These creamy garlic parmesan potatoes are pure comfort food magic – tender spuds in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s impossible to resist.
Quick Answer: Make garlic parmesan creamy potatoes by boiling Yukon Gold potatoes until tender, then combining them with a sauce of heavy cream, minced garlic, grated parmesan, and butter. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thick and creamy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American/Italian Fusion
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: Vegetarian
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly creamy texture with bold garlic and parmesan flavors
- Simple one-pot preparation with minimal cleanup
- Perfect side dish for any protein or main course
- Budget-friendly comfort food
- Great for holiday meals and special occasions
Quick Benefits
These garlic parmesan creamy potatoes combine everyday ingredients into an extraordinary side dish. The velvety sauce clings perfectly to each potato piece, while fresh garlic and aged parmesan create an irresistible flavor combination.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced or 4 large cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose or plain flour
- 4 cups milk (skim, 2%, or full fat)
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder or Kosher salt
- 1 pinch salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes or Russets, peeled and sliced 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thick
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, divided
Instructions
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux.
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Gradually whisk in the milk, about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking well between additions to keep the sauce lump-free. Bring to a gentle boil and cook until slightly thickened. Stir in the chicken bouillon powder, a pinch of salt (if needed), and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer in the baking dish. Pour over half of the cream sauce, then top with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheeses.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. For extra crispness, broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely. Garnish with fresh chives and serve warm.
You Must Know
- Don’t overcook the potatoes – they should be tender but hold their shape
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting and flavor
- Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding more cream
- Heavy cream works best – half-and-half may separate
- Stir gently to avoid breaking up the potatoes
Serving Suggestions
- Grilled steak or roasted chicken
- Pan-seared fish
- Roasted vegetables
- Crusty bread for sauce-soaking
- Green salad with vinaigrette
Creative Variations
- Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and crunch
- Incorporate roasted garlic instead of fresh for a mellower taste
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist
- Add spinach or kale for color and nutrition
Cultural Notes
This recipe combines classic American comfort food with Italian flavors. While creamy potatoes have long been a staple of American home cooking, the addition of parmesan cheese and Italian herbs creates a delicious fusion dish that bridges both culinary traditions.
Pro Tips
- Use room temperature cream to prevent sauce from breaking
- Reserve some potato cooking water to adjust sauce consistency
- Toast garlic in butter until just golden for best flavor
- Let potatoes steam dry briefly after draining
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make garlic parmesan creamy potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare up to 2 hours ahead and keep warm in a slow cooker on low setting.
Q: What’s the best potato variety to use?
A: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their buttery flavor and ability to hold shape.
Q: Can I use pre-grated parmesan?
A: Fresh-grated parmesan is strongly recommended as it melts better and has superior flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
A: Use full-fat heavy cream and avoid boiling the sauce once the cheese is added.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Not recommended as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
Health Benefits
While garlic parmesan creamy potatoes are an indulgent dish, potatoes provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Garlic offers immune-boosting compounds, and parmesan provides calcium and protein. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced meal.
Nutrition
(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 520 • Carbs: 45g • Protein: 12g • Fat: 35g • Sodium: 580mg
Notes
For best results, serve these creamy potatoes immediately while the sauce is at its perfect consistency.
Garlic Parmesan Creamy Potatoes
These creamy garlic parmesan potatoes are pure comfort food magic - tender spuds in a rich, cheesy sauce that's impossible to resist.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- For best results, serve these creamy potatoes immediately while the sauce is at its perfect consistency.