If you have a love for potatoes that are golden, super crispy on the outside, and bursting with cheesy garlic flavor, you are going to fall head over heels for this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe. This dish takes humble baby potatoes and transforms them into irresistible bites with a crunchy Parmesan crust and a luscious garlicky richness that makes every forkful feel like a celebration. It’s quick to prepare, bakes beautifully in the oven, and delivers comfort in every crispy, flavorful mouthful. Whether you’re serving them as a side to a weeknight meal or bringing a crowd-pleaser to a get-together, these potatoes will steal the show every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t underestimate the power of simple ingredients here. Each one plays a crucial role in building texture, flavor, and that perfect golden color you crave. From the earthy baby potatoes to the punchy garlic and savory Parmesan, this list is a beautiful balance of straightforward and sensational.
- Baby potatoes, 2 pounds halved: Choose Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes for creamy interiors and thin skins that crisp up wonderfully.
- Unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons melted: Adds richness and helps the crust get that perfect brown finish.
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons: Keeps the potatoes from sticking and enhances crispiness with a subtle fruity note.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup: The star of the crust, packing in salty, nutty flavor and crisp texture.
- Garlic, 2 cloves minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant punch that balances the richness perfectly.
- Dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon: Adds a gentle herbal complexity without overwhelming the potatoes.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon: Offers a hint of heat to contrast the cheesy crust.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, colorful finish to brighten each bite.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s ready to give your potatoes that crispy golden crust. While it warms, lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Halve your baby potatoes carefully, so the cut sides have maximum surface area to get beautifully crisp and brown during baking.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Parmesan Garlic Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until the mixture is perfectly blended. This combination is what transforms plain potatoes into a flavor-packed delight because it coats the potatoes with layers of savory, cheesy, and garlicky goodness right before baking.
Step 3: Coat and Arrange the Potatoes
Place each halved potato on the baking sheet cut-side down. Using a spoon or brush, generously spread the Parmesan mixture over the bottom of each potato half. Then, gently press each one down so that the cheese mixture adheres firmly. They should be snugly arranged without too much space in between—this helps the crust develop evenly and crisply where the potato touches the sheet.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Bake the potatoes for about 30 to 35 minutes until the cut edges are golden brown, crispy, and impossibly appetizing. Inside, the potatoes should be tender and soft—a perfect contrast to the crisp exterior. Let them cool for a few minutes once out of the oven so they set up well and become easier to lift off the pan.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle your potatoes with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness. This final touch makes them look as amazing as they taste and is especially nice if you’re bringing them out for guests.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a simple yet delightful garnish. You might also drizzle a little more olive oil or sprinkle some extra Parmesan if you want to amp up the cheesy goodness. For those who love a bit of tang, a side of sour cream or a creamy ranch dip pairs perfectly with the crispy potatoes, adding another layer of flavor and indulgence.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe shines as a side dish to roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a vibrant vegetable medley. Their rich, cheesy crust complements protein beautifully, while their crispy texture contrasts nicely with softer, saucier mains. You can also serve them alongside fresh salads for a hearty balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these potatoes on a platter with sprigs of fresh herbs for a rustic look, or serve them individually skewered for cocktail parties and appetizers. For a fun twist, sprinkle some smoked paprika or chili flakes on top for a smoky heat sensation. The possibilities for presentation are as exciting as this dish tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes completely before transferring to an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, retaining much of their crispness and flavor. Just remember to reheat properly to bring back their crunchy charm.
Freezing
You can freeze these potatoes, but they are best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. If freezing, flash freeze on a tray first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and crisp up in a hot oven rather than the microwave.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftover Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 375°F until warmed through and crisp again, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crusty outside, as it can make the potatoes soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular large potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
You can, but baby potatoes work best because they cook evenly and their thin skins crisp up beautifully. Large potatoes may need to be cut smaller and could take longer to bake.
Is it necessary to use both butter and olive oil?
Yes, the butter adds richness and flavor while olive oil helps keep the potatoes from sticking and contributes to crispiness. Using both creates the perfect balance for the crust.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
To make a dairy-free version, you can substitute vegan butter and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I get the potatoes super crispy on the bottom?
Using a dark metal baking sheet and ensuring potatoes are spaced close but not crowded helps create that irresistible crispy crust. Also, pressing the Parmesan mixture firmly on the cut side maximizes crispiness.
Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time before baking?
You can prepare the potatoes with the Parmesan mixture, cover tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature before putting them in the oven for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe is the kind of dish that turns everyday potatoes into extraordinary comfort food with minimal effort. The combination of crispy, cheesy, garlic-infused crust and tender insides makes these potatoes utterly crave-worthy. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and watch it become a favorite at your table, adding that perfect touch of crispy, cheesy magic to your meals.
Print
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a delicious side dish featuring baby potatoes coated in a savory blend of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning, baked to golden perfection. The potatoes develop a crispy crust on the bottom while remaining tender inside, making them perfect for pairing with your favorite main courses or serving as a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
Parmesan Garlic Mixture
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Parmesan Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful coating.
- Arrange the Potatoes: Place the halved baby potatoes cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Then, spoon or brush the Parmesan mixture onto the cut side of each potato, ensuring it sticks well by pressing the potatoes gently onto the baking sheet.
- Bake the Potatoes: Arrange the potatoes close together to encourage crisping and bake them for 30–35 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy, and the potatoes are tender inside.
- Finish and Serve: Allow the potatoes to cool for a few minutes after baking. Use a spatula to gently loosen each potato from the baking sheet. Transfer them to a serving plate and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a dark metal baking sheet and avoid overcrowding the potatoes.
- Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes work best for this recipe.
- Serve with sour cream or ranch dip for added flavor and creaminess.
