Golden Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

Golden Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes are the perfect side to bring a touch of comfort and elegance to any meal. With a crispy golden crust infused with savory garlic and Parmesan cheese, this recipe turns simple potatoes into a crave-worthy dish that enhances grilled meats, roasted veggies, or even stands alone as a satisfying appetizer. It’s an easy recipe that delivers big flavor and texture with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• Mini Yukon Gold potatoes: These provide a tender, buttery texture that crisps beautifully. Look for firm, blemish-free potatoes for the best results
• Olive oil: It helps season the potatoes and crisp their surface. Choose extra virgin for richer flavor
• Dried parsley: Adds a subtle herbaceous note without overpowering the garlic and cheese. Use fresh if you prefer but dry stores well
• Garlic powder: Gives a deep savory flavor that infuses the potatoes. Fresh garlic works but can burn easily in the oven
• Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the butter and cheese. Select flaky or coarse for better seasoning
• Ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity. Freshly ground provides the best aroma
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter contributes to richness and helps the Parmesan stick
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Creates the golden, crispy crust and adds a salty umami punch. Grate it yourself for optimum texture and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature early. This high heat is crucial for crispiness and a golden crust.

Prepare the Potatoes:

Wash the mini Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly. Cut each potato in half, then score the cut side with a gentle crosshatch pattern. Take care not to cut too deep as this opens more surface area allowing seasoning and crisping without breaking the potato apart.

Season the Potatoes:

In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, dried parsley, garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the potato halves and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.

Assemble in Baking Dish:

Pour the melted butter evenly over the bottom of a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese in a uniform layer over the butter. This foundation is what will create that irresistible crispy crust.

Add Potatoes to Dish:

Place the seasoned potatoes cut-side down carefully on top of the Parmesan layer. Press them gently to ensure good contact between the cut surface and the cheese layer. This contact is key for the cheese to melt and adhere, creating the crispy base.

Bake:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the potatoes are tender inside and the Parmesan crust turns a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye towards the end to prevent burning.

Serve:

Remove from the oven and let the potatoes rest for five minutes. Use a spatula to carefully lift each potato from the dish making sure to preserve the cheese crust on each piece. Serve them warm and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy and tender.

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Storage tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they stay fresh for up to four days. For best crispiness when reheating, warm them in a hot oven or in a skillet rather than the microwave. To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer safe container for up to two months.

Ingredient substitutions

If mini Yukon Gold potatoes aren’t available, red potatoes or fingerlings make good alternatives with similar cooking times and textures. For a vegan version, swap the butter for extra olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Serving suggestions

These crispy potatoes pair beautifully with grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or pork chops. They also make a great snack with dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or marinara. Tossing them into a mixed greens or Caesar salad adds delightful crunch and flavor twists.

Pro Tips

• Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best crisp crust and umami flavor
• Don’t overcrowd the baking dish to ensure even heat exposure and maximum crispiness
• Score each potato carefully to open up the surface for seasoning and crisp texture

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, while mini Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, red or fingerling potatoes can also work well and provide similar crispiness.

→ How do I achieve maximum crispiness?

Score the potatoes with a crosshatch pattern to increase surface area, avoid overcrowding the pan, and bake at a high temperature for an evenly crispy crust.

→ What ingredients enhance the flavor best?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese combined with garlic powder, olive oil, and dried parsley creates a rich and savory taste that elevates the potatoes.

→ Can these potatoes be made vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute melted butter with olive oil and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to maintain crispiness.

→ What dishes pair well with these potatoes?

They complement grilled meats like steak and chicken, roasted vegetables, or can be served alongside fresh salads and dipping sauces.