Description
Crispy Potato Stacks with Garlic Herb Butter are an elegant and flavorful side dish featuring thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes layered vertically in muffin tins and baked until golden and crispy. Infused with fresh garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives, these stacks have a rich buttery flavor and crispy edges. Optional additions like Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs add umami and crunch, making these stacks an irresistible gourmet treat for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 large Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
Garlic Herb Butter
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for binding)
- Panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 6-cup standard muffin tin or line it with parchment paper or silicone molds to ensure easy removal of the stacks after baking.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them into 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick rounds using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. Rinse the slices thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, then dry them completely with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to ensure crispiness.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, chives, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful infused butter.
- Layer the Stacks: Lightly brush each potato slice with the warm garlic herb butter, ensuring even coating. Begin layering the slices vertically in each muffin cup, overlapping them slightly in a tight spiral like flower petals. Press gently after each addition to compact the stack. Use about 6–8 slices per stack depending on the size of your muffin cups.
- Brush and Season: Once all the stacks are assembled, brush the tops with the remaining garlic herb butter. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch more salt and pepper if desired. For extra stability and binding, drizzle a little beaten egg between layers or on top of each stack.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even browning. The stacks are done when they are golden brown, crispy on the edges, and tender enough that a knife inserts easily in the center.
- Cool Slightly & Release: Allow the stacks to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, carefully run a small offset spatula or butter knife around the edges to loosen each stack, and gently lift them onto a serving platter.
- Garnish & Serve: Drizzle with additional warm garlic butter if desired, garnish with fresh chives or microgreens, and serve immediately while hot and crispy. Optional sour cream or aioli on the side complements the dish well.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniform potato slices to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Dry potatoes thoroughly after rinsing to avoid sogginess.
- Do not overfill muffin cups; leave about ¼ inch at the top for expansion.
- For extra crispiness, broil the stacks for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil, ghee, or vegan butter for different flavor profiles or dietary needs.
- These stacks can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated, then baked fresh to maintain texture.
- Make gluten-free by omitting breadcrumbs or using certified gluten-free panko.
- Leftover stacks freeze well; reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
- For a vegan version, replace butter with vegan butter or olive oil, omit cheese, and add nutritional yeast if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crispy potato stacks, garlic herb butter, baked potatoes, side dish, rosemary potatoes, Parmesan potato stacks, mashed potato alternative, gourmet potato recipe
