If you’re searching for a side dish that will have everyone fighting over the last bite, these Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs are basically irresistible. Imagine crisp, golden potato bottoms, an explosion of herby, cheesy flavor, and a bright zesty finish—you’ll want to serve these with absolutely everything!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievable Crispiness: The cheesy crust delivers an epic crunch every single time, thanks to the unique pan method and store-bought grated Parmesan.
- Big Flavor, Easy Prep: Garlic powder, herbs, and lemon zest offer knockout flavor—no need to fuss with fresh garlic or complicated steps!
- Gorgeous Presentation: These potatoes flip to reveal a golden, lacy bottom that’s made for showing off (and devouring).
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance if you like, then simply roast right before serving—perfect for holidays or weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs? Every ingredient is easy to find, but each one brings something magical—flavor, color, or that coveted crunchy texture. Here’s how everything comes together!
- Baby gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and thin skins make for pillowy centers and extra crunch—plus, they look beautiful halved.
- Salted butter: Used both for tossing the potatoes and coating the pan, it helps carry all that savory flavor and creates golden, crispy edges.
- Garlic powder: This sneaky ingredient amps up the garlicky punch without risk of burning like fresh garlic.
- Dried oregano: Earthy and herbal, it complements both the potatoes and the cheesy Parmesan topping.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Don’t skimp—these are essential for drawing out all the flavors.
- Pre-grated store-bought Parmesan (from the refrigerator section): The secret to that perfect crispy, golden-cheesy crust. Grate your own and you’ll miss the magic!
- Roasted garlic whipped feta dip (optional): Totally not required, but highly recommended for a creamy, tangy accompaniment.
- Lemon zest: Adds a burst of sunshine—so fresh against the rich, salty crust!
- Fresh parsley & dill: The finishing “pop” of green and herby flavor that ties the whole thing together.
- Flaky sea salt: The final flourish—think Maldon or another flaky variety for that restaurant-style touch.
Variations
One of the joys of this recipe is just how easy it is to tweak for your mood, your pantry, or any dietary restrictions. Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs are totally customizable—here are some of my favorite riffs on the classic!
- Make it dairy-free: Use vegan butter and your favorite dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. The crispy magic still happens—promise!
- Switch up the herbs: Try rosemary, thyme, or even chives for a new flavor profile, depending on what you have or love.
- Go spicy: Add a big pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter or sprinkle chili powder with the herbs for a gentle kick.
- Try sweet potatoes: Swap in halved baby sweet potatoes for a sweeter, equally delish experience—they get gorgeously caramelized too!
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While that heats, halve your baby gold potatoes lengthwise and melt all your butter (both for tossing and for the pan). Having everything ready means your potatoes will hit the heat fast for the ultimate crisp!
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss your halved potatoes with a tablespoon of melted butter, garlic powder, oregano, kosher salt, and a flurry of freshly ground black pepper. Use tongs or clean hands to get every potato well coated so the seasonings stick to every little crevice.
Step 3: Pan Prep—Butter & Parmesan Magic
Grab a 9×13-inch glass baking dish (metal works too, but glass lets you peek at crispiness). Brush the bottom generously with melted butter, then sprinkle the pre-grated Parmesan evenly across. Don’t worry about perfection—the cheese will melt into a gorgeous base.
Step 4: Arrange & Bake
Arrange the potatoes cut-side down on top of the Parmesan, pressing them lightly in a single layer. Slide the dish into the oven and let them roast for 35–40 minutes, until the parmesan is golden and the potatoes are fork-tender. No peeking is necessary—the magic happens on its own!
Step 5: Flip & Finish
If you’re using the roasted garlic feta dip, spread it on a serving platter. Use a flexible turner to scoop up the potatoes, flipping each one crispy-side up onto the dip. Shower with lemon zest, fresh parsley, dill, and a dreamy sprinkle of flakey sea salt. Serve extra dip alongside for serious dipping joy!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs
- Parmesan Selection Secret: For maximum crunch and browning, always use pre-grated Parmesan from the refrigerator section. Homemade grated or shelf-stable cheese just can’t compete with that golden crust!
- Press, Don’t Crowd: Press each potato half firmly into the cheese layer and make sure they’re in a single layer—this ensures every potato gets its own crispy halo.
- Glass Pans Rule: A glass baking dish lets you check that the bottoms are beautifully golden before flipping (and helps you avoid burning those precious cheesy edges).
- Finish Fast, Serve Hot: Have garnishes ready so you can plate and serve immediately. The contrast of hot, crisp potato and cool, fresh herbs is everything!
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs
Garnishes
Brighten and elevate each bite by finishing with lemon zest, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and a flourish of fresh chopped parsley and dill. The herbs add color and freshness, while the lemon zest brings a gorgeous zing that makes the flavors pop.
Side Dishes
Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs play well with nearly everything! They’re knockout alongside roast chicken, grilled salmon, steak, or even as a decadent addition to a brunch spread. Don’t forget something creamy for dipping—like the whipped feta, sour cream, or tzatziki.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer over a swoosh of feta dip for dramatic effect or pile onto a rustic wooden board with extra lemon wedges and herb sprigs. For parties, serve mini skewers of potatoes for a playful, shareable snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll lose a bit of that original crisp, but don’t worry—they’re still fantastically flavorful (and, frankly, wonderful cold straight from the fridge!).
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs, the cheesy crust softens a bit upon thawing. If you do freeze them, make sure they’re fully cooled, then lay out on a sheet tray before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To revive that crispiness, reheat potatoes in a 400°F oven for 10–12 minutes on a parchment-lined tray. Skip the microwave if you want to preserve the crackly cheese base—your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
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Can I use freshly grated Parmesan instead of store-bought pre-grated?
It’s best to stick with refrigerated, pre-grated Parmesan from the grocery store. It’s drier and browns beautifully into a lacy crust, while freshly grated Parmesan often melts unevenly and can burn or turn soggy.
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How do I get every potato extra crispy?
Make sure each potato half is pressed firmly cut-side down into the Parm and butter layer, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Bake in a hot oven and serve immediately for maximum crunch!
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What’s the best way to prep these ahead?
You can assemble the potatoes up to the point right before roasting, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve—so easy for entertaining!
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Can I use a metal pan if I don’t have glass?
Absolutely! A metal pan works well, though you won’t be able to see the crust as it browns. Just be sure to check the bottoms at the 35-minute mark to ensure a golden finish and avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
Whenever a craving for something comforting and utterly delicious hits, you simply can’t go wrong with Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs. They’re one of those dishes you’ll want to make on repeat—easy enough for weeknights, irresistibly impressive for special occasions. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share with someone you love!
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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: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are a delightful side dish that pairs the richness of Parmesan with the zing of garlic, lemon, and herbs. Golden and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, they are a flavor-packed addition to any meal.
Ingredients
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
Pan:
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (2 ounces) pre-grated store-bought Parmesan cheese
Serving:
- Roasted garlic whipped feta dip, optional
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
- Flakey sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Prepare the pan:
- Roast the potatoes:
- Serve:
In a large bowl, add the halved potatoes, then pour over the melted butter, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently toss until well coated.
Add melted butter to a baking dish, spread evenly, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Place potatoes cut-side down on the cheese.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until tender and the cheese is golden brown.
Flip the potatoes onto a platter with feta dip, zest lemon, sprinkle herbs, and sea salt. Serve with remaining dip on the side.
Notes
- Use store-bought grated Parmesan from the refrigerated section.
- Check the full post for more serving suggestions and tips.
- Can be partially prepared ahead and baked when needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260 cal
- Sugar: 1.2g
- Sodium: Not provided
- Fat: 12.2g
- Saturated Fat: 7.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Not provided
- Trans Fat: Not provided
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Protein: 8.8g
- Cholesterol: Not provided
