If you are on the hunt for a dish that perfectly balances golden, crunchy exteriors with tender, flavorful potatoes inside, you have to try this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe. Each bite bursts with a savory mix of garlic, aromatic Italian herbs, and the nutty richness of Parmesan, delivering an irresistible texture that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re serving them as a side for a cozy family dinner or sharing with friends at a casual gathering, this recipe transforms simple baby potatoes into absolute showstoppers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient is essential, working in harmony to create layers of flavor, crispy texture, and that perfect golden color that makes these potatoes so inviting.
- Baby potatoes (1 ½ pounds): Choose firm potatoes with smooth skins for the best texture and even cooking.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps crisp the potatoes beautifully without overpowering flavors.
- Unsalted butter, melted (3 tablespoons): Enhances the garlic flavor and creates a golden crust when mixed with the oil.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Fresh garlic infuses each bite with savory depth and warmth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): This is the star of the crust, providing saltiness and a crisp, cheesy layer.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that adds fragrant complexity and balances the richness.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle smoky note and a splash of warm color.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors without making the potatoes overly salty.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just a hint of spice to complement the garlic and cheese.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): For a fresh, herbaceous garnish that lifts the entire dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your potatoes cook evenly and that the Parmesan crust doesn’t stick to the pan—a small trick that guarantees those perfect, crispy edges.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This fragrant blend is the secret weapon that will coat each potato, marrying the herbs and spices with the richness of butter and oil for incredible flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Create the Parmesan Crust Base
Evenly spread the grated Parmesan cheese across the lined baking sheet. This layer might seem simple, but it sets the stage for that glorious golden crust that sticks to the bottom of the potatoes, providing an addictive crunchy texture that you won’t be able to stop eating.
Step 4: Dip and Press the Potatoes
Take each halved baby potato and dip the cut side firmly into the butter mixture, then immediately press it down onto the Parmesan layer on the baking sheet. This step ensures the cheese melts and crisps around the potatoes like an irresistible shell of flavor.
Step 5: Arrange for the Perfect Bake
Place all the potatoes cut side down on the baking sheet, making sure they are arranged without crowding. Giving them a little space helps each potato develop that perfect crispy crust rather than steaming during baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Bake the potatoes for 35 to 40 minutes or until the Parmesan crust is deeply golden and crisp to the touch. The combination of heat, cheese, and butter creates a sensation that transforms these humble potatoes into a crunchy, flavorful delight.
Step 7: Cool and Carefully Remove
Once baked, give the potatoes a few minutes to cool slightly. Then gently use a spatula to lift them off the pan, ensuring you keep the crisp Parmesan crust intact. It’s worth the patience because that crust is the highlight of this dish.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve Warm
Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the potatoes. This not only adds a pop of vibrant green but also a fresh brightness that complements the richness of the crust perfectly. Serve them warm to enjoy every crispy, savory bite at its best.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a light drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil to brighten those luscious flavors even more. A dash of flaky sea salt right before serving can also elevate the crispiness and seasoning.
Side Dishes
These potatoes shine alongside roasted or grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or pork chops. They’re also the perfect companion for vibrant salads or steamed vegetables, adding a crunchy contrast that turns any dinner into a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these potatoes stacked on a platter with a ramekin of garlic aioli or spicy marinara for dipping. They also work beautifully as a crispy base for toppings like melted cheese, sour cream, or chopped scallions for a loaded potato treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the crust may soften over time, but the flavors will still be fantastic.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making them a great make-ahead option for later enjoyment.
Reheating
For the crispiest results when reheating, bake the potatoes in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the crust soggy and loses that crunchy magic.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes! Regular potatoes work, but cut them into small, uniform pieces to mimic the bite-sized texture of baby potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly.
Is it necessary to use fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor that really stands out in this recipe. However, garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch, just adjust the quantity to taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. You can replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep that cheesy flavor and crisp texture.
Why do the potatoes need to be placed cut side down?
Placing them cut side down ensures that the cheese crust forms properly and crisps up nicely against the potato’s flat surface, enhancing both texture and flavor.
Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time before baking?
You can assemble the potatoes on the baking sheet and keep them refrigerated for a couple of hours before baking. Just bring them back to room temperature before placing them in the oven for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to delight, combining simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The crispy, cheesy crust paired with tender, garlicky potatoes creates a flavor and texture experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Take a little extra time to prepare this recipe soon—you’re in for a seriously satisfying treat that feels like a special occasion every time.
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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a flavorful and crunchy side dish perfect for any meal. Baby potatoes are halved, coated in a savory mixture of melted butter, olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning, then pressed onto a crispy layer of grated Parmesan cheese before being baked to golden perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley, they offer a deliciously crispy texture with rich garlic and cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
Butter & Oil Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese & Garnish
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined to form a flavorful coating.
- Prepare Parmesan Base: Evenly spread the grated Parmesan cheese over the lined baking sheet, creating a crispy cheese crust for the potatoes to adhere to.
- Coat Potatoes: Dip each halved potato (cut side down) into the butter and seasoning mixture, ensuring a good coating, then press firmly onto the Parmesan layer so the cheese sticks to the potato base.
- Arrange Potatoes: Place the coated potatoes cut side down on the baking sheet over the Parmesan cheese, spacing them evenly for uniform cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown and the cheese crust is crisp and bubbly.
- Cool & Remove: Allow the potatoes to cool slightly for a few minutes before carefully lifting them off the baking sheet using a spatula to keep the crispy crust intact.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the potatoes for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Using baby potatoes ensures a tender inside while achieving a crispy crust outside.
- Pressing the potatoes onto the Parmesan layer before baking helps create that signature crust.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the potatoes for the last 1-2 minutes of baking—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Leftovers reheat well in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
