If you are searching for a side dish that will instantly elevate any meal, look no further than this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe. These potatoes are perfectly golden, irresistibly crispy, and packed with the bold flavors of garlic and rich Parmesan cheese. They offer a gorgeous balance of crunchy exterior and tender inside, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe turns humble potatoes into a standout plate that you and your guests will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and a vibrant appearance that will have you coming back for more.
- 1 pound small Yukon Gold or red potatoes: These varieties hold their shape well and have a naturally creamy texture that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A must for that golden finish and crispy texture, plus it helps the seasonings stick perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (or 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced): Adds that signature garlicky aroma and depth of flavor that defines this recipe.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and seasoning the potatoes evenly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle kick and balances the richness of the cheese.
- ½ cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient for that crispy, cheesy crust you crave.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a mild herbaceous note at the end.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Potatoes
Start by heating your oven to a robust 425°F (220°C), which is the perfect temperature to achieve crispy, golden edges without drying out the insides. While the oven warms up, give your potatoes a good scrub under running water to remove any dirt, then slice them neatly in half for quicker, even roasting.
Step 2: Season Your Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the potato halves with olive oil until every piece is glistening — this is critical for crispiness later on. Sprinkle in the garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic for an extra punch), salt, and black pepper, and toss again so each potato is beautifully coated with seasoning. This step infuses the potatoes with all those bold flavors while preparing them for the cheesy topping.
Step 3: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes and give them a final toss to ensure every bite gets that incredible cheese crust. The Parmesan melts and crisps in the oven, turning these potatoes into a crunchy, cheesy sensation.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Lay the seasoned potatoes out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t stick. Pop them into the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until they are a stunning golden brown and crispy on the edges. The smell that fills your kitchen at this stage is absolute heaven!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over your hot potatoes for a touch of color and freshness. This final step makes the dish visually inviting and adds a subtle herbaceous lift to complement the rich garlic and Parmesan flavors.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While the fresh parsley is classic, you can also add a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a little zing and heat. A light dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving can add an extra layer of indulgence that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, juicy steaks, or even a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. The crispy texture makes these potatoes a wonderful contrast to creamy dips, roasted vegetables, or a chilled glass of crisp white wine.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these potatoes in a rustic wooden bowl sprinkled with more parsley and Parmesan for a cozy, inviting look. For a fun twist, lay them over a bed of arugula or baby spinach and drizzle with a balsamic glaze for an elevated presentation that’s perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, fret not — these potatoes keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will mature nicely, but the crispiness can diminish.
Freezing
Freezing these potatoes is possible but not ideal, as the crispy crust may become soggy on thawing. If you choose to freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Reheating
To bring back the original crisp, reheat leftovers or thawed potatoes in a hot oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soft instead of crispy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, while Yukon Gold or red potatoes are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can use baby red bliss or even fingerling potatoes. Just make sure they are cut evenly for uniform cooking and crisping.
Is fresh garlic better than garlic powder in this recipe?
Both work wonderfully, but fresh garlic offers a more vibrant and intense flavor. Garlic powder provides a more subtle, evenly distributed garlic taste and is easier to toss with the potatoes without clumping.
How do I get my potatoes extra crispy?
Make sure to coat the potatoes evenly with oil and spread them out so they don’t touch each other on the baking sheet. Baking at a high temperature also helps create that golden crunch.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, though the texture and taste will vary slightly from the original.
What can I serve instead of parsley for garnish?
Chopped chives, thyme, or rosemary can all work well as garnishes, each bringing their own unique fresh flavor that complements the savory potatoes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to experience a dish that combines simplicity with unforgettable flavor and texture, give this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe a try. It’s the kind of recipe that brings warmth and comfort to every meal while impressing everyone at the table. You’ll find yourself reaching for these potatoes again and again — trust me, they have that magic touch.
Print
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy crispy, golden-brown potatoes with a savory garlic and Parmesan crust. This easy-to-make side dish features halved Yukon Gold or red potatoes coated in olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, baked to perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 pound small Yukon Gold or red potatoes
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (or 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- ½ cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for crisping the potatoes.
- Prepare Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt, then slice each potato in half to create even pieces for cooking.
- Toss Potatoes with Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder (or minced garlic), salt, and black pepper, tossing well so all pieces are evenly coated.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated fresh Parmesan cheese over the seasoned potatoes and toss again to distribute the cheese evenly, which will create a crispy crust as they bake.
- Arrange and Bake: Spread the coated potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the potatoes turn golden brown and are crispy on the outside.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute garlic powder with fresh minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Using parchment paper on the baking sheet helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- For extra crispiness, flip the potatoes halfway through baking.
- Red potatoes or Yukon Gold work best for their creamy texture and ability to crisp well.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispness rather than microwaving.
