Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

These buttery garlic parmesan potatoes are an irresistible side dish. Quartered red potatoes are tossed with olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper before being roasted with freshly grated parmesan cheese. The roasting process creates crispy edges on the outside and tender, flavorful insides, all topped with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. This versatile dish is great for any occasion, complementing everything from roasted meats to light salads. Easy to prepare, it's a perfect addition to your menu.

This garlic parmesan roasted potato recipe transforms humble red potatoes into a show-stopping side dish that pairs with absolutely everything. The combination of garlic, herbs, and parmesan creates that irresistible savory crust while the insides stay perfectly tender. I discovered this method years ago when looking for a way to elevate basic potatoes, and it's become my go-to impressive side that requires minimal effort.

I first made these potatoes for a Sunday family dinner and everyone requested the recipe before dessert was even served. My nephew who typically avoids vegetables had three helpings and now asks for my special potatoes whenever he visits.

Ingredients

• Red potatoes: quartered for the perfect size that allows crispy edges while maintaining a creamy center
• Olive oil: creates that beautiful golden exterior when roasted at high heat
• Minced garlic: fresh cloves provide more vibrant flavor than pre-minced varieties
• Dried oregano: adds an herbaceous note that complements the garlic perfectly
• Salt and pepper: the basics that enhance all the other flavors
• Parmesan cheese: use freshly grated for best melting and flavor integration
• Fresh parsley for garnish: adds bright color and a fresh flavor contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the oven:

Set your oven to 400°F to ensure that perfect roasting temperature. While waiting for it to preheat, prepare your baking dish by giving it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Combine ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, add your quartered red potatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything thoroughly until each potato piece is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the potatoes.

Add first layer of parmesan:

Sprinkle half of your parmesan cheese over the seasoned potatoes and give everything another gentle toss. The cheese will begin to stick to the oil-coated potatoes, creating the foundation for that delicious crust.

Prepare for baking:

Transfer the potato mixture to your casserole dish, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Some overlap is fine but try to avoid piling too many potatoes on top of each other as this can prevent even cooking and crisping.

Initial covered bake:

Cover the dish tightly with tinfoil. This step is crucial as it allows the potatoes to steam a bit first, ensuring they become tender throughout before we focus on crisping the exterior.

Add remaining cheese:

After 20 minutes, carefully remove the tinfoil from the hot dish. The potatoes should be starting to become tender. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese evenly across the top of the potatoes.

Final uncovered bake:

Return the uncovered dish to the oven for another 20 minutes. This uncovered baking time allows moisture to escape, resulting in that perfect crispy exterior while the parmesan forms a golden crust.

Garnish and serve:

Remove the finished potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor experience.

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Best Potato Varieties

While this recipe calls for red potatoes, several other varieties work beautifully. Yukon golds offer a naturally buttery flavor that complements the parmesan wonderfully. Fingerling potatoes create an elegant presentation perfect for dinner parties. Whatever variety you choose, look for firm potatoes without green spots or sprouts, and try to select ones of similar size for even cooking.

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Make Ahead Options

These roasted potatoes can be partially prepared ahead of time to make meal prep easier. You can clean and quarter the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance, storing them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. The seasoning mixture can also be prepared ahead and stored separately. When ready to cook, drain and thoroughly dry the potatoes before continuing with the recipe as written.

Serving Suggestions

These garlic parmesan potatoes shine alongside nearly any protein. Pair them with a simple roasted chicken for a classic comfort meal, or serve alongside a grilled steak for an elevated dinner. They also work beautifully with fish, particularly salmon or cod. For a vegetarian option, serve them with a hearty salad and some roasted vegetables for a satisfying meatless meal that doesn't sacrifice flavor.

Flavor Variations

The basic recipe serves as an excellent template for countless variations. Try adding rosemary and thyme in place of oregano for a different herb profile. For a spicy kick, incorporate red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. Smoked paprika adds depth and a subtle smokiness. You can also experiment with different cheeses alongside or in place of parmesan. Pecorino Romano offers a sharper flavor, while a sprinkle of mozzarella in the final baking stage creates delicious cheese pulls.

My favorite part of this recipe is the moment you pull back the foil for the second half of baking. The aroma of garlic and oregano fills the kitchen, and everyone starts wandering in to ask when dinner will be ready. It reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house where the smell of roasting potatoes always signaled a special meal.

Recipe Questions

→ What type of potatoes work best?

Red potatoes are ideal for this dish thanks to their firm texture and mild sweetness. They roast well, holding their shape and developing crispy edges.

→ How do I get the potatoes crispy?

Toss the potatoes well in olive oil, space them evenly in the baking dish, and roast uncovered at high heat. A final broil can enhance crispiness.

→ Can I use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced?

Absolutely. Freshly minced garlic brings out more vibrant flavor and enhances the overall aroma of the dish.

→ Is it possible to prep this ahead of time?

Yes, you can quarter and soak the potatoes in cold water up to a day ahead. Seasoning can be mixed in advance as well. Roast fresh for best results.

→ What can I use instead of parsley for garnish?

Chopped chives, rosemary, or thyme work well as alternatives, each offering a fresh herbal note and a pop of color.

→ What proteins pair well with these potatoes?

These potatoes complement roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked salmon, or vegetarian mains like roasted vegetables and hearty salads.