Name: Roasted Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy on the inside, golden and crisp on the outside, and loaded with roasted garlic, butter, and nutty Parmesan — these Roasted Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes are pure comfort in every bite. They make a weekday dinner feel like a special occasion and a simple side dish taste like a showstopper. Here’s a fun fact: garlic roasted at high heat mellows and takes on a caramel-like sweetness, which transforms humble baby potatoes into something truly addictive. If you love easy, crowd-pleasing recipes, this one checks every box — quick to prep, forgiving to cook, and adored by kids and adults alike. For another take on this flavor profile, check out this spin on a similar favorite: Roasted Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes. Ready to roast? Let’s dig in!

What is Roasted Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes?

What’s in a name? Plenty — and a promise. Roasted Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes are exactly what they sound like: baby potatoes roasted until tender and crispy, tossed in a garlic-butter mixture, then finished with salty Parmesan and bright parsley. Who named it? Probably someone who wanted to make dinner irresistible — after all, isn’t it often said that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” How could you resist a plate that smells like melted butter and roasted garlic? Try this recipe and see how fast it disappears at the table.

Why You’ll Love This

First, the highlight: every potato gets a caramelized cut-side that’s crispy while the interior stays pillowy soft — thanks to the butter-olive oil combo and high oven heat. Second, making this at home saves money compared to restaurant sides and is easy to scale up for guests. Third, the flavor trio of roasted garlic, rich butter, and sharp Parmesan creates layers of taste that keep you reaching for seconds. Compared to similar recipes like a browned-butter variation, this version balances richness with bright parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Trust me — you’ll want to make these for dinner and for company.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward and satisfying. Prep is quick — just halving potatoes and whisking a simple garlic-butter dressing — and roasting takes care of the rest. Expect a delicious contrast of textures: creamy centers, crispy golden edges, and a savory Parmesan finish. Total time: about 10 minutes prep, 30 to 35 minutes roast, roughly 45 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until well blended.
Add the halved baby potatoes to the bowl and toss until every piece is well coated in the buttery garlic mixture.
Sprinkle in half of the Parmesan cheese and mix again so the cheese adheres to the potatoes.
Arrange the potatoes cut-side down on the prepared tray in a single layer. This helps create a crisp, golden sear on the cut surface.
Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cut sides are golden brown and crispy and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan evenly over the potatoes, and let them sit for 2 minutes to slightly melt.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Roasted Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes

What to Serve With

These potatoes pair beautifully with a main protein and a fresh green. Try them with roasted chicken, pan-seared salmon, or a simple steak. For a balanced plate, serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon. Need a sauce? A dollop of garlic aioli, sour cream, or a tangy chimichurri all play well. For drinks, a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager complements the richness.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Choose evenly sized baby potatoes so they cook uniformly.
Cut potatoes with the flat side down for maximum crispiness.
Don’t skip the melted butter — it helps the garlic brown and the Parmesan stick.
If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes. For more kick, add freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch more chili.
To make the Parmesan extra toasty, sprinkle it on during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
Avoid overcrowding the pan. Give potatoes space so air circulates and they crisp instead of steam.
If you want a crispier finish, after roasting, transfer pan to broil for 2 minutes while watching closely.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration instructions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing instructions: While cooked potatoes can be frozen, they lose some texture; freeze only if necessary in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag and use within 1 month. Best reheating: Reheat in a 200°C (400°F) oven for 8 to 10 minutes to restore crispiness, or use an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the exterior crisp — microwaves will make them soft.

FAQs

Can I use larger potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes — cut larger potatoes into evenly sized pieces so they roast at the same rate. You may need to add a few extra minutes of cook time.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the butter with additional olive oil or a dairy-free butter, and omit or replace the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a savory finish.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Using minced garlic mixed into the butter-olive oil helps protect it during roasting. If you prefer, roast whole garlic cloves separately until soft and then mash and mix them with the butter after roasting.

Can I make the potatoes ahead of time?
You can par-boil or partially roast the potatoes ahead and finish them in the oven just before serving. This saves time while preserving crispiness.

Are these potatoes gluten-free?
Yes. The recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, but always check labels on any replaced ingredients like seasonings or cheese if you need strict gluten-free certification.

Conclusion

These Roasted Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes are a reliable, delicious side that elevates any meal with minimal effort. They’re easy enough for weeknights, tasty enough for guests, and flexible for dietary swaps. If you enjoyed this version and want another twist on garlic and Parmesan roasted potatoes, check out this related recipe for inspiration: Garlic and Parmesan Roasted Red Potatoes. Give them a try, share them at your next family dinner, and watch them disappear!