When golden, crispy edges meet melty cheese and bold garlic flavor, you get the kind of side dish that might just steal the show. These Crispy Cheesy Garlic Potatoes are irresistibly savory, with a tender, fluffy inside and a perfectly seasoned, crispy exterior. They’re simple to prepare but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or just craving something indulgent for a weeknight meal, these potatoes hit the spot. The cheese creates a crispy coating that clings to the buttery garlic flavors, while a touch of parsley brings freshness to every bite. It’s the kind of comfort food that keeps everyone reaching for seconds.
What Kind of Potatoes Work Best for Crispy Cheesy Garlic Potatoes?
Baby Yukon gold or baby red potatoes are ideal here. Their thin skins crisp up beautifully while the insides stay creamy and tender. They’re also just the right size to halve and roast evenly, which gives every piece a great surface area for all that garlicky, cheesy coating.

Ingredients for the Crispy Cheesy Garlic Potatoes
Baby Potatoes – These are the star of the dish, offering the perfect balance of creamy interior and crispy edges.
Olive Oil or Melted Butter – Helps with the crisping and adds richness. You can use either, or a mix of both for added flavor.
Fresh Garlic – Provides bold, aromatic flavor that roasts into golden perfection.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds sharp, nutty flavor and creates that signature crispy, cheesy crust.
Paprika – Gives a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Chopped Fresh Parsley – Finishes the dish with a fresh, herby lift.
How To Make the Crispy Cheesy Garlic Potatoes
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Wash the baby potatoes and slice them in half.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil or melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to make sure every piece is evenly coated.
Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the potatoes cut-side down on the baking sheet in a single layer. Press them slightly to make sure they adhere to the pan — this helps form the crispy bottom layer.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy. Flip the potatoes and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top. Return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and crisp.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy for the best texture.
How to Serve and Store Crispy Cheesy Garlic Potatoes
These potatoes are at their absolute best right out of the oven—golden, crisp, and full of garlicky cheese flavor. Serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli, or pair them with grilled chicken, steak, or even a fresh salad for a complete meal. They also make a perfect addition to brunch alongside eggs and bacon.
To store leftovers, let the potatoes cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to revive their crispiness—microwaving will soften the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use larger potatoes instead of baby ones?
Yes, just chop them into small, evenly-sized chunks so they roast at the same rate and still get that crispy edge.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to Parmesan?
Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free substitute—it adds a cheesy, savory flavor without the cheese.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Nope! The skins add flavor and texture. Just make sure to wash them well.
What kind of cheese can I use besides Parmesan?
Grated Romano or Asiago work well too. Even a finely shredded cheddar can add a tasty twist, but it may not get quite as crispy.
Want More Side Dish Ideas That Steal the Show?
If you’re obsessed with these Crispy Cheesy Garlic Potatoes, you’ll want to explore more bold and delicious sides from the blog:
- Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes and Veggies bring extra texture and color to your plate.
- Try the Cheesy Baked Tennessee Onions Recipe for a warm, gooey, and unexpected twist.
- Crack Green Beans are the ultimate sweet-savory combo that pairs with everything.
- Honey Butter Skillet Corn is creamy, sweet, and incredibly easy.
- Bacon Egg and Hash Brown Casserole makes the perfect brunch pairing.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you never lose it: Life with Nina Pinterest Recipes
Let me know in the comments—did you stick with Parmesan or mix in other cheeses? Did you try them in the air fryer?
I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Don’t be shy—ask questions, share tips, and show off your plates!

Crispy Cheesy Garlic Potatoes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Cheesy Garlic Potatoes are everything a comforting side dish should be—golden, crispy, loaded with garlic, and crowned with a salty Parmesan crunch. They’re easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving them with steak, brunch, or a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds baby potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Wash and halve the baby potatoes.
3. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, olive oil or melted butter, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and half the Parmesan. Toss to coat.
4. Arrange potatoes cut-side down on the baking sheet. Press slightly for good surface contact.
5. Roast for 25–30 minutes or until bottoms are golden and crispy.
6. Flip potatoes and sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan on top. Roast for another 10–15 minutes.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—use two pans if needed for even crisping.
Pressing potatoes cut-side down before roasting helps form the golden crust.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: crispy potatoes, garlic potatoes, parmesan potatoes



