Get ready to meet your new favorite side dish: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. These potatoes are everything you crave in a comfort food — golden and crackling on the outside, fluffy and tender within, and absolutely irresistible thanks to a coating of freshly grated Parmesan, a hint of garlic, and savory Italian herbs. This dish checks all the boxes: easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a hit at the dinner table whether you serve it with family favorites or as an appetizer for a crowd. Trust me, if you’re seeking that elusive crispy, addictive potato experience, these will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes is that a handful of straightforward ingredients work together to create unforgettable texture and taste. Each component adds a little something special — from earthy potatoes to nutty cheese and zippy herbs — resulting in a side dish that feels greater than the sum of its parts.
- Baby potatoes: Their thin skins get extra crispy and their centers turn wonderfully creamy when roasted.
- Olive oil: Key for coating the potatoes and helping every bit of seasoning stick while encouraging a crunchy crust.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses these potatoes with an irresistible aroma and robust depth of flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Use fresh, finely grated Parmesan for a golden, savory crust — it’s what sets these potatoes apart!
- Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs adds classic Mediterranean notes that pair beautifully with potatoes and cheese.
- Paprika: For a hint of color and a subtle smoky kick — don’t skip it!
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together and enhances the overall savoriness of the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle bite and a touch of warmth to balance the richness.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and scattered just before serving for a hit of freshness and vibrant green color.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial — a hot oven and parchment help achieve that addictive crispy bottom, while also making cleanup a breeze. Setting up your pan ahead of time means less fuss once the potatoes are ready to roast.
Step 2: Toss the Potatoes with All the Good Stuff
In a spacious bowl, combine your halved baby potatoes with the olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until every potato is thoroughly coated. Take a moment to inhale — the garlicky, cheesy, herby aroma will already be making you hungry! Coating the potatoes evenly now ensures every single bite has crunchy, flavorful crust.
Step 3: Arrange Potatoes Cut-Side Down
Here’s where the magic happens for Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes: carefully position each potato half cut-side down in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Spacing them apart is key! Each potato needs a bit of breathing room to crisp up and develop that gorgeous crust — too close together and they’ll steam instead. Don’t rush this step; the payoff will be worth it.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the sheet into the hot oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. Resist the urge to flip or move the potatoes — just let them roast undisturbed. When they’re ready, you’ll be greeted with golden, bubbly cheese and fabulously crisp edges. A gentle nudge with a spatula should easily release each potato, revealing that beautiful, caramelized exterior.
Step 5: Add the Fresh Parsley and Serve
Right out of the oven, finish your Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. The burst of color and fresh herbal pop balance the savory, crunchy richness of each bite. Serve these potatoes piping hot — nobody can resist snatching one straight from the pan!
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of chopped parsley is essential for color and freshness, but you can also get creative. Try a dusting of extra Parmesan, a crack of black pepper, or even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for shine. For a little heat, red pepper flakes make a zesty topper that doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors.
Side Dishes
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are the ultimate versatile side. They’re equally at home next to roasted meats, grilled chicken, pan-seared fish, or even as part of a vegetarian spread with a big leafy salad. Consider pairing them with a juicy steak, oven-roasted salmon, or alongside a holiday roast for the kind of meal people won’t forget.
Creative Ways to Present
For an appetizer, pile the potatoes in a big bowl and serve toothpicks or small forks for easy sharing — they disappear quickly at parties! Or, plate them in a neat row and top each one with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chives for a fun, bite-sized treat. Personalize each serving with your favorite dip for an interactive side dish experience.
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 will still have tons of flavor — perfect for quick reheating or next-day snacking.
Freezing
If you want to store them longer, let the potatoes cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and keep for up to two months. While their texture won’t be quite as crisp as fresh, they’ll still satisfy in a pinch.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness, spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and reheat in a hot oven (about 400°F) for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp again. You can also use an air fryer for even more crunch, or a nonstick skillet over medium heat for convenience.
FAQs
Can I use larger potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just cut them into 1½-inch chunks so they roast evenly. Smaller pieces mean more crispy surface area, so you may even prefer this approach. Adjust baking time as needed until golden and tender.
Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan creates the very best crispy, cheesy crust for Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes, but pre-grated will work in a pinch. Avoid the powdery kind and opt for the coarsely shredded version if possible.
How do I keep the potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet?
Lining the pan with parchment paper makes a world of difference for easy release. If you don’t have parchment, a silicone baking mat also works, or give the sheet a generous coating of nonstick spray.
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
While these potatoes are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can prep them in advance by tossing with oil and seasonings, then refrigerating until you’re ready to roast. Bake just before serving for the best crunch.
Is this recipe gluten-free and vegetarian?
Yes! Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making them a welcome crowd-pleaser for most diets. Just double-check that your Parmesan is suitable for vegetarians, if needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about sharing a dish like Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes — it feels like a culinary celebration every time you pull them from the oven. They’re simple, spectacular, and guaranteed to have everyone reaching for seconds. Give these a spot in your regular rotation and watch just how fast they disappear!
PrintCrispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
These Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a delightful side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. With a golden and crispy exterior, these tender baby potatoes are seasoned with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs for a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the potatoes: In a bowl, toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper until coated.
- Bake: Arrange the potatoes cut-side down on the baking sheet, bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and crispy on the bottom.
- Finish: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and crust.
- Pair with roasted meats, chicken, or fish for a delectable meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~190 kcal
- Sugar: ~1 g
- Sodium: ~310 mg
- Fat: ~9 g
- Saturated Fat: ~2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~7 g
- Trans Fat: ~0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~24 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Protein: ~4 g
- Cholesterol: ~5 mg