These Parmesan Garlic Butter Red Potatoes are a tasty side dish that everyone will love. Soft, buttery potatoes mixed with garlic and sprinkled with cheese make each bite delicious!
I usually roast them until golden and crispy. They pair perfectly with steak or chicken, but honestly, I could eat them alone. Who can resist butter and cheese? Yum! 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Potatoes: These potatoes are great for roasting due to their thin skin and waxy texture. If you don’t have red potatoes, you can use Yukon Gold or new potatoes as they hold up well during cooking.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based butter alternative or olive oil for a different flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here for that strong flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder. Keep in mind that 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder is roughly equivalent to one clove of garlic.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a non-dairy substitute, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor, or you can use pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
How Do You Get those Potatoes Crispy and Golden?
The secret to achieving crispy, golden potatoes lies in the roasting process, and it starts with parboiling them. This helps soften the potatoes while ensuring they get a nice outer crust when roasted.
- Boil the halved potatoes until just tender, about 10-12 minutes. This makes them cook evenly in the oven.
- After boiling, toss them in the melted garlic butter mixture while they’re still hot. This enhances the flavor.
- Spread the potatoes on a lined baking sheet, making sure they have space in between. Crowding them can lead to steaming rather than roasting.
- Turn the potatoes halfway through cooking for even crispiness. This will help achieve that perfect golden-brown color!

How to Make Parmesan Garlic Butter Red Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds red potatoes, washed and halved
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for roasting)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for prep, 12 minutes for boiling the potatoes, and 25 minutes for roasting. So, in total, you’ll spend around 45 minutes preparing and cooking these delicious potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the potatoes roast nicely and become crispy.
2. Boil the Potatoes:
Take a large pot and place the halved red potatoes inside. Cover them with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, let the potatoes cook for about 10-12 minutes until they are just tender (they should not be falling apart). After cooking, drain the potatoes and set them aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the butter and let it infuse for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
4. Toss the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the parboiled potatoes with the garlic butter mixture, salt, black pepper, and olive oil (if you’re using it). Make sure the potatoes are well coated with the flavors.
5. Spread on a Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Spread the potato mixture evenly on the baking sheet, ensuring the potatoes have space between them for proper roasting.
6. Roast the Potatoes:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the potatoes for about 20-25 minutes, turning them once halfway through the cooking time. They should look golden and crispy when done.
7. Add the Toppings:
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the hot potatoes. Toss gently to make sure they are evenly coated.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These flavorful Parmesan Garlic Butter Red Potatoes are best served warm. Enjoy them as a delicious side dish with your favorite meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While red potatoes are ideal for their texture, you can substitute with Yukon Gold or new potatoes. Just make sure they are similar in size for even cooking.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove of garlic needed.
How to Store Leftover Parmesan Garlic Butter Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so in the oven or a skillet for that crispy texture, rather than the microwave.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the potatoes, toss them in the garlic butter, and store them in the fridge for up to a day before roasting. Just allow them to come to room temperature before placing them in the oven for roasting.



