There’s something about the aroma of roasted garlic and melted Parmesan that instantly makes me feel at home. I’ve made these Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes more times than I can count, and they never fail to impress — whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal with friends. The crisp golden edges, the tender insides, and the punchy flavor of garlic and cheese make this dish irresistible.

What I love most is how simple they are to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a hot oven, I can turn plain baby potatoes into a show-stopping side. Whether you’re new to cooking or someone who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, this recipe delivers big results with minimal effort. It’s comfort food that doesn’t cut corners on flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes Recipe
These roasted potatoes are golden, crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. They’re perfect for pairing with almost anything — chicken, steak, salmon, or even eggs for brunch. The garlic and Parmesan combination is classic, and the herbs take it to another level. Plus, they reheat beautifully, making them great for leftovers.
What Type of Potatoes Should I Use?
I always go for baby Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes because they roast evenly and have a naturally buttery flavor. Their small size makes them ideal for halving, which gives you more surface area to crisp up in the oven. If you only have russets or fingerlings on hand, they’ll still work — just cut them into similar-sized chunks so they cook evenly.
Options for Substitutions
No Parmesan? Pecorino Romano is a great alternative and adds a saltier, sharper bite. If you want to make it dairy-free, skip the cheese entirely and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a similar umami boost. Olive oil is my go-to, but melted butter or avocado oil works just as well. For herbs, you can use dried Italian seasoning, rosemary, or thyme if you don’t have fresh parsley on hand.
Ingredients for This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes Recipe
- Baby Potatoes – These form the base of the recipe. Choose small Yukon Gold or red potatoes for their creamy centers and ability to crisp up beautifully.
- Olive Oil – Helps the potatoes roast evenly and achieve that golden, crispy finish. It also binds the seasonings to the potatoes.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic brings a bold, aromatic flavor that deepens as it roasts.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty, savory element that crisps up on the edges of each potato.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- Italian Seasoning – Offers a medley of herbs (like oregano, basil, thyme) to add depth and fragrance.
- Fresh Parsley – Chopped and sprinkled at the end for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This high heat is crucial for achieving crispy potatoes.
Step 2: Halve and Dry the Potatoes
Rinse the baby potatoes and cut them in half. Pat them dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels — moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Step 3: Toss with Oil and Seasoning
In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Make sure every piece is evenly coated.
Step 4: Roast Until Golden and Crisp
Arrange the potatoes cut side down in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping them in the last 5-10 minutes to get even crisping.
Step 5: Add Parmesan
In the final 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the potatoes and return to the oven. This allows the cheese to melt and get crispy around the edges.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot!
How Long to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Prep Time: The preparation takes about 10 to 15 minutes. This includes rinsing and halving the potatoes, mincing the garlic, and tossing everything together with the seasoning. The more uniform your potato sizes, the more evenly they will roast.
Cook Time: Roasting the potatoes in a hot oven at 425°F takes around 25 to 30 minutes. You want to give them enough time to crisp up nicely, and the addition of Parmesan near the end allows it to brown without burning.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
- Always dry your potatoes thoroughly before roasting. Moisture prevents crispiness.
- Don’t crowd the pan — use a large baking sheet so the potatoes can roast, not steam.
- Place potatoes cut side down for the most golden, crisp surface.
- Add Parmesan in the last few minutes of roasting to prevent it from burning.
- Finish with fresh parsley and an extra grating of Parmesan for presentation and extra flavor.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
- Skipping the drying step: Damp potatoes will steam instead of roast.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: This causes uneven cooking and soggy edges.
- Adding cheese too early: Parmesan can burn if roasted for the full duration.
- Using too little oil: Without enough oil, the potatoes won’t crisp properly.
- Not flipping or checking near the end: They can go from golden to burnt quickly, especially with cheese.
What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes?
1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Juicy, herby grilled chicken balances the richness of the potatoes perfectly.
2. Seared Steak
The crispy edges of the potatoes make a perfect sidekick to a juicy, pan-seared steak.
3. Baked Salmon with Dill
Light and flaky salmon with dill sauce pairs wonderfully with the garlicky potatoes.
4. Sunny-Side-Up Eggs
For a brunch-style meal, top with eggs and a drizzle of hot sauce.
5. Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus
Add green veggies on the side to round out the plate and keep things balanced.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to bring back their crispness.
Freezing: These potatoes can be frozen, but they may lose some crispiness. Freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven.
Meal Prep Tip: Roast a double batch and use the leftovers for breakfast hash or to toss into a salad.
Estimated Nutrition
Per serving (approx. 1 cup):
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
Dry them thoroughly, use high heat, place them cut side down, and don’t overcrowd the pan. These are the keys to crispiness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and season the potatoes in advance. Store them in the fridge and roast them when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
It’s not recommended, as frozen potatoes release more moisture, making them harder to crisp.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Smoked paprika, cayenne, or garlic powder all work beautifully if you want to add more dimension.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are the kind of recipe that proves simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor. They’re crispy, cheesy, garlicky, and satisfying — everything a comforting side dish should be. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, these golden bites will always steal the show. Try them once, and they’ll become a staple in your rotation.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, crispy, and loaded with garlic and cheese, these Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this easy recipe delivers big flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast addition, an easy dinner side, or healthy snack ideas, these potatoes check every box. They pair beautifully with everything from eggs to grilled meats, making them a go-to option in your dinner ideas collection.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wash and halve the baby potatoes, then pat them dry thoroughly.
3. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Arrange the potatoes cut-side down in a single layer on the prepared sheet.
5. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping in the last 5–10 minutes for even browning.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over potatoes during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
7. Remove from oven when golden and crisp, then garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Notes
Dry the potatoes well after washing for maximum crispiness.
Only add Parmesan during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Use a large baking sheet to avoid crowding and ensure even roasting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
