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#### **Ingredients:**
– 2 lbs (900g) baby potatoes (or regular potatoes, cut into small chunks)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh rosemary, finely chopped)
– ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)
#### **Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. **Prepare the Potatoes**: Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. If using larger potatoes, cut them into bite-sized chunks. If using baby potatoes, simply halve them. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they will cook.
3. **Season the Potatoes**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Add the potatoes to the bowl and toss until they are well coated with the seasoning mixture.
4. **Roast the Potatoes**: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure that the potatoes are not crowded, as this will allow them to cook evenly and become crispy. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. You can check doneness by piercing a potato with a fork—it should slide in easily.
5. **Add the Finishing Touches**: Once the potatoes are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven. While still hot, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Toss gently to coat the potatoes in the cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese slightly, creating a deliciously cheesy crust.
6. **Garnish and Serve**: Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the potatoes for added brightness, then sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately as the perfect side dish to your main course.
#### **Tips for Customization:**
– **Herb Variations**: Feel free to swap out the rosemary for other herbs like thyme, oregano, or sage to tailor the flavor to your preferences or the main dish you’re serving.
– **Cheese Variations**: While Parmesan is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a bit of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
– **Add Heat**: If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the garlic oil mixture before tossing the potatoes.
### Pairing the Perfect Side Dish with Your Main Course
Now that you’ve got the perfect side dish, it’s time to pair it with a main course. Here are some ideas for meals that will complement Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes:
1. **Roast Chicken**: A classic pairing. The rich, savory chicken skin goes perfectly with the crispy potatoes.
2. **Steak**: The garlic and rosemary in the potatoes enhance the flavors of a juicy, well-seasoned steak.
3. **Pork Tenderloin**: The mild flavor of pork pairs beautifully with the richness of roasted potatoes.
4. **Vegetarian Main Courses**: Serve these roasted potatoes alongside a vegetable-based dish like a vegetable lasagna, stuffed bell peppers, or a hearty salad.
### Conclusion
The perfect side dish isn’t just an afterthought—it’s an essential part of creating a balanced, flavorful meal. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are a perfect example of a side dish that checks all the boxes. They offer the right balance of flavors, textures, and versatility to complement almost any main course, and they’re simple to prepare.
The next time you want to elevate a meal and leave a lasting impression on your guests or family, you can’t go wrong with these roasted potatoes. They’re hands down the perfect side dish, and they’re sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re entertaining or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home, these potatoes will never disappoint!
