These Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins are everything you want in a simple yet impressive side dish or appetizer. They’re deeply golden, perfectly crisp on the outside, tender inside, and coated with fragrant garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Finished with fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of parmesan, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort and uses simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for holidays, game day, or weeknight dinners, these potato skins are baked — not fried — but still incredibly crunchy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
- Perfectly matches crispy roasted potato skins like in the image
- Baked until deep golden and crunchy, not soggy
- Garlic and herbs add big flavor without heaviness
- Can be made with or without cheese
- Naturally gluten-free
- Works as an appetizer, side dish, or snack
- Easy to customize with different seasonings
- No complicated prep or special equipment needed
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
- 2–3 tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Scrub the potatoes clean and pat dry. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork and bake directly on the oven rack for 45–50 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Step 3: Slice the Potatoes
Allow the potatoes to cool slightly. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Gently scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato inside the skins for structure and texture.
Step 4: Season
Place the potato skins on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up. Brush generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs.
Step 5: Roast Until Crispy
Flip the skins cut-side down and roast for 15 minutes. Flip again, cut-side up, and roast for another 10–15 minutes, until deeply golden and crisp.
Step 6: Optional Cheese Finish
If using parmesan, sprinkle it over the skins during the last 5 minutes of roasting so it melts lightly and crisps without burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot.
Cooking Notes
- Do not scoop the potatoes completely clean , leaving a thin layer helps crisping.
- Roasting cut-side down first is essential for maximum crunch.
- Garlic should be finely minced so it roasts without burning.
- Use russet potatoes for the crispiest skins.
- Always serve immediately for best texture.
Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Skins: Add shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar in the last 5 minutes.
- Spicy Version: Sprinkle with chili flakes or cayenne before roasting.
- Herb-Forward: Use fresh rosemary or thyme instead of dried herbs.
- Butter Finish: Brush with melted butter instead of olive oil for richer flavor.
- Smoky: Add smoked paprika for a deeper roasted taste.
- Vegan Option: Skip cheese and finish with nutritional yeast.
Tips for Perfect Potato Skins
- Dry the potato skins well before oiling to avoid steaming.
- Use a high oven temperature for proper browning.
- Space skins apart on the tray so they roast, not steam.
- Add cheese only at the end to prevent burning.
- Fresh herbs should always be added after baking, not before.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a side dish with steak, chicken, or burgers.
- Pair with sour cream, garlic aioli, or ranch dip.
- Add to a holiday appetizer board.
- Serve alongside soups or stews for extra crunch.
- Perfect for game day snacks or casual gatherings.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 230 calories – 4g protein – 10g fat – 30g carbs
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
They’re best served fresh, but you can roast them once and re-crisp in the oven at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
Can I use other potatoes?
Yes, but russet potatoes give the crispiest result.
Why aren’t my skins crispy?
Likely too crowded on the pan or not roasted at high enough heat.
Can I air fry them?
Yes — air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.
Conclusion
These Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins are proof that simple ingredients can create bold, irresistible results. With their golden crunch, savory garlic flavor, and fresh herb finish, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. Whether you serve them as a party appetizer or a comforting side dish, this recipe delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every time.