Crispy Parmesan Potatoes with Nduja Tomato Sauce

I can understand why these Crispy Parmesan Potatoes went viral. Roasted with a golden, deeply savoury parmesan crust, these potatoes are crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle, and perfectly seasoned. While they’re already delicious on their own, the addition of a rich, spicy nduja tomato sauce transforms them into an extraordinary dish that’s perfect for sharing or as a show-stopping side.

In this blog post, I’ll break down how to achieve those show-stopping potatoes, why nduja is the ultimate flavour booster, and how this recipe strikes a perfect balance between texture and taste.

Watch me make it here.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• The Secret to Perfect Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
• What Is Nduja and Why It Works So Well
• Balancing Flavours and Textures
• Tips for Perfecting Your Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
• How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
• Final Thoughts
• More Potato Recipes

Ingredient Breakdown

• Baby potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes hold their shape during roasting and deliver a fluffy, creamy interior.
• Garlic granules: Add a subtle garlic flavour that doesn’t overwhelm the dish.
• Dried mixed herbs: A blend of thyme, oregano, and rosemary adds earthy, aromatic notes.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Ensures even roasting while adding richness.
• Parmigiano Reggiano: The star ingredient for that crispy, cheesy crust.
• Nduja: A spicy, spreadable sausage that melts into a smoky, deeply flavoured sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic enhances the sauce with its robust, pungent flavour.
• Crushed tomatoes: The base for the nduja tomato sauce, providing sweetness and body.
• Water: Lightens the sauce, helping it simmer to the right consistency.
• Fresh basil: Adds brightness and a touch of herbal freshness to the sauce.

The Secret to Perfect Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

Achieving those perfect Crispy Parmesan Potatoes starts with the parmesan. By spreading a generous, even layer of grated parmigiano reggiano directly onto the greaseproof paper-lined baking tray, you create a savoury crust that crisps and caramelises as it bakes. The potatoes are placed cut-side-down to ensure maximum contact with the cheese.

But don’t stop there—seasoning the potatoes properly is just as important. Tossing them with garlic granules, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper infuses every bite with flavour. Roasting at a high temperature allows the parmesan to crisp up beautifully while the potatoes become golden and tender.

For best results, don’t rush the cooling stage. Letting the potatoes rest for a few minutes after roasting helps the parmesan crust firm up, making it easier to remove from the tray. Use a spatula or gently peel away the greaseproof paper for clean, satisfying layers of crispy cheese.

What Is Nduja and Why It Works So Well

Nduja (pronounced en-DOO-yah) is a soft, spreadable sausage from Calabria in southern Italy. It’s made with pork, Calabrian chillies, and a hint of smoked paprika. The result? A spicy, salty, and slightly funky ingredient that packs a punch in small amounts.

In this recipe, nduja transforms a simple tomato sauce into a bold, flavourful accompaniment. As it melts into the sauce, it releases smoky, spicy oils that enrich every bite. Combined with garlic and basil, it creates a sauce that’s both comforting and complex—a perfect match for the Crispy Parmesan Potatoes.

Nduja isn’t just delicious; it’s versatile. If you have any leftover, try spreading it on toast, stirring it into pasta, or even whisking it into scrambled eggs for an extra kick.

Balancing Flavours and Textures

What makes this dish truly special is the interplay between crispy, creamy, and spicy. The Crispy Parmesan Potatoes deliver a satisfying crunch and a fluffy centre, while the nduja tomato sauce adds richness and heat. Together, they create a dish that feels indulgent without being heavy.

To balance the boldness of the nduja, fresh basil adds a pop of brightness. If you’re looking to personalise the dish, consider a few optional garnishes:

• A dollop of crème fraîche for creaminess.
• A squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the richness.
• Chopped fresh parsley for extra freshness.

Tips for Perfecting Your Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

• Use waxy potatoes: Their lower starch content ensures they hold their shape and roast beautifully.
• Grate parmesan finely: Fine shreds melt evenly and form a uniform crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the tray: Give the potatoes enough space to crisp up properly.
• Adjust the sauce consistency: If the nduja tomato sauce becomes too thick while simmering, add a splash of water to loosen it.

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

These Crispy Parmesan Potatoes with nduja tomato sauce are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a standalone appetiser, a stunning side dish, or even a hearty snack. They’re perfect for gatherings, where their crispy, cheesy appeal will steal the show.

For a more substantial meal, pair them with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. They also work beautifully as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread, alongside dishes like roasted aubergines or herby hummus.

Final Thoughts

The Crispy Parmesan Potatoes with nduja tomato sauce prove that with the right ingredients, even humble potatoes can become a culinary sensation. The parmesan crust brings crunch, the fluffy interiors offer comfort, and the spicy nduja sauce ties it all together with bold, unforgettable flavour.

This recipe is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. Whether you’re making it for a dinner party, a cosy night in, or simply to satisfy a craving, these potatoes are guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen too.

More Potato Recipes

If you love potatoes, you’ll love these recipes!

• Harissa Tahini Potato Salad: This is not your average potato salad! This version features tender potatoes tossed in a spicy harissa and creamy tahini dressing, adding a Middle Eastern twist to this classic dish.
• Kimchi Salt Roast Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle, these kimchi salt roast potatoes are a delicious alternative to traditional roasties. They’re a great accompaniment to just about anything – meat, chicken, fish, you name it.
• Kimchi Potato Rosti: If you have leftover potatoes and kimchi, make this recipe, which combines the crispiness of a traditional potato rosti with the bold, tangy flavours of kimchi.e dish that pairs well with everything from grilled meats to vegetarian mains.
• Sticky Tahini Butter Sweet Potatoes: For a sweet and savoury treat, try these Sticky Tahini Butter Sweet Potatoes. These are roasted until tender and coated with a luscious mix of tahini and butter, offering a rich, nutty flavour that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness.
• Lemon Roast Potatoes: Bright and zesty, these Lemon Roast Potatoes bring a refreshing twist to the classic roast potato. Infused with the tang of fresh lemon juice and aromatic herbs, these potatoes are roasted until golden and crispy, making them a fantastic accompaniment to any meal.