Roasted Parmesan Garlic Potatoes Recipe: They’re EASY!

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Roasted parmesan garlic potatoes:

Is there anything more satisfying than a crispy, golden batch of roasted Parmesan garlic potatoes? This savory side dish is a go-to for its crunchy texture, bold flavors, and the versatility to complement any meal. Whether you're cooking a weeknight dinner or preparing a spread for friends, baked parmesan crusted potatoes are the kind of dish that everyone loves—and they're deceptively simple to make. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make crispy potatoes with that perfect garlic-Parmesan crust.

What Potatoes to Use for Crispy Potatoes

When it comes to making oven parmesan potatoes, the type of potato you choose can make all the difference. For that crispy, crunchy exterior, you want to stick with starchy potatoes like Russets or red potatoes. The starch helps them bake up with that crisp, golden brown outer layer while keeping the inside fluffy. If you're aiming for a creamier, softer interior, Yukon Golds are another great option. These potatoes tend to be a little less crispy but have a buttery texture that some people prefer.

For this recipe, I usually go with baked parmesan red potatoes because they strike a nice balance between crispy and tender. Their skins get crispy while the insides stay soft and creamy, which is perfect when paired with the Parmesan and garlic flavors.

Why Fine Grated Parmesan Works Best

If you've ever wondered why some potato dishes don’t seem to develop that crispy, golden cheese layer, the answer might lie in the Parmesan. For this recipe, it’s essential to use finely grated Parmesan. And grating it yourself will give you the BEST flavor. You just can’t beat real Parmesan Reggiano. It’s the king of cheeses for a reason!

The fine texture helps it adhere better to the potatoes and creates a more even crust as it bakes. Plus, fine Parmesan melts into all those little nooks and crannies on the potatoes, making for an irresistible bite every time. Coarser shredded Parmesan won’t melt as evenly, which can result in some areas being overly cheesy and others not getting enough flavor.

The finely grated cheese also helps form the crispy, golden crust that’s a signature of baked parmesan crusted potatoes. Trust me, you'll want to use freshly grated Parmesan over the pre-shredded stuff. The fresh cheese just melts better, and the flavor is unbeatable.

How to Add Garlic to Roasted Potatoes

Ah, garlic—the unsung hero of so many dishes! When it comes to roasted parmesan garlic potatoes, garlic is a must for that extra punch of flavor. But how you add it can change everything. If you add minced garlic directly to the potatoes at the start of roasting, there’s a risk it might burn, leaving a bitter taste. The trick? Add garlic 3/4 of the way through the baking process or mix it in with the Parmesan to create a garlic-Parmesan mixture. This allows the garlic to cook just enough to release its flavor without burning.

You can also opt for garlic powder if you're short on time or worried about burning fresh garlic. It will give you that garlic flavor without the risk, and it’s perfect if you're prepping this dish in advance and need something more shelf-stable.

Adding Herbs for Extra Flavor

Herbs take these crispy potatoes to the next level. While Parmesan and garlic are the stars of the show, adding fresh or dried herbs really rounds out the flavor. Some of my go-to options are rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Rosemary adds a woodsy, aromatic quality, while thyme complements the garlic and Parmesan beautifully. Parsley, especially fresh flat leaf (also called Italian Parsley) , adds a bright pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances out the richness of the cheese and oil.

Mix these herbs with the Parmesan and garlic for an even coating, or sprinkle them on at the end for a fresh finish. You can also customize the herbs based on what you’re serving the potatoes with. For instance, if you’re making a roast chicken, thyme and rosemary work wonders. For a steak, try using parsley and a hint of oregano.

How Long to Bake Roasted Potatoes

Timing is crucial when making oven parmesan potatoes. You want to make sure the potatoes get that crispy exterior without drying out the inside. Generally, you’ll want to bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even crisping. The high heat is essential for getting that crispy crust without overcooking the inside. If you're wondering how long to bake roasted potatoes, it can vary depending on the size of your potato chunks, but that 35-40 minute window usually does the trick. Take a peak towards the end of the cooking time and look at the bottom of the potatoes to see how tye are crisping up.

PRO TIP: don't peek too often, every time you open the oven, it adds quite a bit more time to the oveerall cooking time due to the fact that the oven has to reheat again.

PRO TIP: If you're short on time, you can also microwave the potatoes for 2-3 minutes before roasting. This helps get the inside cooked faster, and you can cut down your bake time.

How to Prep Roasted Potatoes in Advance

Here’s the best part: these roasted parmesan garlic potatoes are super easy to prep in advance. If you’re entertaining or just want to save some time, you can cut the potatoes and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper ahead of time. You can also mix up the Parmesan, garlic, and herbs in a separate container. When it’s time to cook, just combine everything and pop it in the oven.

FAQ: Roasted Parmesan Garlic Potatoes

1. What kind of potatoes should I use for crispy roasted potatoes?

For crispy potatoes, starchy varieties like Russets or red potatoes are your best bet. Russets will give you the crispiest result, while red potatoes provide a nice balance of crispy skin and tender interior. The small Youkon will give you a creamier testure.

2. Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan for this recipe?

While you can use pre-shredded Parmesan, finely grated fresh Parmesan will give you a better, crispier result. Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and gives a richer flavor to the baked parmesan crusted potatoes.

3. How long should I bake roasted potatoes?

Typically, oven parmesan potatoes should be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes. Toss them halfway through for even crispiness. If you’ve parboiled them, you can reduce the bake time to about 30 minutes. But all ovens are different and the size of your potoato will also alter the cooking time. Check them once at 35 minutes.

4. How do I make sure the garlic doesn’t burn?

To prevent garlic from burning, either add it 3/4 of the wat through the baking process or mix it with the Parmesan so that it’s coated and protected from direct heat.

5. Can I add other herbs to roasted Parmesan garlic potatoes?

Absolutely! Fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, and parsley are great additions to enhance the flavor. Just be sure to add them before baking for dried herbs or after baking for fresh herbs to keep the flavors vibrant.

6. Can I prepare these potatoes in advance?

Yes! You can prep the ingredients for the potatoes and even partially roast them ahead of time.

7. What should I serve with roasted Parmesan garlic potatoes?

These potatoes pair beautifully with roast chicken, steak, or grilled fish. They’re also great alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal.

The Perfect Side Dish

Whether you're looking to elevate a simple weeknight meal or impress guests at your next dinner party, roasted parmesan garlic potatoes are the answer. They’re crispy, packed with flavor, and easy to make ahead of time. With the perfect balance of garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. And don’t worry, once you’ve mastered this, you’ll be able to whip up baked parmesan red potatoes or even experiment with different herb and cheese combinations.

Go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! If you have any tips or variations, leave a comment below. Let's share the crispy potato love!