Red Potato Recipes 11 Crispy Cheesy One Pan Ideas To Try

Tired of boring spuds? If you have a bag of red potatoes sitting on your counter, you know they hold so much potential. Yet, it’s all too easy to end up with a side dish that’s bland, mushy, or just plain disappointing. You’re looking for that perfect, crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside texture that makes potatoes truly irresistible.

You’ve tried roasting them, but they came out soggy. You’ve tried seasoning them, but the flavor fell flat. It’s frustrating when a simple side dish feels like a culinary puzzle you just can’t solve. You need reliable, exciting, and easy red potato recipes that deliver on their promise of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful results every single time, without dirtying every pan in your kitchen.

After countless tests to banish soggy potatoes from our kitchen, we’ve perfected these methods for maximum crispiness and flavor. Red potatoes are best for recipes where they hold their shape, like roasting, smashing, and in salads. Their waxy texture and thin skin create a creamy interior and crispy exterior, making them ideal for high-heat cooking with ingredients like garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. Get ready to transform that humble bag of spuds into the star of your dinner plate with these 11 foolproof, one-pan ideas.

Tired of Boring Spuds? Here’s How to Make Red Potatoes Irresistibly Crispy and Cheesy

The humble red potato is a kitchen workhorse, but it’s time to let it shine. Forget boring, boiled potatoes. We’re talking about transforming these versatile, thin-skinned gems into crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed side dishes that will steal the show. After countless tests to banish soggy potatoes from our kitchen, we’ve perfected these methods for maximum crispiness and flavor. Red potatoes are best for recipes where they hold their shape, like roasting, smashing, and in salads. Their waxy texture and thin skin are the secret to creating a creamy interior and a perfectly crispy exterior, making them the ideal candidate for high-heat cooking with delicious additions like garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. This curated list of 11 foolproof, one-pan recipes guarantees an irresistibly crispy and cheesy result every time, perfect for any weeknight meal or special occasion.

11 Crispy, Cheesy, One-Pan Red Potato Recipes to Try Tonight

Red potatoes are incredibly versatile, and their creamy texture and thin skin make them perfect for a wide range of cooking methods. We’ve gathered our 11 kitchen-tested favorite recipes that promise maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Each of these one-pan wonders has been refined to ensure perfect results for home cooks of any skill level. From classic garlic and herb roasting to game-changing cheesy smashed potatoes, you’re about to find your new go-to side dish.

1. Classic Garlic Herb Roasted Red Potatoes

This foundational recipe creates perfectly roasted, crispy, and flavorful red potatoes with a timeless garlic and herb profile that pairs well with almost any main course. It’s the perfect starting point for mastering crispy potatoes.

• Ingredients: 2 lbs baby red potatoes, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash and dry potatoes thoroughly. Cut into 1-inch chunks or halves.
  3. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Spread potatoes in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  5. Roast for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown, crispy on the edges, and fork-tender.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro-Tip: For an even crispier skin, ensure your potatoes are bone dry after washing. Pat them down with a paper towel before adding oil and seasonings. Excess moisture creates steam, which is the enemy of crispiness.

Pin this classic side dish for your next family dinner!

2. Ultimate Crispy Parmesan Red Potatoes

This recipe delivers an extra crispy and cheesy version of roasted potatoes by using Parmesan cheese to create an irresistible, savory crust that adds amazing flavor and texture.

• Ingredients: 2 lbs red potatoes, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
  2. Wash, dry, and cut potatoes into 1-inch chunks.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese and toss to coat.
  4. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Roast for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, flip the potatoes, and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan.
  6. Return to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.

Pro-Tip: For the crispiest cheese crust, use freshly grated Parmesan from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting and crisping up as well.

Save this cheesy delight to your “Must-Try Sides” board!

3. Spicy Cajun Roasted Red Potatoes

For those who like a kick, this recipe creates red potatoes with a bold, spicy, and smoky flavor profile thanks to a generous coating of Cajun seasoning.

• Ingredients: 2 lbs red potatoes, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, salt to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
  2. Wash, dry, and dice potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes.
  3. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Add the potatoes and toss until fully coated.
  4. Spread in a single layer on a large, parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Roast for 30-35 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until deeply browned and crispy on all sides.
  6. Taste and add salt if needed (many Cajun seasonings are already salty).

Pro-Tip: Roasting at a slightly higher temperature of 425°F helps the spices “bloom” and creates an extra-crispy exterior that stands up to the bold seasoning.

Feeling spicy? Pin this recipe now!

4. Lemony Dill Roasted Red Potatoes

This recipe produces a light, fresh, and zesty potato side dish by combining the bright, vibrant flavors of fresh lemon and dill for a perfect spring or summer accompaniment.

• Ingredients: 1.5 lbs baby red potatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, zest of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp fresh chopped dill, 2 cloves minced garlic, salt and pepper to taste, juice of half a lemon.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
  2. Wash and dry potatoes. Leave whole if small, or cut in half.
  3. In a bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, lemon zest, 1 tbsp of the fresh dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Roast for 30-40 minutes, until golden and tender.
  6. Remove from oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and toss with the remaining 1 tbsp of fresh dill before serving.

Pro-Tip: Always add the fresh lemon juice and the second half of the dill after roasting. Cooking fresh dill for too long diminishes its bright flavor, and cooked lemon juice can become bitter.

Add a fresh twist to your dinner! Pin this zesty recipe.

5. Garlic Butter Smashed Red Potatoes

This technique is the secret to achieving the best of both worlds: smashed potatoes that are incredibly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and creamy inside, all drenched in a rich garlic butter.

• Ingredients: 1.5 lbs small red potatoes, 4 tbsp salted butter (melted), 4 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, flaky sea salt and black pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Place potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water, and salt generously. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  2. Drain potatoes well and let them air dry for 5 minutes.
  3. Spread potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Use the bottom of a glass to gently smash each potato until it’s about 1/2-inch thick.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic. Drizzle evenly over the smashed potatoes. Season with pepper.
  5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
  6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and flaky sea salt before serving.

Pro-Tip: The secret to a fluffy interior is boiling the potatoes in well-salted water, just like pasta. It seasons them from the inside out. Letting them steam dry after draining helps create an even crispier exterior.

Your new favorite side dish is one pin away!

6. Cheesy Bacon Smashed Red Potatoes

This is the ultimate comfort food recipe, creating a loaded, indulgent version of smashed potatoes that works perfectly as a hearty side dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

• Ingredients: 1.5 lbs small red potatoes, 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled), 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp melted butter, 2 tbsp sliced green onions, salt and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Boil, drain, and dry potatoes as described in the previous recipe. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
  2. Smash the potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Brush each potato with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Roast for 20 minutes until the edges begin to crisp.
  5. Remove from the oven and top each potato with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
  6. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  7. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Pro-Tip: For the best flavor, use thick-cut bacon and shred your own sharp cheddar cheese. It melts much better than pre-shredded varieties.

Pin this ultimate comfort food recipe for later!

7. Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Smashed Potatoes

This genius technique creates an ultra-crispy crust made entirely of cheese on the bottom of smashed potatoes, delivering a satisfying crunch and intense savory flavor in every bite.

• Ingredients: 1.5 lbs small red potatoes, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and generously coat with olive oil.
  2. Boil and drain potatoes until fork-tender.
  3. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan in small mounds on the oiled parchment paper, about 2-3 inches apart. Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
  4. Place one hot, boiled potato on top of each Parmesan mound. Use a glass to firmly smash the potato down, pressing it into the cheese.
  5. Drizzle the tops of the smashed potatoes with a bit more olive oil.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is a deep golden brown and has formed a crispy “frico” crust. Let cool for a few minutes on the pan before removing with a spatula.

Pro-Tip: Do not use shredded Parmesan for this. You need the finely grated, powdery kind for the best results. It melts and fuses together to create a solid, crispy cheese wafer.

Try this genius cheese-crust hack! Pin it now.

8. Smoky Paprika & Onion Smashed Potatoes

This vegetarian-friendly recipe yields a smashed potato with a deep, smoky, and savory flavor profile that rivals bacon, using a simple blend of powerful spices.

• Ingredients: 1.5 lbs small red potatoes, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Boil, drain, dry, and smash the potatoes as described in previous recipes. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
  3. Brush the spice-infused oil generously over the tops and sides of the smashed potatoes.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the edges are dark and crispy.

Pro-Tip: Use high-quality smoked paprika (sweet, not hot) for the best flavor. The smoky depth it provides is the star of this recipe and can’t be replicated with regular paprika.

Pin this smoky and savory recipe for a flavor upgrade!

9. One-Pan Italian Sausage & Red Potatoes

This recipe provides a complete and hearty one-pan meal that combines crispy red potatoes with savory Italian sausage and colorful vegetables for an easy weeknight dinner solution.

• Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot), 1.5 lbs red potatoes (cut into 1-inch cubes), 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 green bell pepper (sliced), 1 large yellow onion (sliced), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
  2. On a large sheet pan, toss the cubed potatoes, sliced peppers, and sliced onion with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cut the Italian sausage links into 1-inch pieces and nestle them among the vegetables on the pan.
  4. Ensure everything is in a single layer.
  5. Roast for 35-45 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and crispy and the sausage is cooked through and browned.

Pro-Tip: Cut the potatoes slightly smaller than the sausage pieces to ensure they become tender and crispy in the same amount of time it takes for the sausage to cook through.

Your new favorite weeknight dinner is here. Pin it!

10. Skillet-Fried Garlic Red Potatoes

For those times you don’t want to turn on the oven, this recipe delivers perfectly crispy, golden-brown red potatoes right on the stove top, finished with garlic and fresh parsley.

• Ingredients: 1.5 lbs red potatoes (thinly sliced into 1/4-inch rounds), 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp butter, 3 cloves minced garlic, salt, pepper, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
• Instructions:
  1. Par-boil the sliced potatoes in salted water for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender but not falling apart. Drain thoroughly and pat dry.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the potato slices in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  4. In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  5. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, and toss with fresh parsley.

Pro-Tip: Par-boiling is the key to getting a creamy interior and a super crispy exterior in the skillet. It also significantly cuts down on the frying time, reducing the chance of burning the outside before the inside is cooked.

No oven needed! Pin this easy stove-top recipe.

11. Hearty Onion Soup Mix Roasted Potatoes

This is the ultimate “dump-and-go” recipe for incredibly simple yet deeply flavorful roasted potatoes, using a packet of dry onion soup mix as a genius, all-in-one seasoning.

• Ingredients: 2 lbs red potatoes, 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix, 3 tbsp olive oil.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
  2. Wash, dry, and quarter the potatoes.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil until coated.
  4. Sprinkle the entire packet of dry onion soup mix over the potatoes and toss until every piece is evenly seasoned.
  5. Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Roast for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway, until the potatoes are deeply browned, crispy, and tender.

Pro-Tip: Don’t be afraid of the dark color! The dehydrated onions in the soup mix will caramelize and turn a deep brown. This is where all the flavor is, it’s not burnt.

The easiest potato recipe ever! Save it for a busy night.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Perfect Red Potatoes

• Dry is King: Always pat potatoes completely dry before adding oil. Moisture creates steam, preventing crispiness.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Spread potatoes in a single layer with space between them. Use two pans if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not roasting.
• High Heat is Your Friend: Roast between 400°F and 425°F (204-218°C) to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Master Both Methods: Roasting is great for a classic crispy skin and tender bite. Smashing (boil first, then roast) creates an unbeatable texture with crispy, lacy edges and a creamy center.
• Season Generously: Red potatoes have a mild flavor, so don’t be shy with salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, and spices to make them shine.

People Also Ask About Red Potato Recipes

What are red potatoes best for?

Red potatoes are best for recipes where you want the potato to maintain its shape. Their waxy, firm texture makes them ideal for roasting, smashing, grilling, and using in potato salads or soups. Unlike starchy potatoes, they don’t fall apart easily, resulting in a creamy interior and a pleasantly firm bite.

Why soak red potatoes in water before cooking?

Soaking red potatoes in water for about 30 minutes before cooking helps to remove excess starch. This process prevents the potatoes from sticking together and allows them to become much crispier when roasted or fried. While not always necessary for red potatoes, it’s a great technique for achieving maximum crispiness.

What’s the best way to eat red potatoes?

The best way to eat red potatoes is roasted or smashed to take advantage of their thin, flavorful skin which gets delightfully crispy. Tossing them with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese before roasting at high heat brings out their subtly sweet, creamy flavor and creates an irresistible texture that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Final Thoughts

With these 11 recipes and a few key techniques in your back pocket, you’ll never have to settle for a boring potato side dish again. From the classic elegance of garlic and herbs to the indulgent crunch of a Parmesan crust, delicious, crispy red potatoes are easily achievable for any home cook. It’s time to elevate your meals and make your side dishes unforgettable.

Which one of these crispy, cheesy recipes will you be trying first? Let me know in the comments below