If there’s a side dish guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your dinner table, it’s these Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes. Imagine tender baby potatoes with irresistibly golden, cheesy bottoms and pops of garlicky goodness in every bite! This recipe is the perfect marriage of crispy edges and fluffy centers, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra vibrance. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, these potatoes bring a burst of flavor and pure comfort to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of pantry staples come together to create true magic with Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes. Each ingredient is essential, lending a touch of flavor, crunch, or color that takes these potatoes from simple to extraordinary.
- Baby potatoes (2 pounds, halved): Their creamy texture and small size mean they roast quickly and get deliciously crisp.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps the potatoes brown and crisps up those edges beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Packs a salty, nutty punch and forms that irresistible crispy bottom crust.
- Fresh garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds robust flavor and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Layers in even more garlic flavor that clings to every bite.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Deepens the savory notes and balances the garlic.
- Dried Italian herbs (1 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle, earthy warmth to the potatoes.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and brings out the savory goodness.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick and rounds out the taste.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Finishes things off with color and a hit of freshness.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time your potatoes are ready to bake. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; this crucial step makes lifting those crispy Parmesan garlic potatoes off the pan a breeze and ensures none of that golden crust sticks. Give the pan enough space for the potatoes to roast evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Flavor Base
Add your halved potatoes to a large bowl. Now comes the fun part: pour in the olive oil, and toss in the minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Use a big spoon—or your hands, if you don’t mind a little mess—to toss everything together until the potatoes are glistening and every cut side is coated in all those fragrant spices.
Step 3: Layer on the Parmesan
Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese directly onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it out into an even layer. This is your secret for achieving that signature golden, cheesy crust on the bottoms of your crispy Parmesan garlic potatoes. Gently arrange the potato halves cut-side down on top of the Parmesan blanket.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Take the remaining Parmesan and shower it over the tops of the potatoes—double the crunch, double the flavor! Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the bottoms are gloriously golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once the potatoes are done, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This little wait helps the cheesy layer firm up, so you can lift each potato off cleanly using a spatula (listen for that satisfying crackle!). Scatter over freshly chopped parsley, and serve your crispy Parmesan garlic potatoes while they’re still hot and super crunchy.
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes
Garnishes
A finishing handful of fresh parsley is classic, but you can mix things up with chives or a dusting of smoked paprika for color. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil or a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving will make these crispy Parmesan garlic potatoes extra memorable.
Side Dishes
These potatoes pair beautifully with nearly anything! Serve alongside roasted chicken, seared steak, or a simple green salad for a picture-perfect plate. They’re a natural match for grilled veggies or a bowl of soup, making them a go-to for both casual weeknights and special occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling these crispy Parmesan garlic potatoes on a rustic platter with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. For parties, skewer a few potatoes on toothpicks and offer them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce. You can even turn them into potato “nachos” with dollops of sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and green onions!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer cooled crispy Parmesan garlic potatoes to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, and you can enjoy them cold or reheated as a quick snack or easy side.
Freezing
While these potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover portions in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. They’ll keep for about 1 month—just know that the cheese may not stay quite as crispy after thawing.
Reheating
To recapture that irresistible crunch, reheat the potatoes in a hot oven (400°F/200°C) on a parchment-lined tray for 8–10 minutes. The microwave will warm them too, but an oven or air fryer will return the best texture to those crispy Parmesan garlic potatoes.
FAQs
Do I need to peel the potatoes first?
No need! The skins of baby potatoes add both flavor and crisp texture, plus they make prep faster. Just scrub the potatoes well before halving them.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan instead of freshly grated?
While you can use pre-shredded Parmesan, freshly grated is best for achieving that iconic golden crust and melt. Pre-shredded varieties sometimes have additives that prevent even melting.
What can I use instead of Italian herbs?
Feel free to mix and match! Try dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano—or whatever herb blend you love. The earthy notes are what make crispy Parmesan garlic potatoes so special.
How do I keep the potatoes from sticking to the pan?
Lining the baking sheet with parchment is the key, especially with the cheese layer. Be sure to let the potatoes cool for a few minutes after baking to help the cheesy bottom set for easy lifting.
Are Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes gluten-free?
Yes! As written, this recipe is entirely gluten-free. Just double-check your Parmesan and spices if you have dietary concerns.
Final Thoughts
These crispy Parmesan garlic potatoes bring so much joy to any meal—rich, cheesy, impossibly crunchy, and packed with flavor in every bite. I can’t wait for you to give them a try and create a new favorite at your table. Don’t be surprised if they disappear before they even reach the serving platter!
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Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes are a flavorful and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. The baby potatoes are seasoned with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, then baked until golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (halved)
Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Prepare cheese layer: Sprinkle half of the Parmesan onto the parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer.
- Arrange potatoes: Place the potatoes cut-side down on top of the cheese layer. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the tops of the potatoes.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and crispy and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Finish and serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then use a spatula to carefully lift the potatoes off the pan. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the pan.
- You can also add a dash of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
