Tip: For extra crispiness, make sure to dry the potato slices thoroughly after rinsing, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, such as smoked paprika, rosemary, or Italian herbs. You can also swap out Parmesan for other cheeses like cheddar for a unique twist.
Make Ahead: If needed, you can par-bake the potato rounds and finish them in the oven just before serving to save time.