Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes! While Russets are ideal for their starchy nature and crispy potential, you can use Yukon Gold for a more buttery flavor or red potatoes for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that different varieties may require slight adjustments to cooking time.

Why aren't my potatoes getting crispy?

Several factors could be at play: your oven temperature might be off, the potatoes might be overcrowded on the baking sheet, or they might have had too much moisture before roasting. Make sure to thoroughly dry the potato pieces, space them well on the baking sheet, and verify your oven temperature with an oven thermometer.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

You can roast the potatoes ahead of time until they're almost done, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat at 400°F for 10 minutes, add the cheese, and finish as directed. This maintains the best texture while saving time.

What's the best way to cut the potatoes for even cooking?

First, wash and scrub the potatoes well. You can peel them or leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into evenly sized cubes. Aiming for uniformity is more important than the exact size - consistent pieces will cook at the same rate.

Cheesy Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Name: Cheesy Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Potatoes; 2 pounds Russet potatoes, cut into ½-inch to ¾-inch cubes (about 7 cups); 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Cheese; 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

These Cheesy Roasted Potatoes are simply irresistible – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and blanketed with a layer of melted sharp cheddar that creates the most amazing cheese pull with every bite. This crowd-pleasing side dish requires minimal prep work but delivers maximum flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Texture Combination: These potatoes achieve the ideal balance – wonderfully crispy exteriors with fluffy, tender insides that practically melt in your mouth.
Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create this incredible side dish. Simple ingredients that transform into something spectacular!
Versatile: Works as a side dish with practically any main course or can even stand alone as a hearty snack or appetizer.
Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist the combination of crispy potatoes and melted cheese. It’s a guaranteed family favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Russet Potatoes: The starchy nature of Russets makes them perfect for roasting – they get extra crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside. Cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Olive Oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully in the oven and adds a subtle flavor. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for best results.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural potato flavor. Kosher salt works best as it adheres nicely to the potatoes.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides that perfect melt and a tangy, rich flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully. Grating your own cheese from a block will give you the best melt.
Optional Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, but it’s completely optional.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize this dish? Here are some delicious options:

Loaded Potato Style: After adding cheese, top with crumbled bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced green onions.
Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper to the oil mixture for an extra flavor boost.
Cheese Variations: Try a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan, or swap in pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Herb Infusion: Mix in some dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning blend with the oil before roasting.

How to Make Cheesy Roasted Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Cut your potatoes into uniform cubes, about ½-inch to ¾-inch in size. Keeping them consistent ensures they cook evenly.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

In a large bowl, combine the cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated. This coating is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior.

Step 3: First Roasting Period

Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Give them space! Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting. Bake for 25 minutes to start the crisping process.

Step 4: Flip and Continue Roasting

After the initial roasting period, remove the baking sheet and flip the potatoes. This ensures even browning on all sides. Return to the oven for another 25-30 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Once your potatoes are crispy, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, just until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Dry Your Potatoes: After cutting, pat the potato pieces dry with paper towels. Less moisture means crispier results.
Don’t Skimp on Oil: Make sure every piece is coated in oil to achieve maximum crispiness.
Use a Metal Baking Sheet: These conduct heat better than glass dishes, resulting in crispier potatoes.
Space Matters: Arrange potatoes in a single layer with space between pieces. Crowded potatoes will steam instead of roast.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent that perfect melty texture. Freshly grated cheese melts much better.

How to Serve

These Cheesy Roasted Potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with so many main dishes:

Perfect Pairings:

Alongside a juicy steak or grilled chicken
With a simple green salad for a lighter meal
Next to roasted vegetables for a vegetarian feast
As an elevated alternative to fries with burgers

Dipping Options:

Consider serving with small bowls of sour cream, ranch dressing, or sriracha mayo for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cheese will solidify, but the potatoes will still taste great when reheated.

Freezing

While possible, freezing isn’t ideal for this dish as the texture of the potatoes can become mealy after thawing. If you must freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the potatoes soggy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes! While Russets are ideal for their starchy nature and crispy potential, you can use Yukon Gold for a more buttery flavor or red potatoes for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that different varieties may require slight adjustments to cooking time.
Why aren’t my potatoes getting crispy?

Several factors could be at play: your oven temperature might be off, the potatoes might be overcrowded on the baking sheet, or they might have had too much moisture before roasting. Make sure to thoroughly dry the potato pieces, space them well on the baking sheet, and verify your oven temperature with an oven thermometer.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

You can roast the potatoes ahead of time until they’re almost done, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat at 400°F for 10 minutes, add the cheese, and finish as directed. This maintains the best texture while saving time.
What’s the best way to cut the potatoes for even cooking?

First, wash and scrub the potatoes well. You can peel them or leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into evenly sized cubes. Aiming for uniformity is more important than the exact size – consistent pieces will cook at the same rate.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Roasted Potatoes bring together two of life’s greatest culinary pleasures – perfectly crispy potatoes and melted cheese – in one simple, satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving them alongside your favorite protein or enjoying them as a comforting snack, they’re sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Simple enough for everyday meals yet special enough for gatherings, this recipe proves that sometimes the most basic ingredients create the most memorable dishes.