Mary Berry’s Parisienne Potatoes are a delicious and elegant side dish featuring perfectly round, golden-brown potatoes roasted to crispy perfection. Lightly seasoned and cooked with butter, these potatoes make the perfect accompaniment to roast meats, poultry, or fish.
What Are Mary Berry Parisienne Potatoes?
Mary Berry’s Parisienne Potatoes are small, ball-shaped potatoes created using a melon baller, then roasted with butter and seasonings until golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This French-inspired dish is often served as an elegant side for special occasions.

Other Popular Recipes
- Mary Berry Chocolate Pots
- Mary Berry Mushroom Quiche
- Jamie Oliver Broccoli Bake
- Mary Berry Caraway Seed Cake
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Elegant and visually appealing: Perfectly round potatoes make for a beautiful presentation.
- Crispy outside, fluffy inside: A delightful contrast in texture.
- Simple yet flavorful: Butter and seasoning enhance the natural taste of the potatoes.
- Pairs well with various mains: A versatile side dish for meats and seafood.
- Easy to prepare: Requires minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Parisienne Potatoes
- 800g waxy potatoes (such as Maris Piper or Yukon Gold)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Melon baller (for shaping potatoes)
- Large bowl
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Basting brush
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Parisienne Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the potatoes
- Peel the potatoes and use a melon baller to scoop out small, even-sized potato balls.
- Place the potato balls in a bowl of cold water to remove excess starch.
Step 3: Season the potatoes
- Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with melted butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme until evenly coated.
Step 4: Roast the potatoes
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking tray.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through for even browning.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
- Once golden and crispy, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately as a side dish to your favorite main course.

What to Serve With Mary Berry Parisienne Potatoes
- Roast beef or lamb: A classic pairing for a Sunday roast.
- Grilled chicken or fish: Complements lighter proteins beautifully.
- Creamy sauces: A garlic butter or béarnaise sauce adds extra richness.
- Steamed vegetables: For a balanced and healthy meal.
- Cheese or truffle oil drizzle: Adds an indulgent touch.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Parisienne Potatoes
- Use waxy potatoes: They hold their shape better when roasted.
- Keep the potato balls uniform: Ensures even cooking.
- Dry thoroughly before roasting: Prevents steaming and helps them crisp up.
- Don’t overcrowd the tray: Spacing them out allows even browning.
- Shake the tray halfway through: Helps achieve an even golden crust.
What Are Variations of Mary Berry Parisienne Potatoes?
- Herb-infused version: Add fresh rosemary, sage, or tarragon for extra flavor.
- Cheesy potatoes: Sprinkle with Parmesan in the last 10 minutes of roasting.
- Spicy version: Add smoked paprika or chili flakes for a kick.
- Truffle oil drizzle: A luxurious touch before serving.
- Pan-fried option: Sauté in butter for a quicker, stovetop version.
How Do I Store Mary Berry Parisienne Potatoes?
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
How Can I Reheat Parisienne Potatoes Without Making Them Soggy?
- Oven method: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to crisp them up.
- Air fryer method: Heat at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.
- Stovetop method: Pan-fry in a little butter over medium heat.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
- Use less butter: Reduce the butter amount and increase olive oil for a lighter version.
- Air fry instead of roasting: Cuts down on excess oil while keeping them crispy.
- Add more herbs: Enhances flavor without adding extra fat or salt.
- Use sweet potatoes: A nutrient-dense alternative with natural sweetness.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
How Do You Get Parisienne Potatoes Crispy?
To achieve crispy Parisienne potatoes, pat them dry before roasting to remove excess moisture. Also, roast them at a high temperature (200°C/400°F) and ensure they are spread out on the baking tray without overlapping. Tossing them in a mix of butter and olive oil helps create a golden, crispy exterior.
Can I Make Parisienne Potatoes Without a Melon Baller?
Yes, if you don’t have a melon baller, you can cut small potato cubes or use baby potatoes halved for a similar effect. The key is to keep the pieces uniform in size for even cooking.
Can Parisienne Potatoes Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can partially cook Parisienne potatoes ahead of time by parboiling them for 5 minutes and then storing them in the fridge. When ready to serve, roast them in the oven until golden and crispy.
What Potatoes Work Best for Parisienne Potatoes?
Waxy potatoes like Maris Piper, Yukon Gold, or Charlotte potatoes work best for Parisienne potatoes as they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture inside while staying crispy on the outside.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Parisienne Potatoes are an elegant and delicious side dish that’s crispy, buttery, and full of flavor.
Try this simple yet elegant recipe today and enjoy perfectly golden potatoes with every bite!
PrintMary Berry Parisienne Potatoes
Mary Berry’s Parisienne Potatoes are small, ball-shaped potatoes created using a melon baller, then roasted with butter and seasonings until golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This French-inspired dish is often served as an elegant side for special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 800g waxy potatoes (such as Maris Piper or Yukon Gold)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the potatoes
- Peel the potatoes and use a melon baller to scoop out small, even-sized potato balls.
- Place the potato balls in a bowl of cold water to remove excess starch.
Step 3: Season the potatoes
- Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with melted butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme until evenly coated.
Step 4: Roast the potatoes
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking tray.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through for even browning.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
- Once golden and crispy, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately as a side dish to your favorite main course.