Introduction
When it comes to building a satisfying, SmartPoints-friendly plate, side dishes can make or break your meal. These WW Mini Baked Parmesan Potato Rounds strike the perfect balance between comfort and nutrition. Lightly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with flavorful Parmesan and herbs, they’re everything you love about roasted potatoes—but optimized for the Weight Watchers lifestyle.
Perfect as a side dish, party appetizer, or even a healthy snack, these potato rounds are simple to prepare and cook in under 30 minutes. Plus, with just a few ingredients and only 2–3 SmartPoints per serving, they’re a flavorful and guilt-free way to satisfy your cravings for something starchy and cheesy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Crispy, cheesy, golden brown finish
- ✅ Only a few SmartPoints per serving
- ✅ Made with real, whole ingredients
- ✅ Oven-baked, not fried
- ✅ Easily customizable with your favorite herbs and spices
- ✅ A perfect swap for calorie-dense fries or chips
Whether you’re following WW on Blue, Green, or Purple, this recipe can be adjusted to fit your daily goals.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Serving Size: ~6 rounds (¼ of recipe)
- 2 medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes, washed and unpeeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or olive oil spray)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (fresh or shaker-style)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but adds depth)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
Optional: Use Italian seasoning, chili flakes, or lemon zest for extra flair.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- WW SmartPoints:
- Blue: 2
- Green: 2
- Purple: 1 (potatoes are 0 points on Purple plan)
WW SmartPoints were calculated using official recipe builder values with fresh potatoes, Parmesan, and olive oil.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Preheating is important to ensure even browning and crispiness.
Step 2: Slice the Potatoes
Using a sharp knife or mandoline, cut the potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. Aim for uniform thickness so they cook evenly. You should get around 24–28 slices from two medium potatoes.
Pro tip: Thinner slices = crispier texture. Just be careful not to slice too thin or they may burn.
Step 3: Season the Slices
In a mixing bowl, toss the potato rounds with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well so each slice is evenly coated.
Alternatively, for an even lighter version, spray the slices with olive oil spray instead of using a full tablespoon.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Lay the slices flat on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. This allows for proper airflow and even cooking. Sprinkle each round with a small pinch of Parmesan cheese.
If you love extra crunch, reserve half the cheese and add it in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The edges should be golden brown, and the centers tender. If you want extra crisp, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—but watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the rounds cool for a minute or two. Then sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and serve hot. They’re crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly snackable.
Flavor Add-Ins & Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes before baking.
- Lemon-Herb: Top with lemon zest and rosemary for a refreshing twist.
- Buffalo Style: Toss baked rounds in a teaspoon of hot sauce before serving.
- Cheddar Upgrade: Use a mix of light shredded cheddar and Parmesan for extra cheese pull (adjust points accordingly).
- Everything Bagel Style: Sprinkle with Everything Bagel seasoning pre-bake.
Meal Pairing Ideas
These mini baked potato rounds make the perfect side dish or base for a larger meal. Try pairing them with:
- Grilled chicken breast and steamed broccoli
- WW-friendly turkey burgers or chicken sliders
- Greek yogurt ranch dip or light sour cream
- Eggs and veggies for a savory breakfast hash
- Bowl-style meals with lean protein, greens, and roasted veggies
They also work well as appetizers at parties or game nights—just stick toothpicks in them and watch them disappear!
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
- Not ideal for freezing due to the texture of cooked potatoes, but they can be frozen in a pinch. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
Reheat Tips:
- Oven: 375°F for 5–8 minutes
- Air Fryer: 360°F for 3–5 minutes
- Microwave: Not recommended — results in soft, soggy texture
Make Ahead Tips
- Slice ahead of time and store the raw rounds in water (in the fridge) for up to 24 hours. Pat dry before baking.
- Pre-bake & reheat right before serving if prepping for guests or events.
This makes it easy to serve hot, crispy rounds without stress.
Health Benefits
These mini potato rounds offer more than just flavor:
- Potatoes are naturally fat-free and full of potassium, fiber, and Vitamin C.
- Parmesan adds protein and calcium with bold flavor in small quantities.
- Baking instead of frying significantly reduces calories and fat.
- No refined grains or processed coatings, making this recipe whole-food based.
It’s a smart way to enjoy a traditionally indulgent side without compromising on health goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes! Just slice and bake the same way. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and beta-carotene.
Q: Are these air-fryer friendly?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll get extra crispy.
Q: What other cheeses can I use?
Reduced-fat mozzarella, cheddar, or Romano are great options. Just track your SmartPoints accordingly.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—omit cheese or use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The seasoning still gives great flavor.
Final Thoughts
These WW Mini Baked Parmesan Potato Rounds are proof that you don’t have to give up comfort food when eating light. With crispy edges, cheesy flavor, and a satisfying bite, they make the perfect side dish or snack for any occasion.
Low in points but high in taste, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving them at dinner, bringing them to a potluck, or prepping them for weekday lunches, they’re a delicious and reliable addition to your Weight Watchers plan.