There is something unbelievably satisfying about achieving that perfect harmony of crunch, savoriness, and wholesomeness all in one bite. This Viral Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe delivers exactly that experience — golden mini Yukon Gold potatoes smothered in a rich, cheesy crust infused with garlic and herbs. Every morsel bursts with flavor and texture, making these potatoes an instant crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to serve again and again. Trust me when I say this dish transforms humble potatoes into a masterpiece that’s hard to resist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Viral Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to the bold garlicky kick, cheesy crust, and irresistibly crispy texture you crave.
- 1 Pound Mini Yukon Gold Potatoes: Naturally buttery and tender, perfect for roasting and holding seasonings.
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: Helps evenly coat the potatoes and allows the seasonings to stick.
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley: Adds fresh herbaceous notes that brighten each bite.
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder: Gives that deep, savory garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt: Balances all flavors and enhances the natural taste of potatoes.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- 1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter (melted): Creates the luxurious cheesy crust when mixed with Parmesan.
- 1 1/2 Cups Parmigiano Reggiano (freshly grated): Essential for that crispy, golden Parmesan coating that seals in flavor.
How to Make Viral Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to a high temperature of 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat level is key for getting that prized crispiness on the outside while keeping the potatoes tender inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash the mini Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly and slice them in half. This size ensures they roast evenly, and halving exposes more surface area for that gorgeous crust to cling to.
Step 3: Score the Potatoes
Here’s a neat trick for maximizing crunch: on the cut side of each half, make diagonal cuts just through the flesh without cutting all the way through. These scores increase crisp edges and help the flavors soak deeper.
Step 4: Season the Potatoes
Place the halved and scored potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over them, then sprinkle dried parsley, garlic powder, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Toss everything until potatoes are evenly coated—this partnership of herbs and spices will infuse every bite.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese and Butter Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and the melted butter. Stir to form a thick, grainy paste. This luscious mixture is what transforms these potatoes into the viral sensation they’ve become, creating that scrumptious garlic Parmesan crust.
Step 6: Assemble in Baking Dish
Spread the cheese and butter paste evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish. Next, place the potatoes cut-side down on top, gently pressing them into the cheesy layer. This contact helps build a crisp, golden crust that’s impossible to resist.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 26 minutes. As the cheese melts and crisps, the potatoes roast to a perfect golden hue. Your kitchen will start to smell unbelievable—anticipation is half the fun!
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the potatoes rest for around 10 minutes. This little pause allows the cheese crust to harden to the perfect texture so it stays intact when serving. Then, just slide a spatula underneath, serve, and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Viral Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to dress up your Viral Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe even more, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can add a burst of freshness and a nice finishing touch.
Side Dishes
These potatoes shine as a side for roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even alongside a fresh green salad. Their crispy, cheesy richness pairs wonderfully with lighter proteins and crisp vegetables, balancing the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve these potatoes in a rustic cast iron skillet straight from the oven. Or arrange them on a wooden board with a small bowl of garlic aioli or marinara for dipping. They also make a fun appetizer—just pop a toothpick in each one and watch them vanish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust softens a bit but the flavor remains incredible, making them perfect for quick snacks or reheated sides.
Freezing
Freezing these potatoes is possible, but it’s best to freeze them before baking. Place the prepared, unbaked potatoes in a freezer-safe container, then bake directly from frozen — just add a few extra minutes of cooking time to crisp them up.
Reheating
To bring back that crave-worthy crunch and warmth, reheat leftovers in a hot oven or toaster oven set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of mini Yukon Gold?
Absolutely. While mini Yukon Golds work beautifully for even roasting and presentation, you can use regular Yukon Gold or other waxy potatoes. Just cut them into smaller, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Is there a substitute for Parmigiano Reggiano?
Pecorino Romano is a great alternative for a sharper, saltier flavor. However, fresh Parmigiano Reggiano is preferred for its nutty, creamy richness that creates the iconic crust in this recipe.
Can I add fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
You can, but garlic powder is recommended because it evenly distributes flavor without burning during roasting. If you use fresh garlic, mince it finely and mix it with the oil carefully to avoid bitterness.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Swap butter for a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for cheesy flavor. Keep in mind the texture will differ slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and season the potatoes and cheese mixture, then assemble right before baking. This prep helps speed up weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
This Viral Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. Its scrumptious blend of garlic, buttery cheese, and perfectly roasted potatoes creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Sharing this with friends or family will get you all the compliments—and maybe even requests for seconds. Give it a try and let the magic happen in your own kitchen!
PrintViral Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
These Viral Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a decadent and flavorful side dish made by baking halved Yukon Gold potatoes coated with a butter, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese crust until golden and crispy. This easy recipe delivers tender potatoes with a crunchy, cheesy crust perfect for serving alongside any meal or as a tasty appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 41 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 1 Pound Mini Yukon Gold Potatoes (halved)
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 Cups Parmigiano Reggiano (freshly grated)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes to a crispy golden finish.
- Wash and Chop Potatoes: Wash the mini Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly and cut each potato in half to create a flat surface for crisping.
- Score Potatoes: Using a knife, make diagonal cuts or scoring along the cut side of each halved potato. This helps the seasoning and cheese mix penetrate better and promotes crispiness.
- Toss Potatoes in Seasoning: Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and add olive oil, dried parsley, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure every potato half is evenly coated in the flavorful seasoning blend.
- Mix Cheese and Butter: In a separate bowl, grate the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and pour the melted unsalted butter over it. Stir them together until a thick, paste-like consistency forms, which will act as the cheese crust base.
- Transfer Paste: Spread this cheese and butter paste evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish using a spoon or spatula to create a flavorful crust layer.
- Place Potatoes: Position the seasoned potato halves cut-side down on top of the cheese mixture, pressing them gently so they adhere and form a crispy crust during baking.
- Bake Potatoes: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 25 to 26 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and crisp the bottoms to perfection.
- Rest Potatoes: Once baking is complete, remove the dish from the oven and let the potatoes rest for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the cheese crust to harden and set for optimal texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully use a spatula to lift the crispy, cheesy potatoes from the dish. Serve immediately as a delicious side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure the potatoes are patted dry before tossing in oil and seasoning.
- You can substitute Parmigiano Reggiano with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Adjust garlic powder and parsley to taste depending on your preference.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned baking dish to prevent sticking.
- These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats or a fresh salad.
