Crispy, golden potato halves with a buttery garlic-Parmesan crust and fluffy centres. These easy oven-roasted potatoes make a delicious side dish for chicken, steak or burgers.
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 35–45 minutes Servings: 4
Ingredients
-
700–800 g small potatoes, preferably baby potatoes
-
3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
-
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
-
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 tsp paprika
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
½ tsp salt, or to taste
-
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the potatoes
Preheat the oven to 200°C (or 190°C fan). Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them in half lengthwise. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
2. Make the garlic-Parmesan coating
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper and salt.
Mix the grated Parmesan with a little of this oil mixture, reserving the rest for the potatoes.
3. Arrange on the baking tray
-
Line a baking tray with baking paper or lightly grease it.
-
Spread the Parmesan mixture over the tray in small patches where the cut sides of the potatoes will sit.
-
Brush or toss the potato halves with the remaining garlic oil.
-
Arrange them cut-side down over the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently.
4. Roast until golden
Bake for 35–45 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes, until tender inside and deeply golden underneath.
Avoid moving them during the first 30 minutes so the cheese crust has time to form.
5. Serve
Allow the potatoes to rest for 2–3 minutes, then carefully lift them from the tray with a thin spatula. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips for extra-crispy potatoes
-
Dry potatoes well: Excess moisture prevents crisping.
-
Use finely grated Parmesan: It creates a more even, crunchy crust.
-
Don’t overcrowd the tray: Leave space between the potatoes.
-
For extra garlic flavour: Add a small amount of garlic powder along with the fresh garlic.
-
For a spicy kick: Sprinkle with chilli flakes before serving.
Serving suggestions
These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, burgers, roasted vegetables or a creamy garlic dip.
Quick tip: For the crispiest result, use a metal baking tray and place the potatoes on the lower-middle oven rack.
