Baked Parmesan Fingerling Potato Fries
Crispy, cheesy, and perfectly golden—these Baked Parmesan Fingerling Potato Fries are a rustic twist on classic fries, straight from the heart of farmhouse kitchens. Whether you’re hosting a weekend dinner, needing a cozy side for steak night, or want a salty snack that feels fancy and homemade, these potato fries are it.
🥔 The Story Behind the Potato Fries
This recipe was born from an overabundance of fingerling potatoes from our summer CSA box. Unlike standard russets, fingerlings have a buttery texture and rich flavor that make them ideal for roasting or turning into elevated potato fries. After one too many basic bakes, I added garlic, herbs, and a big handful of Parmesan. The result? These golden, crunchy wedges rival any diner fry—but with way more flavor.
They’ve since become a go-to side dish on our homestead: reliable, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you make them in the oven or crisp them up in the air fryer, these fingerling potato fries are always a hit.
🧂 Flavor Boosters
- Garlic Powder + Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and a little smoky richness to your potato fries.
- Chopped Rosemary or Thyme: Toss with the oil for an herby punch.
- Truffle Oil or White Pepper: For fancy fry night.
- Fresh Lemon Zest: Sprinkle before serving for a bright contrast.
🔄 Recipe Variations
- Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper or cayenne to the seasoning mix.
- Crisper Edges: Toss in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch before baking.
- Sweet Potato Version: Use sliced sweet potatoes and follow the same method for a different kind of potato fries.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Grilled steak, roast chicken, or burgers
- Loaded veggie bowls
- Garlic aioli or sriracha mayo for dipping
- Topped with fried eggs for breakfast-for-dinner
🍰 Dessert Pairings
Balance the salty and savory of your potato fries with:
- Chocolate chip cookie bars
- Lemon pudding cake
- Fresh strawberries & whipped cream
- Sourdough brownies (our favorite)
❄️ Freezing & Storing
- To Store: Store in a cool, dry place and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Toast in a 425°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes.
- To Freeze: Flash-freeze cooked potato fries in a single layer, then store in a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen at 425°F for 10–12 minutes.
🍳 Ways to Use Leftovers
- Chop and toss into a breakfast hash
- Re-crisp and top with chili and cheese
- Use as a base for loaded fry nachos
- Mix into a frittata or scramble
❓ Extra FAQs
Can I use other potatoes?
Yes! Baby gold or red potatoes work well—slice them into wedges.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, par-bake for 20 minutes, refrigerate, and crisp up right before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—as long as your cheese is certified gluten-free.
Baked Parmesan Fingerling Potato Fries
Crispy, golden fingerling potatoes baked with parmesan, herbs, and garlic—perfect as a side dish or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a with .
- In a large bowl, toss halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread potatoes cut side down in a single layer on the .
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the outside.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with parmesan and chopped herbs.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish to accompany any main course.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry before seasoning.
- Parmesan can be swapped for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
