These crispy garlic parmesan crusted potatoes are golden and crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor. A perfect side dish for any meal!
Honestly, who can resist the smell of garlic and cheese? I can’t! They’re easy to make and always disappear fast at my dinner table. Serve them hot for extra crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: I love using baby potatoes for their sweetness and creamy texture. You can also use larger potatoes, just cut them into smaller pieces. If you’re looking for a different flavor, try sweet potatoes for a healthier twist!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps achieve crispiness. If you don’t have it, avocado oil or melted butter can be good alternatives. Both will give you a nice flavor and promote that golden crust.
Parmesan Cheese: grated Parmesan cheese is key for that cheesy crust. You can replace it with Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor, or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option without cheese.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the potatoes extra crunch. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, but they won’t be quite as crispy. For gluten-free needs, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Potatoes Get Extra Crispy?
Getting those potatoes perfectly crispy is all about the preparation and cooking method. Here are my favorite tips:
- Make sure to cut the potatoes in half and arrange them cut-side down on the baking sheet. This helps with even browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Space them out to allow hot air to circulate around each piece, which enhances crispiness.
- Preheat your oven well. A hot oven helps to sear the outside quickly, creating a crunchy texture.
- If you want extra crunch, finish with a broil for just a few minutes, but stay nearby! They can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (yellow or red), halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Crispy Coating:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For Serving:
- Optional: ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. If you’d like to broil them for extra crispiness, add a few more minutes, making it a total of about 40 minutes. Perfect for a tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps make the potatoes crispy. While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light coat of cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every potato is well-coated with the olive oil and garlic mixture for the best flavor.
3. Make the Crispy Coating:
In a separate bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, dried Italian herbs, and chopped parsley. This combination creates that delicious crunchy topping!
4. Coat the Potatoes:
Now, add the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture to the potatoes and gently toss them until each potato half is evenly covered. Be careful not to mash the potatoes; you want them to stay nice and intact.
5. Arrange and Bake:
Place the coated potatoes cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. This helps them get extra crispy. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until you see they’re golden brown and crispy outside yet tender inside.
6. Broil for Extra Crispiness:
If you want an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes after baking. Just watch them closely to avoid burning — they can go from perfect to charred quickly!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, take the potatoes out of the oven and garnish them with some extra freshly chopped parsley. Serve them hot with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious crispy garlic Parmesan crusted potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can use larger ones like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just cut them into smaller, even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, substitute the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also use a vegan butter or oil for coating the potatoes.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover crispy potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best texture when reheating, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, rather than microwaving.
What Other Dipping Sauces Work Well?
While ketchup is a classic choice, you can also try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy mayo. For something tangy, a zesty yogurt sauce or sriracha can add a nice kick!
