Imagine golden, crunchy perfection on your plate—these Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs offer everything you crave in a comfort food side. With a cheesy crust, a fluffy center, and a burst of bright, herby flavor, this is the potato dish you’ll want to make for every gathering (or, let’s be honest, any day you need something irresistible!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Crunch: The bottom layer of store-bought Parmesan turns each potato into a golden, crispy sensation—no frying required!
- Bold, Bright Flavor: Garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs create lively flavor you’ll crave over and over.
- Effortless Elegance: These potatoes look impressive but require just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you serve them as a show-stopping holiday side or a cozy weeknight treat, they always steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs sing! Each ingredient is simple, yet plays a starring role in giving you that perfect crispy crust, tender middle, and big, bold finish. Don’t skip the details—every element adds something special!
- Baby gold potatoes: Their soft, creamy texture and smaller size make them ideal for a crispy crust and tender interior.
- Salted butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and helps every spice cling deliciously to each potato half.
- Garlic powder: Gives consistent garlicky depth that roasts beautifully into the potatoes.
- Dried oregano: Adds earthiness and brings lovely Mediterranean vibes to every bite.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: The essentials! Salt brings out all the flavors, while pepper gives a gentle bite.
- Store-bought, pre-grated Parmesan: The secret to the magic crust—don’t substitute with block Parmesan for this recipe!
- Roasted garlic whipped feta dip (optional): Whipped feta takes the whole experience up a notch (highly recommended!)
- Lemon zest: Lifts and brightens everything with fresh citrus zing.
- Fresh parsley and dill: These herbs add color and a fresh, herby finish.
- Flaky sea salt: The final sprinkle for a restaurant-style finish and crave-worthy flavor in every bite.
Variations
The beauty of Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs is just how versatile the recipe can be. Swap up the herbs, tweak the cheese, or dial up the heat—there are so many easy ways to make it your own, every time.
- Try Smoked Paprika: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the seasoning for a little warmth and color.
- Switch Up the Herbs: No parsley or dill? Basil, thyme, or rosemary all work beautifully—use what you have.
- Make It Spicy: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes with the seasoning for a bit of kick.
- Cheese Lover’s Version: Mix in a little pre-grated Asiago, Gruyère, or Pecorino Romano with the Parmesan for an extra-cheesy twist!
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Slice your baby gold potatoes in half lengthwise so each one has a broad, flat surface—perfect for absorbing all that buttery, garlicky goodness and getting super crispy as they bake.
Step 2: Toss with Flavor
In a large bowl, combine the potato halves, one tablespoon melted butter, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and plenty of black pepper. Toss gently (your hands work best!) until every piece is thoroughly coated. This is how you pack maximum flavor into every bite.
Step 3: Prep the Pan and Cheese
Drizzle your 9×13-inch glass baking dish (metal works too, but glass lets you peek at that gorgeous crust!) with two tablespoons of melted butter and spread it evenly with a brush. Next, sprinkle the store-bought grated Parmesan across the bottom—it should cover the pan in a thin, even layer. No need to press or spread; just scatter it as evenly as possible for that crave-worthy crispy base.
Step 4: Arrange & Bake
Set your seasoned potatoes cut-side down right onto the Parmesan layer, pressing each one lightly to make sure it’s in full contact with the cheese. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and roast for 35–40 minutes. The potatoes will become golden and tender, and the cheese will transform into a salty, lacy crust.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
If you’re using the whipped feta dip (which I absolutely urge you to try), spread some on a platter. Use a flexible spatula to lift each potato, flipping them cheese-crust side up onto the creamy dip. Top with lemon zest, a shower of fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Serve any remaining feta dip on the side, or simply enjoy the potatoes as is—the choice is yours!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs
- Cheese Selection Counts: Only use fridge-section pre-grated Parmesan for a perfectly lacy, golden crust—freshly grated or shelf-stable Parm just won’t crisp up the same way.
- Single Layer for Ultimate Crunch: Arrange potatoes cut-side down in a single, even layer to maximize that crunchy base—avoid stacking or crowding!
- Get That Golden Color: If you’re using a glass baking dish, check the crust color near the 35-minute mark. Don’t be afraid to roast a few minutes extra to get that irresistible caramelization.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Let the pan sit for 2-3 minutes out of the oven before flipping—this helps the cheese set into the ultimate crispy layer.
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs
Garnishes
I absolutely adore piling on lemon zest, chopped parsley and dill, and a finish of flaky sea salt for that “just-from-a-bistro” look and flavor. Not only do these garnishes add a burst of color and aroma, but they cut through the richness and make every bite pop!
Side Dishes
Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs pair up beautifully with juicy grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or a big green salad. They’re also heavenly alongside eggs for brunch, or as the ultimate upgrade for any holiday dinner spread. Trust me—they make every meal feel special!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spread a swoosh of whipped feta or Greek yogurt dip on a large platter and tumble the potatoes over top, cheese-crust up. Or, skewer them onto mini picks for an easy and hilarious finger-food appetizer at parties—their crispy tops are seriously snackable and a total conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover potatoes keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. That crispy crust might soften slightly, but the flavors get even richer—and they make a fabulous snack straight from the fridge or tossed onto a salad!
Freezing
Technically, you can freeze them, but for best results, freeze the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag or container. Reheat from frozen (or thawed) in a hot oven to encourage the crust to crisp up again—it won’t be as shatteringly crunchy as fresh, but they’re still absolutely delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 400°F oven or a toaster oven for about 10 minutes to perk up the crust. If you’re in a hurry, a quick stovetop skillet reheat over medium heat also brings the crispiness back nicely. Microwave only if you don’t mind a softer potato (still yummy, but not as crispy!).
FAQs
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Can I use shredded or block Parmesan instead of pre-grated Parmesan?
It’s best to stick with pre-grated Parmesan from the refrigerated section. The finer grind and added starches help create that signature crispy crust. Block Parm or shredded cheese won’t brown or crisp the same way, so you’ll miss the signature texture of these potatoes.
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Do I need to parboil the potatoes first?
No need! Baby gold potatoes roast up perfectly tender without precooking. The higher oven temp and cut-side-down method means you get creamy middles and crispy bottoms all at once—so you can skip the extra pot and step.
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Can I prep these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Prep right up until arranging the potatoes, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed. This makes the recipe a lifesaver for big gatherings or busy holiday meals.
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What’s the best dip to serve with Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs?
The roasted garlic whipped feta dip is absolutely worth it, adding cool and tangy creaminess to every crispy bite. You can also serve these potatoes with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even a garlicky aioli—whatever your favorite dipping sauce may be!
Final Thoughts
If you’re after that magic combo of crispy, cheesy, bright, and herbaceous, Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs absolutely deliver. Make them once and I promise, they’ll have a permanent spot in your side dish rotation—so go on, give them a try and prepare for rave reviews!
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Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Modern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are a flavorful side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. The combination of garlic, lemon, and herbs adds a delicious twist to classic roasted potatoes, making them a standout dish on any dinner table.
Ingredients
For the potatoes:
- 1 1/2 pounds baby gold potatoes, halved lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Lots of freshly ground black pepper
For the pan:
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (2 ounces) pre-grated store-bought Parmesan cheese (from the refrigerated section, do not grate yourself)
For serving:
- Roasted garlic whipped feta dip, optional but recommended
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
- Flakey sea salt, for sprinkling (I like Maldon)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl, add the halved potatoes, then pour over the melted butter, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- In a baking dish, spread melted butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Place potatoes cut-side down on the cheese.
- Roast the potatoes for 35-40 minutes until tender and cheese is golden.
- If using, serve upside down on roasted garlic feta dip, garnish with lemon zest, herbs, and sea salt.
Notes
- Use refrigerated grated parmesan cheese for best results.
- See full post for more serving ideas and tips.
- To make ahead, follow steps 2-4 and refrigerate before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 4, not including dip)
- Calories: 260 cal
- Sugar: 1.2g
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: 12.2g
- Saturated Fat: 7.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Protein: 8.8g
- Cholesterol: Not specified
