Name: Cheesy Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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These Cheesy Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes transform humble spuds into a spectacular side dish that's crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and smothered in melted cheese. The combination of aromatic herbs and garlic creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Crispy, golden potatoes with perfectly melted cheese create the ultimate comfort food experience
Simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort
Versatile side dish that pairs well with almost any main course
Makes an impressive presentation despite the easy preparation
Can be customized with different herbs and cheese combinations
Perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts
Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly
The heavenly aroma of roasting garlic and herbs will fill your kitchen

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Baby potatoes are the star of this dish with their creamy interiors and thin skins that crisp up beautifully. Their small size means faster cooking and more surface area for that delicious golden crunch. You can substitute regular potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks if needed.

Olive oil helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior while adding a subtle flavor. It also helps the herbs and seasonings adhere to the potatoes. You can use avocado oil as an alternative for its high smoke point.

Garlic infuses the potatoes with its aromatic pungency that mellows and sweetens during roasting. Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, but granulated garlic can work in a pinch (reduce the amount by half).

Dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley create a classic, aromatic blend that pairs perfectly with potatoes. The dried versions work wonderfully in the high heat of the oven. Feel free to use Italian seasoning as a convenient substitute.

Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors of the potatoes and herbs. Kosher salt works particularly well for its ability to draw out moisture and create crispier exteriors.

Mozzarella cheese adds that irresistible melty, stretchy texture that creates the perfect cheese pull. Its mild flavor allows the herbs and garlic to shine through.

Parmesan cheese brings a savory, nutty quality that adds depth and an extra dimension of flavor. It also helps create those delicious crispy cheese bits everyone fights over.

Fresh parsley brightens up the dish with color and a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the cheese and potatoes. It's the perfect finishing touch.

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Spread the potatoes evenly on the prepared baking sheet, cut side down for extra crispiness.
Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the potatoes.
Return to the oven and roast for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot for maximum deliciousness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 6 generous servings at approximately 280 calories per serving. It's perfect as a side dish for a family dinner or small gathering.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Add diced sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and use feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a Mediterranean twist.

Loaded Potato Style: Top with crumbled chives, and a dollop of sour cream for a loaded baked potato inspiration.

Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the herb mix for a spicy kick. Consider using pepper jack cheese for extra heat.

Ranch-Inspired: Mix in 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning with the herbs for a tangy, zesty flavor profile.

Breakfast Potatoes: Add bell peppers and onions before roasting, then top with cheese and serve with fried eggs for a hearty breakfast.

Smoky Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the herb mixture for a deep, smoky flavor.

Tex-Mex Style: Use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, then garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime after baking.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover cheesy potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cheese may solidify when cold, but this won't affect the flavor when reheated.

Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended as the texture of the potatoes can become mealy and the cheese may separate upon thawing.

Reheating in the Oven: For best results, reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. This method helps maintain the crispy texture.

Reheating in the Microwave: For quick reheating, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, though the potatoes will lose some of their crispiness.

Air Fryer Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes for a crispy exterior similar to freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the potatoes without cheese up to a day ahead. Store them in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes before adding cheese and finishing as directed in the recipe.

What's the best type of potato to use for this recipe?

Baby potatoes or fingerlings work best because of their creamy texture and thin skins. Yukon Golds or red potatoes are excellent alternatives. Russets can work too, though they'll have a fluffier interior.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! If using fresh herbs, triple the amount called for in the recipe. Add most of them before roasting, but reserve some to sprinkle on top after baking for a fresh flavor and attractive presentation.

Why are my potatoes not getting crispy?

Several factors could affect crispiness: overcrowding the baking sheet (potatoes need space), not enough oil, or an oven that's not hot enough. Make sure to place them cut-side down and don't be tempted to stir them too early in the roasting process.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply substitute the cheeses with your favorite vegan alternatives. Vegan mozzarella and nutritional yeast (instead of Parmesan) work well. Just check that your vegan cheese melts properly for the best results.

What main dishes pair well with these potatoes?

These versatile potatoes complement nearly any protein: roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked fish. They're also substantial enough to serve alongside a simple green salad for a lighter meal.

How can I tell when the potatoes are done?

The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork, with golden-brown, crispy exteriors. The interior should be soft and tender, not hard or crunchy.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! Cheddar, Gruyere, fontina, or provolone would all be delicious substitutions or additions. For a sharper flavor, increase the Parmesan or add some aged gouda.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Mincing the garlic and mixing it thoroughly with the oil helps protect it from direct heat. If you're concerned about burning, you can add the garlic halfway through the roasting time instead of at the beginning.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Use two baking sheets rather than crowding one to ensure proper crisping. Rotate the pans halfway through cooking for even browning.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. The contrast between the crispy exterior and fluffy interior of the potatoes, enhanced by aromatic herbs and crowned with melted cheese, makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether served as a side dish for a holiday feast or as part of a casual weeknight dinner, these potatoes bring comfort and satisfaction to any meal. The recipe's versatility means you can adapt it to suit your taste preferences or what's available in your pantry.

Make these roasted potatoes once, and they're bound to become a regular feature in your cooking repertoire. There's something undeniably satisfying about the humble potato transformed into a dish that's both homey and impressive at the same time.