Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: The Ultimate Crispy Side Dish

By Natalie Quinn

On February 18, 2026

A close-up view of crispy oven-roasted potatoes with garlic and parmesan, showcasing their golden-brown texture and fresh parsley garnish.

Cuisine

American

Prep time

10 minutes

Cooking time

45 minutes

Total time

55 minutes

Servings

6 people

Get ready to transform your side dish game with the absolute best Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes. This recipe delivers potatoes that are unbelievably crispy on the outside, fluffy and tender on the inside, and loaded with savory garlic and nutty Parmesan flavor. Forget boring, mushy potatoes; this is the only roasted potato recipe you’ll ever need. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a holiday feast. We’re talking golden-brown perfection in every single bite.

These potatoes aren’t just a side dish; they’re the star of the plate. The secret lies in a few simple techniques that guarantee an irresistible crunch and a flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Pair them with anything from a simple weeknight meal like Boursin Chicken to a show-stopping main course. Let’s get roasting!

A batch of garlic parmesan roasted potatoes spread on a baking sheet fresh out of the oven, demonstrating the single-layer roasting technique.
Perfectly roasted right on the baking sheet.

Why This is the Best Roasted Potato Recipe

There are countless recipes for roasted potatoes, but this one stands out for a few key reasons. We focus on techniques that build maximum flavor and texture, turning simple potatoes into a culinary masterpiece.

  • Unbeatable Crispiness: We use a high oven temperature and ensure the potatoes are perfectly dry before roasting. This combination draws out moisture and creates a shatteringly crisp exterior that’s simply addictive.
  • Robust Flavor Infusion: Tossing the potatoes with a garlic-infused oil and herbs before roasting builds a deep flavor base. We then add the Parmesan cheese at the end to prevent burning, ensuring you get that perfect cheesy, nutty crust.
  • Fluffy, Tender Interior: By selecting the right type of potato and cutting them into uniform pieces, we guarantee they cook evenly, resulting in a perfectly fluffy, steamy center that contrasts beautifully with the crispy outside.
  • Incredibly Versatile: These Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are the perfect companion to almost any main dish. They are a reliable, crowd-pleasing side that you’ll return to again and again. For another fantastic side, try these sautéed leeks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples to create this unforgettable side dish.

  • Potatoes: Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes are the best choice. Their waxy texture helps them hold their shape and their thin skin gets delightfully crispy.
  • Olive Oil: A quality extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor and helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for the best flavor. It infuses the oil and coats every piece of potato.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Avoid the pre-shredded kind, which can contain anti-caking agents.
  • Seasonings: A simple mix of dried parsley, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper is all you need. The garlic and Parmesan do most of the heavy lifting.
A close-up view of crispy oven-roasted potatoes with garlic and parmesan, showcasing their golden-brown texture and fresh parsley garnish.
Look at that perfect golden-brown, crispy crust!

How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Follow these steps carefully for potato perfection. The key is in the preparation and the two-stage seasoning process. We’ll build the flavor base first, then add the cheese at the end for the perfect crispy, cheesy finish.

Step 1: Preparation

First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is crucial for getting that crispy exterior. Wash and dry your potatoes thoroughly. This is a critical step – excess moisture will steam the potatoes instead of roasting them. Cut the potatoes into 1-inch, uniform cubes to ensure they all cook at the same rate.

Step 2: Initial Seasoning

In a large bowl, toss the potato cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. This ensures the garlic flavor bakes right into the potatoes from the start.

Step 3: Roasting Part One

Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the pan! Giving the potatoes space is essential for them to roast, not steam. Roast for 20 minutes, then toss them with a spatula to ensure even browning.

Step 4: The Parmesan Finish

Continue to roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and fork-tender. Now for the magic. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the hot potatoes. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This final step creates that irresistible cheesy crust without burning the cheese during the long roasting time.

Tips for the Crispiest Potatoes

  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: This is the golden rule of roasting. Use two pans if you have to. Crowding the pan traps steam and makes the potatoes soft instead of crispy.
  • High Heat is Key: A hot oven (425°F / 220°C) is essential for a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Don’t be tempted to lower the temperature.
  • Par-boiling for Extra Fluff: For an even fluffier interior, you can boil the potato cubes for 5-7 minutes before tossing them with oil and seasonings. Make sure to let them steam dry completely before the next step.
  • Add Cheese at the End: As mentioned in the instructions, adding Parmesan cheese in the last few minutes of cooking prevents it from burning and turning bitter, giving you a perfect cheesy crust.

Serving Suggestions

These Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are a versatile side that complements a wide range of main courses. They are a natural fit for roasted chicken, steak, or pork chops. Try them alongside our Cowboy Butter Chicken for a truly decadent meal. They are also fantastic as part of a brunch spread with eggs and sausage.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover roasted potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat and bring back their crispiness, avoid the microwave. The best way is to heat them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or on a baking sheet in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until hot and re-crisped.

You don’t have to, but par-boiling potatoes for 5-7 minutes before roasting can result in an even fluffier interior and helps create a crispier crust. Ensure they are completely dry before tossing with oil.

There are three keys to crispy potatoes: use high heat (425°F / 220°C), make sure the potatoes are completely dry before adding oil, and spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet without overcrowding the pan.

The best potatoes for roasting are waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes. They hold their shape well and their thinner skins get wonderfully crispy, while the inside becomes creamy and tender.

To restore their crispiness, reheat roasted potatoes in an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which will make them soft.

Parmesan cheese can burn easily during a long, high-heat roast. To prevent this, toss the potatoes with garlic and herbs first, roast until they are almost done, and then sprinkle the Parmesan on for only the last 3-5 minutes of baking.

The Perfect Roasted Potato Recipe

This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes recipe is a tried-and-true favorite for a reason. It’s simple, reliable, and outrageously delicious. The combination of crispy, fluffy potatoes with savory garlic and sharp Parmesan is a winner every time. Give it a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!

A shareable pin image of crispy garlic parmesan roasted potatoes in a white serving bowl, with text overlay indicating the best easy recipe.
The crispiest Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes you'll ever make!

A close-up view of crispy oven-roasted potatoes with garlic and parmesan, showcasing their golden-brown texture and fresh parsley garnish.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: The Ultimate Crispy Side Dish

The best Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes recipe! Learn how to make potatoes that are incredibly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with savory garlic and nutty Parmesan flavor. A perfect, easy side dish for any meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper freshly cracked

Equipment

  • 1 Baking sheet
  • 1 Large bowl

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and thoroughly dry the potatoes. Cut into uniform 1-inch cubes.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the potato cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Roast for 20 minutes.
  4. Remove the pan from the oven, toss the potatoes with a spatula, and return to roast for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown and fork-tender.
  5. Remove the potatoes from the oven, sprinkle evenly with the grated Parmesan cheese, and return to the oven for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For Extra Crispy Potatoes: Ensure potatoes are completely dry before tossing with oil. Don't overcrowd the pan; use two if necessary.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for best results.

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