Golden, crunchy, and irresistibly cheesy, these Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes are everything a potato lover dreams of and more. With each bite, you’ll savor a shattering crust of savory Parmesan and fragrant garlic clinging to fluffy baby potatoes. This side dish is so outrageously moreish that you’ll find yourself sneaking one more piece before they even hit the dinner table. Whether you’re planning a cozy family weeknight meal or entertaining a crowd, these potatoes are pure comfort, punched up with the kind of flavor that earns recipe requests for years to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient has a unique role, building layers of flavor and texture for a side dish that feels extra special, yet uses items you probably already have on hand.
- Baby potatoes: These little gems roast up tender on the inside and give you the best crispy edges; halve or quarter the larger ones for even cooking.
- Olive oil: Adds rich, fruity flavor and helps everything brown beautifully while keeping the potatoes moist.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses every bite with incredible aroma; don’t be shy with it!
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the subtle earthy sweetness of the potatoes—and the punchy flavor of the cheese.
- Black pepper: Just enough to tingle on your palate and balance out the richness.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Gives a whisper of herbal notes to complement the garlic and cheese.
- Parmesan cheese: The star of the show, offering both a salty snap and that lacy, addictive crust.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness at the very end.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is key for achieving that signature crispy edge we love. Line a sturdy sheet pan with parchment paper; it keeps the cheesy crust from sticking (and makes cleanup a breeze!).
Step 2: Toss the Potatoes
In a large bowl, combine the halved or quartered baby potatoes with olive oil, freshly minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a thorough stir so every potato piece gets hugged by the garlicky oil and spices. The more evenly coated, the better the flavor and crunch!
Step 3: Add the Parmesan Cheese Layer
Now for the magic: sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over your lined baking sheet, creating a cheesy bed for the potatoes to roast on. As the potatoes roast, this will create those lacy, golden edges you’ll want to fight over!
Step 4: Arrange and Top the Potatoes
Place the potatoes cut side down on the Parmesan layer, pressing them gently into the cheese. Spread them out in a single layer to help every potato piece crisp up. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan right over the tops, ensuring a double whammy of cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Roast Until Extra Crispy
Slide the tray into your hot oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for potatoes turning deeply golden on the bottoms and crisped up beautifully around the edges. Let them cool for about five minutes after roasting; this gives the cheese a chance to firm up so you can lift them cleanly from the pan.
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes
Garnishes
A final shower of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a refreshing herbal lift. If you’re feeling fancy, try a few grinds of extra black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. This extra touch transforms the platter from simple side to eye-catching centerpiece.
Side Dishes
Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes play well with practically anything. They make barbecued meats and roasted chicken all the more special, or serve as a hearty vegetarian option next to sautéed greens and a fresh salad. Pair them with tangy dips like sour cream or garlicky aioli for next-level snacking.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high on a platter and drizzle with more Parmesan just before serving for extra drama, or serve them family-style straight from the tray for a rustic touch. For appetizers, spear individual Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes with cocktail picks—watch them disappear at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store any leftover Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes, cool them completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. The crispiness is best on day one, but you’ll still have delicious leftovers for quick meals.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your potatoes, spread cooled leftovers on a baking sheet and flash-freeze until firm. Then, move them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor for up to two months. Keep in mind, the texture may lose some crispness but will still be tasty after reheating.
Reheating
To recapture that irresistible crunch, reheat your potatoes in a hot oven—400°F (205°C) for 10 to 15 minutes works well. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the potatoes soft. If you’re in a hurry, an air fryer is a fantastic option for restoring their crispy edge!
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of potato?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes offer the best balance of fluffy center and crisp skin, Yukon Golds or even red potatoes will give you a similar effect. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps for these Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes.
Why line the pan with parchment paper?
Parchment paper ensures the Parmesan crust doesn’t stubbornly stick to the pan. It makes it so much easier to lift up perfect, intact Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes every time.
How do I get the crispiest potatoes possible?
The secrets: start with dry potatoes, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, and use high oven heat. Placing the potatoes cut side down lets the exposed flesh make full contact with the hot, cheesy surface for unbeatable crunch.
Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you need an alternative, try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. For a dairy-free version, use your favorite vegan Parmesan-style cheese, though the crispiness and flavor might differ slightly from the classic Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
You sure can! Prep by halving the potatoes and tossing them with oil, garlic, and seasonings. Cover and chill until ready to assemble and roast. For best results, add the Parmesan just before baking to keep the crust from turning soggy.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve made these Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes, you’ll find yourself coming back to them time and again—whether it’s for weeknight dinners, special celebrations, or just because you’re craving something truly delicious. Give them a try and discover why this simple technique makes potatoes so downright irresistible!
