Tasty Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Featured in Quick and Easy Appetizers.

This popular potato dish uses sliced baby Yukon golds pushed into a butter-parmesan mixture then baked until the bottom gets crunchy while the top stays soft.
Emily Watson
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:20:26 GMT
A zoom-in shot of golden-brown baked potatoes, topped with herbs and a sprinkle of cheese, presented in a serving dish. Pin it
A zoom-in shot of golden-brown baked potatoes, topped with herbs and a sprinkle of cheese, presented in a serving dish. | thefamilycooks.com

Wow folks, I finally jumped on the bandwagon and made those TikTok Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes everyone keeps talking about, and let me tell you, they live up to all the buzz! My house filled with the most amazing smell while they cooked, and that cheesy crust? Absolutely incredible! I've whipped them up three times this week, and my family won't stop asking for them again.

Behind the Scenes of this Internet Phenomenon

I'll admit when this recipe first exploded online, I wondered if it was just hype. But after watching countless videos and seeing so many excited comments about these potatoes, I couldn't resist trying them. Now I totally get why they've racked up millions of views! They hit that sweet spot between fancy-looking and dead simple that makes you feel like a total kitchen rock star.

Your Shopping List

  • Baby Yukon Golds: These small potatoes work amazingly well don't swap them out!
  • Premium Olive Oil: Time to break out the fancy bottle you've been saving.
  • Flavor Boosters: Nothing complicated just dried parsley, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
  • Butter: Go for unsalted so we can tweak the saltiness ourselves.
  • Parmigiano Reggiano: Don't cut corners here! The authentic stuff makes these truly special.

Creating Kitchen Miracles

Getting Your Potatoes Ready
Slice those adorable little potatoes in half, then grab a sharp knife to make some diagonal cuts across the top. My kid loves helping with this step just mind those tiny fingers!
Flavor Time
Mix everything in your largest bowl. Don't be shy about using your hands every potato needs that delicious coating!
Cheese Foundation
Now for the fun part stir that parmesan with melted butter until it looks somewhat like damp sand. Spread it out evenly because you want every potato to have that amazing crispy bottom.
Oven Arrangement
Set each potato cut-side down and press them firmly. This step can't be skipped if you want that fantastic cheese crust everyone raves about.
Cool Down Period
Let them sit for 10 minutes after baking. It feels like forever, but it's crucial for that perfect crispy texture!

Insider Tricks

After cooking these way too often, I've picked up some secrets. Make sure to really push those potatoes into the cheese mixture that's how you get that photo-worthy crust. And those little knife marks on top? They trap all the seasonings and get extra crunchy. Absolute potato heaven!

Tasty Variations

I love playing around with this recipe! Last time I tried a combo of parmesan and Gruyère totally amazing! And adding a bit of smoked paprika on top? Takes them to another level. My neighbor tossed in fresh rosemary from her backyard, and now I can't choose which version I prefer.

The Appeal Factor

These potatoes are basically happiness on a plate they're crunchy, buttery, and completely satisfying! They work for fancy dinner parties but they're easy enough for an ordinary weeknight meal. And flipping them over to reveal that golden cheese crust? That's what I call a kitchen win!

Pairing Suggestions

We enjoy these with a nice steak or chicken, but honestly? They're fantastic all by themselves! I've put them out at gatherings with some garlic aioli for dipping, and guests can't stay away from the tray. At our last dinner party, they vanished before we even served the main dish!

Storing Any Extras

If you somehow manage to have some left over, keep them in the fridge up to three days. Just warm them in the oven or air fryer to get them crispy again. Whatever you do, don't use the microwave unless you want disappointing, soft potatoes!

Why They're So Popular

What makes these potatoes so special is how straightforward they are good ingredients plus a few smart techniques equals incredible results! No wonder they took social media by storm everyone wants a simple recipe that looks and tastes like restaurant food. Just know that once you make them, you'll become the potato expert at every get-together!

A tray of golden, crispy potato halves, coated in breadcrumbs and garnished with parsley, sits on a wooden surface. Pin it
A tray of golden, crispy potato halves, coated in breadcrumbs and garnished with parsley, sits on a wooden surface. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use Yukon Gold potatoes specifically?
Yukon Golds taste buttery and have a smooth texture that's perfect for this dish. They're waxy enough to keep their shape while getting crispy on the bottom. The small size means they cook evenly throughout.
→ Why do we score the potatoes?
Making cuts lets seasonings reach more potato surface and helps butter and cheese seep into the grooves. This gives you extra crunch and makes sure flavor gets into every bite.
→ Is the 10-minute rest time necessary?
Yes, you need this cooling time so the cheese can set and form a proper crust. If you skip it, your cheese layer might pull away from the potatoes when you serve them.
→ Can I use pre-grated parmesan?
Fresh Parmigiano Reggiano works best because it melts nicer and tastes way better. Store-bought grated cheese often has additives that stop it from melting right and forming that tasty crust.
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
These potatoes taste best right out of the oven when the cheese is still crispy. You can warm up leftovers, but they won't be as crunchy as when they're freshly made.

Cheesy Golden Potatoes

Baby Yukon gold potatoes cut and roasted over melted cheese and butter, making a delicious crunchy bottom layer with soft insides.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 Small Yukon Gold Potatoes, cut in half (1 pound).
02 Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons).
03 Dried Parsley Flakes (1 tablespoon).
04 Garlic Powder Seasoning (1 tablespoon).
05 Sea Salt Crystals (1/2 teaspoon).
06 Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon).
07 Melted Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup).
08 Freshly Shredded Parmigiano Reggiano (1 1/2 cups).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat your oven to 425°F. Cut the potatoes in half after washing them, then cut small diagonal marks on the flat sides.

Step 02

Combine the halved potatoes with olive oil and all dry seasonings in a bowl, making sure they're completely covered.

Step 03

Stir the shredded parmesan together with melted butter until it forms a thick mixture. Layer it across the bottom of your dish.

Step 04

Set the potatoes with cut sides facing down onto the cheese layer and push them down slightly.

Step 05

Pop in the oven for 25-26 minutes, then let sit for 10 minutes so the cheese gets firm before you serve.

Notes

  1. Those diagonal cuts help the flavors sink into your potatoes better.
  2. Don't use pre-packaged cheese - only fresh grated parm will work properly.
  3. You can't skip the 10-minute cooling time if you want that perfect cheese crust.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven-safe dish.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Cheese grater.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk products.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 8 g