Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). The right temperature is crucial for achieving that golden crispy exterior that we all love.

Rinse the baby new potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. If you’re like me, you may even marvel at how cute these tiny potatoes are—it’s hard to resist their charm! Make a series of shallow cuts along the length of each potato. Aim for about 1/8-inch apart. This creates plenty of surface area for the cheese to melt into.

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and the finely minced garlic. Use a fork or spoon to mix until combined. Then, add the smoked paprika, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir it all around until it’s a cohesive mixture that looks so good you might want to taste it (I won’t tell!).

Place the prepared potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. With a brush, generously coat the sides and alternating cuts of the potatoes with the garlic butter mixture. This step will impart incredible flavor as the potatoes roast.

Now, pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Let those potatoes roast for about 30 to 35 minutes. You want them fork-tender but not mushy.

After 30 minutes of baking, remove the potatoes from the oven. Here comes the fun part! Sprinkle the freshly shredded sharp cheddar generously over the top of the potatoes. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This step will let the cheese melt and get bubbly and maybe even slightly crispy—heaven!

Once the cheese is nicely melted and a bit golden, take them out of the oven. As a final flourish, sprinkle chopped fresh chives on top. The green color pops against the cheesy goodness, and it’s practically irresistible. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce if you wish, and watch them disappear!