If you’re craving a dish that brings bold, vibrant flavors with a comforting crunch, this Mexican Spiced Parmesan Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine perfectly roasted Yukon potatoes sprinkled with fragrant smoked paprika, earthy cumin, and that irresistible touch of parmesan cheese—each bite bursting with warmth and just the right amount of spice. It’s an easy, satisfying side dish that elevates any meal, and I promise it will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are deceptively simple but absolutely essential for creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Mexican Spiced Parmesan Potatoes Recipe. Each one plays a key role, from the creamy potatoes to the rich, savory spices and that final, nutty parmesan touch.
- Yukon potatoes: The creamy texture inside with a sturdy skin makes these perfect for roasting.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up gorgeously while adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Granulated sugar: Just a hint to balance spices and enhance browning for that golden crust.
- Sea salt: Highlights all the flavors and brings out the natural essence of the potatoes.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky warmth that’s signature to this recipe.
- Cumin: Provides an earthy, slightly citrusy note that complements the paprika perfectly.
- Black ground pepper: Gives a gentle heat and complexity.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory layers without overwhelming the dish.
- Onion powder: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the spice blend.
- Finely chopped parsley: Freshness that brightens each bite and adds color.
- Grated parmesan: The savory, umami magic that crisps up on the edges for irresistible texture.
How to Make Mexican Spiced Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While it’s warming up, get a baking tray ready—lining it with parchment or giving it a light brush of oil will prevent sticking and help those potatoes roast evenly.
Step 2: Cube and Season the Potatoes
Wash your Yukon potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry to avoid sogginess. Cut them into bite-sized cubes to ensure every piece roasts perfectly. Transfer them into your baking tray, then drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the granulated sugar, sea salt, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and the chopped parsley right on top. Finish by scattering the grated parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Now, toss everything together with your hands or a spatula so every cube gets that flavorful, cheesy coating.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Place the tray in the center of your preheated oven and roast for about 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on them—by the end, the potatoes should be wonderfully crispy on the outside with tender, creamy insides. The parmesan will brown beautifully, adding a delicious crust that’s hard to resist.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, give the potatoes a quick toss to redistribute the melted cheese and spices. Sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley on top for that fresh pop of green, and get ready to serve. These Mexican Spiced Parmesan Potatoes are perfect alongside your favorite main dishes or as a tasty snack on their own.
How to Serve Mexican Spiced Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice to brighten up the dish visually and flavorwise, but you can also experiment with a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish or a dollop of sour cream to mellow out the spices.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or a hearty salad. The blend of smoky spices and parmesan adds a wonderful depth that complements a wide variety of mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation twist, serve these potatoes in individual small bowls sprinkled with extra parmesan and chopped herbs, or pile them high on a platter garnished with lime wedges and thin slices of jalapeño for added heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which I hope you do), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The potatoes tend to absorb moisture, so they’re best reheated to regain their crispy texture.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked potatoes, it’s best to freeze them before baking for optimal texture. Parboil the cubed potatoes first, freeze them flat on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, toss with spices and bake fresh.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness, reheat leftover potatoes in a hot oven or a cast-iron skillet rather than the microwave. This method keeps them crunchy and tasty as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use another type of potato for this recipe?
Yukon potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and roasting qualities, but you can also use red potatoes or even fingerlings. Just adjust cooking time as needed since starch content varies.
Is this recipe very spicy?
Not at all. The spices give warm, smoky flavors rather than heat. If you love a bit of kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped chili peppers when tossing the potatoes.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Just omit the parmesan or substitute it with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
What’s the best way to cut the potatoes?
Try to keep the cubes about the same size, roughly one-inch pieces, so they cook evenly and get those crispy edges just right.
Can I prepare this dish ahead on the day of serving?
Absolutely! You can toss the cubed potatoes in oil and spices the night before and refrigerate. Just add the parmesan right before baking to keep it fresh and crispy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a side that’s easy, flavorful, and downright addictive, don’t wait to try this Mexican Spiced Parmesan Potatoes Recipe. It’s the perfect mix of cozy comfort and exciting spice that will brighten up any meal and win over friends and family alike. Once you make it, this dish will surely have a permanent spot at your table.
Print
Mexican Spiced Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Mexican Potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, seasoned with a flavorful blend of smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, and onion powder, then baked to perfection with a touch of parmesan cheese. Perfect as a savory side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds Yukon potatoes (680 gm)
Seasonings and Add-ins
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon black ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley (plus more to garnish)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan (0.88 oz | 25 g)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it for the potatoes to bake evenly.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the Yukon potatoes thoroughly, pat them dry to remove excess moisture, then cut each potato into bite-sized cubes. Place the cubes on the baking tray.
- Season the Potatoes: Drizzle the potatoes with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle the granulated sugar, sea salt, smoked paprika, cumin, black ground pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, finely chopped parsley, and grated parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the potatoes are well-coated with all the seasonings and cheese.
- Bake the Potatoes: Place the baking tray in the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, checking occasionally to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baking tray from the oven, garnish the potatoes with additional chopped parsley for freshness and color, then serve immediately alongside your favorite main dish.
Notes
- Cut potatoes into uniform-sized cubes to ensure even baking.
- Use Yukon potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to crisp up nicely.
- You can substitute parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative if desired.
- These potatoes pair well with grilled meats, tacos, or as a standalone vegetarian side.
- Use parchment paper or a non-stick baking tray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
