If you are hunting for a side dish that packs a punch both in flavor and texture, the Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These potatoes are beautifully golden and boast a crunchy Parmesan coating with bursts of savory garlic and fragrant oregano in every bite. Simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, they transform humble baby potatoes into a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any meal or occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these irresistibly crispy potatoes. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy mozzarella-esque Parmesan cheese that forms the crust to the fresh garlic that infuses aromatic depth, ensuring a dish that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is in color.
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (halved): Choose firm, evenly sized potatoes for consistent cooking and optimal crispiness.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Helps achieve a golden crust while keeping the potatoes moist on the inside.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a robust, fragrant element that awakens your taste buds.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Creates that signature crunchy, cheesy crust that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a subtle herbal note that balances the richness of the Parmesan.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors perfectly without overpowering them.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat to round off the seasoning.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 425°F. This high temperature is key to getting those potatoes perfectly crispy on the outside while keeping them tender inside. It sets the stage for that irresistible crust to form.
Step 2: Prep the Potatoes
Halving the baby potatoes ensures they cook evenly and provides a larger surface area to hold onto that delicious Parmesan and garlic mixture. Place them in a large mixing bowl so they have plenty of room for coating.
Step 3: Coat the Potatoes with Olive Oil
Drizzling olive oil over the potatoes and tossing them until well coated is more than just for flavor—it promotes browning and crispiness. Take a moment to make sure each halve is luxuriously covered in oil.
Step 4: Mix in Garlic, Parmesan, and Spices
Add the minced garlic, grated Parmesan, oregano, salt, and black pepper directly into the bowl with the potatoes. Toss everything together gently so every piece gets a generous, even coating of this flavor-packed mixture.
Step 5: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure there’s space between each piece for air to circulate. This spacing is what will help the edges get that golden, crispy crust we all crave.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and roast the potatoes for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure both sides develop that mouthwatering golden color and crunch. Keep an eye on them—this is the moment when they transform.
Step 7: Let Cool Slightly Before Serving
Once out of the oven, give your Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes a few minutes to cool down just a bit. This rest allows the cheese crust to firm up slightly for maximum crunch and lets the flavors fully meld before diving in.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a burst of color and a mild freshness that complements the bold Parmesan and garlic flavors. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top right after baking can also elevate the crunch and cheesiness.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. Their rich texture and flavor make them an excellent substitute for traditional fries.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these potatoes tossed with a drizzle of garlic aioli for a tasty dip or layered in a casserole dish with additional cheese and herbs for a cheesy potato bake twist. They also make a fantastic topping for bruschetta or loaded potato skins when paired with sour cream and bacon bits.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Keeping them sealed preserves their flavor and prevents unwanted moisture from making them soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze these potatoes for up to 2 months. Spread them out on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen to regain some of that original crispiness.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid the microwave as it can soften the crisp crust. Instead, warm them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes. This helps restore their crunch and fresh-baked texture, making leftovers taste nearly as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized chunks so they cook evenly and achieve the same crispy texture as baby potatoes in this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe.
Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan is ideal for its unique flavor and crisping ability, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheeses can work as substitutes. They provide a similar salty, nutty character to the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap out Parmesan for a vegan cheese alternative that melts and crisps well, and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost. Be sure to check that your vegan options complement the garlic and oregano perfectly.
How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?
Try parboiling the potatoes briefly before tossing them with oil and the Parmesan mixture. This step drains excess starch and gives an even crispier crust during baking.
What can I do if I don’t have dried oregano?
Feel free to replace oregano with dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning blends. These herbs will also lend a lovely aroma and depth to your Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the simplicity and richness of this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe. It’s a dish that invites smiles and seconds, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how easy yet satisfying crispy, garlicky, cheesy potatoes can be!
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
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a deliciously golden and savory side dish featuring halved baby potatoes tossed in olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, then baked to crispy perfection. Ideal for any meal, these potatoes combine a crispy crust with a tender interior, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (halved)
Seasoning
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the potatoes, which helps to achieve a crispy crust.
- Prepare potatoes: Halve the baby potatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl to make them ready for seasoning.
- Coat with olive oil: Pour olive oil over the halved potatoes and toss until they are evenly coated, helping the seasonings stick and promoting crispiness during baking.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so all potatoes are evenly covered with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Bake the potatoes: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly and become crispy.
- Cool and serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the crust to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased metal tray.
- You can add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for additional flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or salads.
