If you need a foolproof holiday side dish that always disappears first, Oven-Baked Mayonnaise Parmesan Potatoes deserves a permanent place on your table. These creamy, crispy potato halves bake into golden perfection with only four simple ingredients. The mayonnaise keeps the centers rich and tender, while the Parmesan creates a deeply savory crust that turns beautifully crisp in the oven. Whether you’re planning a holiday spread or a cozy Sunday roast, this easy side dish brings comfort and flavor to every plate.
I still remember the first holiday meal where my sister slid this bubbling sheet pan onto the table. The potatoes were golden around the edges, creamy on top, and smelled like the kind of dish everyone hoped would be passed their way twice. It was the late seventies, the table was crowded with ham, green beans, and glazed carrots, and somehow these potatoes stole the spotlight. Ever since then, they’ve shown up at nearly every family gathering, from Easter dinners to snowy Christmas evenings. The best part is how simple they are—just pantry basics turning into something that feels nostalgic, rich, and always worthy of a second helping.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a greased baking sheet with foil.
- Mix mayonnaise, Parmesan, and salt into a thick coating.
- Toss halved potatoes thoroughly in the mixture.
- Bake cut side up for 30–40 minutes until golden and fork-tender.
Notes
Why These Potatoes Always Steal the Show
Only Four Pantry-Friendly Ingredients
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple. Potatoes create the hearty base, while mayonnaise adds richness and helps the coating cling beautifully. Meanwhile, Parmesan cheese melts into a salty, crisp crust that makes every bite irresistible.
Because the ingredients are so familiar, this side dish feels both practical and special. In fact, it’s often the easiest dish on the table while still tasting like the most indulgent.
Perfect for Holidays and Weeknights
These potatoes pair naturally with turkey, ham, roast chicken, or meatloaf. However, they’re just as welcome beside a simple grilled protein on a regular weeknight.
Additionally, the sheet-pan method keeps cleanup easy, which is especially helpful during busy holiday cooking.
How to Get the Crispiest Parmesan Crust
Dry the Potatoes Well
After scrubbing and halving the potatoes, pat them very dry. This step matters because it helps the mayonnaise-Parmesan mixture stick evenly.
As a result, the coating bakes into a better crust instead of sliding off.
Give Them Space on the Pan
Arrange the potatoes cut side up in a single layer with a little room between each piece. Therefore, hot air can circulate and crisp the tops beautifully.
For extra browning, move the pan higher during the last few minutes of baking.
The Best Ways to Serve Them
Holiday Main Dish Pairings
These potatoes are wonderful with roasted turkey, baked ham, meatloaf, pork roast, or glazed carrots.
Because they’re rich and creamy, they balance leaner meats beautifully.
Add a Fresh Green Side
To brighten the plate, serve them with green beans, peas, asparagus, or a tossed salad.
Likewise, chopped parsley and cracked black pepper add a fresh finishing touch.
Easy Variations and Leftover Tips
Try Different Potato Cuts
Small Yukon Golds and red potatoes work best, but thick wedges from larger potatoes also bake beautifully.
Just keep the size even so everything finishes together.
Reheat Without Losing the Crisp
Leftovers reheat best on a foil-lined sheet pan in a hot oven. This keeps the Parmesan crust crisp while warming the centers.
Because of that, they stay nearly as delicious the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use russet potatoes?
Yes, though Yukon Golds and red potatoes hold their shape better.
2. Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely. Coat the potatoes and refrigerate them on the pan until ready to bake.
3. What Parmesan works best?
Finely grated Parmesan gives the most even crust.
4. Can I add pepper?
Yes, black pepper or seasoned salt both work beautifully.
5. How do I know they’re done?
The tops should be golden and the centers fork-tender.
Conclusion
These Oven-Baked Mayonnaise Parmesan Potatoes are the perfect blend of creamy comfort and crispy texture. With only four ingredients and almost no prep, they’re the kind of dependable side dish that fits just as easily on a holiday buffet as it does beside a simple weeknight roast.
