Buttery Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish
There’s something magical about the combination of buttery potatoes, fragrant garlic, and nutty Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re serving them alongside a juicy roast chicken, a perfectly seared steak, or just enjoying them straight from the pan, these Buttery Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with so much flavor, you’ll want to make them every night of the week.
I first discovered this recipe on a cozy Sunday evening when I needed a quick but impressive side dish for a last-minute dinner party. With just a handful of pantry staples—potatoes, butter, garlic, and Parmesan—I whipped up a batch that had everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). Now, it’s my go-to whenever I need a side that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly. Trust me, once you try these potatoes, they’ll become a regular on your table too.
Why You’ll Love These Buttery Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
These potatoes are the perfect balance of simplicity and decadence. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Easy to make: Just toss, bake, and enjoy—no fancy techniques required.
- Versatile: Pair them with anything from grilled fish to a hearty casserole.
- Crispy and tender: Golden edges with a fluffy interior—texture perfection!
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist the cheesy, garlicky goodness.
How to Make Buttery Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved (or Yukon Golds, diced)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the potatoes, then halve them (or dice if using larger potatoes).
- Toss with goodness: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic, Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the potatoes and toss until evenly coated.
- Bake to perfection: Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy hot!
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Want to take these potatoes to the next level? Try these pro tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the potatoes space to crisp up—use two baking sheets if needed.
- Fresh garlic is key: Skip the jarred stuff for the best flavor. If you love garlic, add an extra clove!
- Cheese variations: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a twist.
- Make it a meal: Toss in some chopped bacon or chicken for a one-pan dinner. Check out my One-Pan Chicken Dinner for more ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes! Olive oil works well, but butter adds richness. For a lighter version, try half butter, half oil.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Can I make these potatoes ahead?
Prep the potatoes and coat them in the butter mixture up to 4 hours before baking. Store covered in the fridge until ready to roast.
What’s the best potato for roasting?
Baby potatoes or Yukon Golds are ideal—they hold their shape and crisp up beautifully. Learn more about potato varieties for cooking.
Can I freeze these potatoes?
Freezing isn’t recommended—they’ll lose their crispy texture. Enjoy them fresh!
Are these gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. For more gluten-free sides, try my Gluten-Free Dinner Ideas.
There you have it—a side dish so delicious, it might just steal the spotlight from your main course. These Buttery Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are proof that the simplest ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, they’re sure to bring warmth and smiles to your table. Happy cooking!
PrintButtery Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Description
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these Buttery Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are roasted to perfection with a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an irresistible side dish.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- For the potatoes:
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- For the garlic butter sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- For topping:
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Extra parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss halved potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While potatoes roast, prepare garlic butter sauce by combining melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and thyme in a small bowl.
- After 30 minutes, remove potatoes from oven. Drizzle with garlic butter sauce and sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Return to oven for 10-15 more minutes until potatoes are golden and crispy, and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Substitute dried parsley if fresh isn’t available. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.