Do Share Recipe

Crispy Buffalo Parmesan Potatoes Recipe | Spicy, Cheesy & Perfect Snack

I still remember pulling these Crispy Parmesan Crusted Buffalo Potatoes Recipe out of the oven for the first time and immediately sneaking one straight from the pan. The edges were deeply golden, the bottoms were crunchy with melted cheese, and the buffalo flavor hit just right without overpowering the potatoes. I’ve made this recipe several times now, and every single time it disappears fast.

It feels like a snack, a side dish, and comfort food all rolled into one. If you love bold flavors with crispy textures, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too. You can also enjoy similar flavors in my homemade steak taco seasoning recipe for a different twist on bold, savory seasoning.

Ingredients

Below are the ingredients you’ll need for crispy parmesan crusted buffalo potatoes, along with helpful notes on why each one works so well in this recipe.

baby gold or red potatoes (2 pounds) – Small potatoes roast evenly and give you crispy edges with a soft, creamy center.
olive oil (3 tablespoons) – Helps the potatoes crisp up in the oven and evenly distributes the seasoning.
buffalo sauce (½ cup) – Brings bold heat and tang; choose a well-balanced sauce that isn’t overly vinegary.
unsalted butter, melted (3 tablespoons) – Softens the spice from the buffalo sauce and adds richness.
garlic powder (1 teaspoon) – Adds savory depth without burning during roasting.
smoked paprika (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the flavor with a mild smoky note.
onion powder (½ teaspoon) – Boosts overall seasoning and complements the buffalo sauce.
salt (¾ teaspoon) – Adjust depending on the saltiness of your buffalo sauce and parmesan.
black pepper (½ teaspoon) – Adds gentle heat and rounds out the flavors.
freshly grated parmesan cheese (1½ cups) – Freshly grated cheese melts and crisps better, forming the golden crust.
fresh parsley or chives (for garnish) – Adds freshness, color, and a light finish.

Note: This ingredient quantity serves 4–6 people as a side dish. You can also pair these potatoes with a hearty meal like sausage broccoli orzo for a complete dinner that’s equally satisfying.

Variations

These crispy parmesan crusted buffalo potatoes are easy to customize depending on your taste or dietary needs.

For a dairy-free version, replace butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative that melts well.
To reduce the heat, mix the buffalo sauce with honey or maple syrup for a milder, slightly sweet flavor.
For extra flavor, sprinkle ranch seasoning over the potatoes before baking or add blue cheese crumbles after cooking.
If you want them extra crispy, lightly dust the potatoes with cornstarch before tossing them in the sauce.
To make them more herby, add dried oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the spice mix.
For a garlicky kick, finish with freshly minced garlic or garlic butter right after baking.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick breakdown of how long this recipe takes from start to finish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Equipment You Need

Using the right tools helps these potatoes come out perfectly crisp.

Baking sheet – Provides even heat and space for crisping
Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and helps form the cheese crust
Large mixing bowl – For coating the potatoes evenly
Sharp knife – For slicing potatoes cleanly
Measuring cups and spoons – Keeps flavors balanced

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Buffalo Potatoes Recipe?

This recipe comes together easily, but each step plays an important role in building flavor and texture.

Prepare the Potatoes

I start by washing and slicing the potatoes into thick rounds, keeping them similar in size so they cook evenly. Thicker slices give you that creamy interior while still allowing the outside to crisp. Once sliced, I pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

Mix the Buffalo Coating

In a large bowl, I whisk together the buffalo sauce, melted butter, olive oil, and all the spices. This mixture coats the potatoes beautifully and ensures every bite is packed with flavor. I make sure everything is well combined before adding the potatoes.

Coat the Potatoes

I toss the sliced potatoes in the buffalo mixture until they’re fully coated. This step is important because it ensures even roasting and consistent flavor. I let them sit for a minute so the seasoning really clings.

Prepare the Baking Sheet

I line a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle a thick, even layer of freshly grated parmesan directly onto the paper. This creates the signature crispy crust that forms on the bottom of each potato slice.

Arrange and Bake

I place the potatoes flat-side down on the parmesan, leaving a little space between each piece. They bake in a hot oven until the bottoms are deeply golden and the tops are tender. I avoid flipping them so the cheese crust stays intact.

Finish and Garnish

Once baked, I let the potatoes rest for a couple of minutes before lifting them off the pan. This helps the crust firm up. I finish with fresh herbs for color and a pop of freshness.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this recipe multiple times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference.

I always grate the parmesan myself because pre-shredded cheese won’t crisp properly.
I’ve learned not to overcrowd the pan, or the potatoes steam instead of crisp.
I let the potatoes cool slightly before removing them so the crust stays intact.
I sometimes broil them for the last 1–2 minutes if I want extra color.
I taste the buffalo sauce first so I can adjust the spice level to my liking.

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Crusted Buffalo Potatoes Recipe?

These potatoes are incredibly versatile and work in so many settings. I love serving them as a bold side dish alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or steak. They’re also perfect as a party appetizer with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. For presentation, I arrange them crust-side up on a platter and sprinkle fresh herbs on top. A drizzle of extra buffalo sauce or a light ranch swirl makes them look restaurant-worthy.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general nutritional snapshot per serving to help you plan.

Calories – Approximately 320 per serving
Protein – Around 8 grams from parmesan cheese
Carbohydrates – Roughly 30 grams from potatoes
Fat – About 18 grams from cheese, butter, and oil

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can slice the potatoes and prepare the buffalo sauce mixture up to 24 hours in advance. I store them separately in the fridge and assemble everything just before baking for best texture.

Storage

Leftover potatoes stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I always store them in a single layer if possible to preserve crispiness.

Reheating

I reheat these potatoes in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crunch. The microwave works, but the crust will soften. Freezing isn’t ideal since the cheese crust loses its texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons this recipe keeps ending up on my repeat list.

It’s easy to make but tastes like something from a restaurant.
The combination of crispy cheese and spicy buffalo flavor is addictive.
It works as a side dish, snack, or party appetizer.
You can easily adjust the spice level and toppings to suit everyone.
It uses simple ingredients but delivers bold, satisfying results.

Ben Carraoli