If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate potato side dish that’s packed with flavor and delivers on crunch, you need these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes in your life! This recipe turns humble baby potatoes into a show-stopping, golden treat that’s irresistibly cheesy, garlicky, and crisp. Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or just elevating a weeknight meal, these potatoes are guaranteed to steal the spotlight and have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes is that they rely on a handful of simple ingredients, each bringing something essential to the table. From the creamy potatoes to the savory cheese and aromatic herbs, every component plays a part in creating that perfect bite.
- Baby potatoes (1.5 pounds, halved): Their small size means more crispy surface area and tender insides in every bite.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps the Parmesan stick, adds richness, and encourages that beautiful crust to form.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): The star of the crust, it melts and browns for a salty, nutty crunch.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the potatoes with that unmistakable savory aroma and taste.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle herby depth that pairs perfectly with the cheese and potatoes.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out all the flavors and ensures the potatoes are perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick and balances the richness.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): A finishing touch for color and a burst of freshness.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is essential for getting those potatoes truly crispy. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and to make cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Make the Parmesan Crust Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these ingredients ensures every bit of crust is packed with flavor, and that the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Oil and Layer the Baking Sheet
Drizzle the olive oil over your prepared parchment paper and use a brush or your fingers to spread it out evenly. Next, sprinkle the Parmesan mixture across the oiled surface, creating an even layer. This step is the secret to forming that signature crispy crust on the bottom of the potatoes.
Step 4: Arrange the Potatoes
Place your halved baby potatoes cut-side down onto the Parmesan layer, pressing each one gently so they stick. This ensures the cheesy, garlicky goodness adheres to every single potato half, guaranteeing flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the bottoms are a deep golden brown and crispy. Resist the urge to move them early—letting them sit ensures the crust sets beautifully.
Step 6: Let Rest and Serve
After removing from the oven, let the potatoes sit for 5 minutes. This short wait helps the crust firm up, making it easier to lift the potatoes without losing any of that crunchy layer. Use a thin spatula to gently lift each potato. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve immediately for the ultimate Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes experience.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Garnishes
For a pop of color and a fresh aroma, sprinkle the finished potatoes with chopped fresh parsley. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, add a dusting of Parmesan right after they come out of the oven—trust me, nobody’s ever complained about too much cheese!
Side Dishes
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes play well with a variety of mains. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, seared steak, or roasted fish for a hearty meal. They’re also fantastic with vegetarian entrees like stuffed peppers or a big, vibrant salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading the potato halves onto skewers for a fun party platter, or pile them high in a rustic bowl for family-style sharing. You can even serve them as a base for mini loaded potato bites—just add sour cream, chives, or your favorite toppings for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They may lose a bit of their initial crunch, but the flavor only deepens as they sit.
Freezing
While these potatoes are best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to a month, though the texture may soften after thawing.
Reheating
To bring back some of that signature crispiness, reheat the potatoes in a 400°F (205°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot and sizzling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make them soft rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just cut larger potatoes into 1-inch chunks or thick slices so they cook evenly and get plenty of surface area for the crust to form. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work especially well in this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are naturally gluten-free as long as you use pure Parmesan and check that your seasonings are gluten-free. It’s a great option for serving guests with dietary restrictions.
What’s the best way to get the crust extra crispy?
High oven heat is key, but also make sure the Parmesan mixture forms a single, even layer on the oiled parchment. Press the potatoes down firmly, and let them rest after baking to set the crust before lifting them off the pan.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! You can prep everything up to the baking step and refrigerate the tray for a few hours. Bake them just before serving for the best texture. If you need to reheat, pop them back in a hot oven for a few minutes to revive that crunch.
What are some fun ways to customize the flavor?
Try adding smoked paprika, chopped rosemary, or even a pinch of chili flakes to the Parmesan mixture for different flavor profiles. You can also swap out parsley for basil or chives to mix up the garnish.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes, you’ll find yourself craving them again and again. They’re easy enough for weeknights but special enough for celebrations. Give them a spot on your table and enjoy every golden, savory bite!
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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish featuring tender baby potatoes coated with a savory garlic and Parmesan crust. Perfectly baked until golden and crispy, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
Crust Mixture
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Mix Parmesan Crust Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will form the flavorful crust on the potatoes.
- Oil and Layer Parmesan Mixture: Drizzle olive oil evenly over the prepared parchment paper on the baking sheet. Then sprinkle the Parmesan mixture evenly over the olive oil to create a base layer for the crust.
- Arrange Potatoes: Place the halved baby potatoes cut-side down onto the cheese mixture, pressing them lightly so they adhere well to the Parmesan crust layer.
- Bake Potatoes: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the bottoms have formed a golden, crispy crust.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the crust to firm up. Carefully use a spatula to lift the potatoes from the pan, keeping the crust intact. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the potatoes immediately after baking.
- You can substitute baby potatoes with Yukon Gold or red potatoes if preferred.
- To get an even crispier crust, ensure potatoes are pressed firmly onto the cheese mixture before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6–8 halves
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
