Get ready to meet your new go-to potato side: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Imagine golden, buttery baby potatoes, each one boasting a seriously crisp, cheesy crust packed with garlic and savory Italian herbs. This dish is pure comfort with a gourmet twist, perfect for anyone craving something deliciously simple yet effortlessly impressive. Whether they star alongside a Sunday roast or bring the wow factor to your next potluck, these potatoes deliver big flavor, a crunchy bite, and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes so unforgettable? It’s the magic that happens when just a handful of everyday ingredients work together perfectly. Each item you’ll need is carefully chosen for flavor, crunch, and color—giving you maximum taste with minimal fuss.
- Baby potatoes: Their small size guarantees quick, even cooking and a tender interior—plus, those little halves give more surface for that delicious crust.
- Olive oil: This brings richness, helps everything crisp up, and carries those savory flavors right into the potatoes.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The real hero here, Parmesan creates a salty, golden crust that shatters with every bite.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the potatoes with an aromatic warmth and nutty depth.
- Italian seasoning: An effortless blend of herbs brings a subtle, classic flavor—use rosemary or thyme for a unique twist.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and brightness, deepening the flavor profile with a hint of color.
- Salt: Essential for amplifying all the flavors and pulling everything together.
- Black pepper: A little freshly ground pepper gives the right amount of earthy heat.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a burst of color and freshness as a finishing touch before serving.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grab a large baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper—not only does this make cleanup a breeze, but it also helps form the signature crispy crust that sets these potatoes apart from the crowd.
Step 2: Make That Savory Parmesan-Garlic Paste
In a roomy mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until you have a thick, aromatic paste—this is the flavor-packed layer that transforms those humble potatoes into a showstopper.
Step 3: Spread and Press
Scoop the cheesy garlic paste onto your parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Now, arrange your halved baby potatoes cut side down, firmly pressing them onto the cheese mixture. The better the contact, the crispier the finished crust—so don’t be shy!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for potatoes that are fork-tender inside and have a deeply golden, crunchy layer on the bottom. This is when your kitchen starts to smell truly irresistible!
Step 5: Rest, Lift, and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the potatoes rest for about 5 minutes—this allows the cheesy crust to firm up. Then, gently loosen each potato with a spatula to reveal that perfect, crispy base. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and enjoy!
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Garnishes
A flourish of chopped fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it gives a fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy potatoes. You can also scatter on extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra punch. If you love a bit of heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or drizzle of garlic-infused oil is pure magic.
Side Dishes
These Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are fabulous with classics like roast chicken, steak, or grilled fish. They’re also a perfect fit for burgers and sandwiches, or as a fun addition to any brunch spread. Thanks to their bold flavor, they play especially well with simple salads or steamed green veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the potatoes high in a rustic bowl for casual family dinners, or arrange them flat on a platter to showcase the golden crust at your next gathering. For an appetizer twist, stick each potato half with a toothpick and serve with a garlic-herb dipping sauce—guaranteed to disappear fast at any party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crust may soften a bit, but the fantastic flavors remain intact and they’ll still taste wonderful, especially with a quick refresh.
Freezing
While these potatoes are at their crisp best fresh from the oven, you can freeze them if needed. Arrange baked, cooled potatoes in a single layer on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Expect some texture changes, but reheating can help bring back some of that signature crunch.
Reheating
Heat leftover potatoes in a hot oven—400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. If in a rush, the air fryer or toaster oven works wonders. Microwaving is quick, but the crust won’t revive quite as much, so the oven method is worth the little extra time.
FAQs
Do I have to use baby potatoes?
Baby potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their tender skin and petite size, but you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes cut into 1-inch pieces. Just make sure all pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
Absolutely! Shredded Parmesan gives a chewier, cheesier crust, while finely grated Parmesan delivers a crispier finish. Both are delicious, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Do I need to peel the potatoes before baking?
No peeling required—keeping the skins on adds extra flavor, color, and nutrients. Just give your potatoes a gentle scrub to clean them before halving.
Can I make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes ahead of time?
You can prep the potatoes and cheese mixture earlier in the day, then bake them just before serving. While they’re crispiest hot from the oven, a quick reheat in the oven brings them back beautifully if made ahead.
Are Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes gluten-free?
Yes! These potatoes contain no wheat or gluten, making them a naturally gluten-free side dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Give these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes a try and you’ll quickly see why they’re so beloved. With their golden crunch, savory flavors, and effortless prep, they’re destined to become a highlight at your table. Dive in soon and enjoy every crispy bite!
Print
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes as a delicious side dish that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The flavorful Parmesan and garlic crust adds a savory twist to classic roasted baby potatoes.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the seasoning: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to form a paste.
- Coat the potatoes: Spread the cheese mixture evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Press halved potatoes cut side down onto the cheese mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and crispy on the bottom.
- Rest and serve: Let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes before lifting with a spatula. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure cut side of potatoes is dry for extra crispiness.
- Use shredded Parmesan for a cheesier crust or experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg
