If you’ve ever wished potatoes could be both the main event and the standout side on your dinner table, get ready to meet your new obsession: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Imagine tender baby potatoes with their cut sides pressed into an irresistible layer of golden, cheesy crunch, every bite delivering garlicky, herby warmth and a shattering crust that tastes like pure happiness. This dish transforms a handful of humble ingredients into a side that feels restaurant-worthy, yet is so easy to whip up, it instantly levels up any meal with minimal fuss. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a few staple ingredients, you can deliver sky-high flavor and unbeatable crispiness. Each item plays its part, from the creamy potatoes to the nutty Parmesan and aromatic herbs. Here’s what you’ll need, plus tips on why each one matters:
- Baby potatoes: Halved for max crust coverage, their creamy interior contrasts perfectly with the crispy cheese.
- Olive oil: Gives the potatoes golden edges and helps the cheese mixture adhere—it also brings out all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The secret weapon for a salty, tangy, shatteringly crisp crust.
- Garlic powder: For that savory punch and deep, mellow garlicky flavor.
- Onion powder: Layers in subtle sweetness and amp up the overall aroma.
- Dried Italian herbs: A sprinkle infuses each bite with herbal brightness—think oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right bit of heat and balance.
- Melted butter (optional): A final drizzle for extra richness and a glossy finish—highly recommended!
- Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant color and aroma, making everything look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high heat is key for a truly crisp crust. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, which makes cleanup a breeze and ensures nothing sticks. If you haven’t tried baking potatoes cheese-side down before, get ready for the magic!
Step 2: Mix the Parmesan Crust
In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix—it should look colorful and smell fantastic. This zesty, cheesy blend is what transforms ordinary potatoes into showstoppers.
Step 3: Create the Golden Cheese Layer
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly across the parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it around so every inch is covered. Sprinkle the Parmesan-herb mixture for your Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes right over the oil, creating a uniform, thin layer. This step sets up that crunchy, flavor-packed foundation.
Step 4: Arrange the Potatoes
Take your halved potatoes and press the cut side firmly into the cheesy layer. Arrange them closely, cheese-side down, over the entire pan. The contact between potato and cheese is crucial for ultimate crunch. Drizzle their tops with the last tablespoon of olive oil, which will help them roast up with a little extra flavor and shine.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Crispy
Slide the tray into the hot oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The tops should be fork-tender, and when you peek underneath, that cheesy crust should be wonderfully golden brown. Let everything cool for just five minutes before running a spatula under each potato half and marveling at the shatteringly crisp base they now wear.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
If desired, give your Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes a quick drizzle of melted butter for that over-the-top, decadent finish. Sprinkle with heaps of chopped parsley for a burst of fresh color and serve immediately, while the crust is at its most impressive.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Garnishes
These potatoes love to be showered with fresh parsley, which not only looks beautiful but adds a burst of herby brightness. For an extra pop, a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or even a squeeze of lemon takes the flavors to the next level. Put out a little bowl of warm marinara or herbed sour cream for dipping if you want an appetizer feel.
Side Dishes
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are satisfying enough to headline a meal, but they play especially well with roast chicken, steak, or even a classic baked salmon. Add roasted green beans or a crisp garden salad on the side and you’ve got a balanced, celebratory spread. They’re also a fun addition to brunch plates next to soft scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these beauties cheese-side up on a big platter to really show off that crust. Skewer a few with rosemary sprigs for an elegant, party-ready bite. Or go family-style and serve in a cast-iron skillet straight from the oven—just be sure to give everyone a spatula, because no one will want to miss out on those crispy bits!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They’ll lose a bit of their initial crunch, but the flavors just meld and get even deeper as they sit.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked potatoes in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to one month. While the texture isn’t quite as crisp as fresh, a hot oven works wonders to revitalize them.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the potatoes on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes. This brings back much of their original crunch and ensures the crust doesn’t go soggy. A few minutes in the air fryer is another great option to revive that signature texture.
FAQs
Why does the cheese go on the baking sheet instead of on top of the potatoes?
Layering the cheese directly on the parchment and pressing the potatoes cut-side down guarantees every bite gets that irresistible crispy crust. It’s what makes these unlike any regular roasted potato!
Can I use larger potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
You can, just cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices to ensure the cheese adheres evenly and everything cooks through. The timing may need a slight adjustment, so keep an eye on them in the oven.
What kind of Parmesan works best for Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes?
Grated Parmesan from a wedge gives the best texture and melts beautifully for that crisp crust, but good quality pre-grated Parmesan will do in a pinch.
Are these potatoes good as leftovers?
Absolutely! While they’re crispiest eaten fresh, leftovers are packed with flavor. Just be sure to reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to bring back the crunch.
Can I add extra seasonings to the Parmesan mixture?
Definitely! Feel free to sprinkle in smoked paprika, red chili flakes, or any of your favorite herb blends to put your own spin on these potatoes.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes never last long at my house—they’re simple, stunning, and absolutely addictive. I hope you fall in love with their golden crust and bold flavors, and that they earn a permanent spot at your table. Give them a try, and let the crispy, cheesy goodness speak for itself!
Print
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. Baby potatoes are coated in a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese and herbs, then baked until golden and crispy. The result is a dish that’s both tender on the inside and wonderfully crunchy on the outside.
Ingredients
Baby Potatoes:
2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
Olive Oil:
3 tablespoons
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup
Garlic Powder:
2 teaspoons
Onion Powder:
1 teaspoon
Dried Italian Herbs:
1 teaspoon
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Butter (optional):
2 tablespoons, melted
Fresh Parsley:
Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the baking sheet: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil onto the parchment paper and spread evenly. Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture over the oiled sheet.
- Coat the potatoes: Press the cut side of each potato half into the cheese mixture and place them cheese-side down on the pan.
- Bake: Drizzle the tops with the remaining olive oil and bake for 30–35 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is crispy.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then lift the potatoes with a spatula. Drizzle with melted butter and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Enhance the flavor with a pinch of smoked paprika in the cheese mix.
- Best served fresh and crispy, but can be reheated in a hot oven.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *