Crispy Garlic Skillet Potatoes

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Golden, crispy, and bursting with savory garlic flavor — these Crispy Garlic Skillet Potatoes are the perfect comfort food side dish. Whether you’re serving them with roasted meats, grilled veggies, or simply enjoying them on their own, each bite offers a delicious contrast between a crisp outer edge and soft, fluffy center. These potatoes are thinly sliced, seasoned generously, and cooked to perfection in a hot skillet until they’re irresistibly crunchy and golden.

What makes this dish special isn’t just its flavor — it’s how simple it is to make with a handful of pantry staples and one reliable pan. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights, holiday spreads, or brunch menus. And the smell? Pure heaven. As they sizzle away with garlic, herbs, and a hint of cheese, your kitchen transforms into the coziest bistro.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Garlic Skillet Potatoes Recipe

• Crunchy golden edges and soft centers in every slice.
• Made with simple ingredients you likely already have.
• One-skillet recipe for easy cleanup.
• A versatile side dish that pairs with almost anything.
• Ready in under 30 minutes.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make perfect crispy garlic skillet potatoes, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Mandoline or sharp knife – For evenly slicing the potatoes, ensuring they cook at the same rate and become uniformly crispy.
• Cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet – Provides even heat distribution for that golden crust and ensures the potatoes crisp rather than steam.
• Spatula or tongs – Helps with flipping or adjusting the potatoes without breaking them.
• Mixing bowl – For tossing potatoes with oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.

Each tool plays a key role — the mandoline ensures thin, consistent slices; the skillet locks in heat for perfect searing; and a good spatula lets you maneuver the slices without tearing them apart.

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Preparation Tips

Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes — they hold their shape well and get beautifully crisp without falling apart. Make sure to rinse and dry the slices thoroughly to remove excess starch, which can cause sticking. Preheat your skillet well before adding the potatoes; a hot pan is essential for crisping. Don’t overcrowd the skillet — overlapping too much will steam the potatoes instead of crisping them. And lastly, keep the heat medium to medium-high — enough to brown the edges but not burn the garlic.

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Ingredients for This Crispy Garlic Skillet Potatoes Recipe

• 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (or red potatoes), thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or unsalted butter for extra richness)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and scrub the potatoes well, especially if you’re leaving the skins on for extra texture and nutrients. Using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife, slice them into thin, even rounds about 1/8-inch thick. Rinse the slices under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them completely dry with a clean towel or paper towels. This step ensures they crisp up properly in the skillet.

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Step 2: Infuse the Oil with Garlic and Herbs

Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and rosemary. Sauté gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the oil with the rich aroma of garlic and herbs, laying the flavor foundation.

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Step 3: Layer and Season the Potatoes

Once the garlic oil is ready, arrange the potato slices in overlapping layers inside the skillet. Try to keep them in a single layer as much as possible, with just a little overlap for crisp edges. As you layer, sprinkle with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Continue layering and seasoning until all slices are used.

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Step 4: Cook Until Crispy and Golden

Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over medium heat for 10–12 minutes. This allows the steam to soften the potatoes. Then, remove the lid and increase the heat slightly. Cook uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, gently pressing down with a spatula occasionally. The edges will begin to brown and crisp, while the centers stay tender.

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Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Once the potatoes are golden and crispy on the bottom and the cheese is melted into the edges, turn off the heat. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley on top. For added texture, you can place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes if desired.

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Notes

For the crispiest texture, make sure your skillet is well-heated before adding the potatoes. Using a mandoline ensures even slices, which is key to achieving that satisfying crunch across all the potatoes. If using butter instead of olive oil, keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning the dairy solids. Don’t be shy with seasoning — potatoes absorb flavors well and benefit from generous layers of garlic, herbs, and cheese.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the skillet: Too many layers can cause steaming instead of crisping. Stick to a single layer with minimal overlap.
• Skipping the rinse and dry step: Starch left on the slices can cause sticking and prevent proper browning.
• Burning the garlic: Sauté gently at medium heat. Burnt garlic gives a bitter flavor.
• Not preheating the skillet: A cold pan won’t give you that initial crisp.
• Using too much oil: While oil is essential, too much will make the dish greasy instead of crisp.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the potatoes in a hot skillet with a tiny drizzle of oil to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the potatoes soggy. For longer storage, you can freeze them on a tray and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, but note that the texture may soften slightly upon reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: 210 per serving
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Cholesterol: 7mg
• Sugars: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes! Yukon Gold or red potatoes are best, but russets can work if sliced thin and rinsed well.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely. Use olive oil instead of butter and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.

How do I prevent sticking in the skillet?

Ensure the skillet is hot and coated well with oil before adding potatoes. Also, avoid flipping too early.

Can I bake this in the oven instead?

Yes! Assemble the potatoes in an oven-safe skillet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden and crisp.

Is it okay to prep the potatoes in advance?

Yes, but keep them in water to prevent browning. Dry thoroughly before cooking.

What herbs work well with this dish?

Thyme, rosemary, oregano, parsley, and even a touch of sage can enhance the flavor.

Can I add onions or other vegetables?

Certainly. Thin-sliced onions pair wonderfully. Bell peppers or mushrooms also work, though they may affect crispiness.

What can I serve this with?

Great with grilled chicken, steak, roasted veggies, or as a hearty brunch side with eggs.

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Conclusion

Crispy Garlic Skillet Potatoes are more than just a side dish — they’re the kind of recipe that turns ordinary meals into something special. With their golden edges, tender centers, and rich garlic-herb flavor, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, these skillet potatoes deliver flavor, comfort, and just the right amount of crunch in every bite.

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