Golden Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

Golden Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes are the perfect side dish that adds a golden, crispy touch and deep garlic flavor to any meal. Their crispy crust combined with the rich Parmesan cheese makes every bite satisfyingly crunchy on the outside while tender and fluffy inside. This recipe is simple to whip up yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party or enjoy alongside a casual weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• Mini Yukon Gold potatoes: These have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture which crisps up nicely
• Olive oil: Adds a light coating for roasting and helps seasonings stick
• Dried parsley: Brings a mild herbal note and vibrant color
• Garlic powder: Boosts the savory garlic flavor evenly throughout
• Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the garlic and cheese
• Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle peppery bite and depth
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter creates richness and helps the Parmesan adhere to the potatoes
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The cheese is key for that signature crispy crust and nutty, savory taste Use extra fine for best melting and browning results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

No sautéing needed here but making sure to use dried parsley and garlic powder helps even flavor distribution without extra cooking steps

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius to ensure it reaches a temperature hot enough to develop a crisp, golden crust on the potatoes

Prepare the Potatoes:

Wash the mini Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly and halve each one. Score the flat side of every potato using a sharp knife to create a crosshatch pattern just on the surface. This scoring increases the surface area for maximum crispiness and allows flavors to penetrate deeper

Season the Potatoes:

In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, dried parsley, garlic powder, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Toss the halved potatoes in this mixture until they are fully and evenly coated which guarantees every bite has balanced seasoning

Assemble in Baking Dish:

Pour melted butter into a 9 by 13 inch baking dish spreading it evenly to coat the base. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the melted butter creating a solid even layer which will form the crispy cheesy crust beneath the potatoes

Add Potatoes to Dish:

Place the seasoned potatoes cut-side down onto the layer of Parmesan cheese. Gently press each potato into the cheese layer so it adheres well which is crucial for an impeccable crispy crust

Bake:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender inside and the cheese crust turns a beautiful golden brown

Serve:

Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the crust to set properly. Use a spatula to carefully lift the potatoes ensuring the cheese crust remains intact. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect combination of crunchy and creamy textures

Bookmark

I love how the buttery Parmesan crust adds this incredible nutty flavor that makes a simple potato feel like a gourmet treat. It reminds me of a family dinner where everyone kept reaching for seconds because the texture and flavor were just perfect. The crispy edges with tender insides turned these potatoes from a side dish to the star of the plate.

Storage tips

Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within three to four days for the best taste. When reheating, the oven or stovetop method helps restore some of the original crispiness. Avoid microwaving too long as it can make the crust soggy. If freezing, cool completely first and use freezer-safe containers. Note that texture may soften a bit on thawing but flavor remains delicious.

Ingredient substitutions

If mini Yukon Gold potatoes are unavailable, you can substitute with red potatoes or fingerlings which also roast well. For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for that cheesy flavor without dairy. You could also experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of dried parsley for a different herbal note.

Serving suggestions

These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or pork chops to balance hearty flavors with crisp, savory bites. They also make a great snack when served with dipping sauces like ranch or garlic aioli. Adding them into salads provides a delightful crunch, especially a mixed greens or Caesar salad variation. They work well alongside roasted or steamed vegetables and even with casual dishes like baked beans or corn on the cob for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

• Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best crust and flavor
• Make sure the potatoes have enough space in the baking dish so they roast evenly without steaming
• Scoring the potato surface is key for texture and flavor penetration Don’t skip this step

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of potatoes work best?

Mini Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and ability to crisp beautifully, but red or fingerling potatoes can also be used.

→ How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?

Scoring the cut side in a crosshatch pattern increases surface area for crispiness, plus baking at a high temperature without overcrowding helps achieve a golden, crunchy crust.

→ Can these be made vegan?

Yes, substitute melted butter with olive oil and replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative for a similar savory finish.

→ What are good dishes to serve alongside?

These potatoes complement grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and salads, adding a flavorful and textural contrast to the meal.

→ How should leftover potatoes be stored and reheated?

Store cooled potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to help retain crispness or use the stovetop skillet method for best texture.