Introduction

Crispy Potato Stacks are a delightful way to elevate simple potatoes into an elegant side dish. With layers of thinly sliced potatoes infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and butter, baked until golden and crispy, they make a perfect accompaniment for any meal. Whether for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, these stacks combine texture and flavor beautifully.

The image shows four small stacks of thinly sliced potatoes cooked to a golden brown with crispy edges, arranged closely together on a round white plate. Each stack has about 10 to 12 layers of slightly browned potato slices with herbs and melted cheese visible between the layers. On top of each stack, there is a small sprig of fresh green rosemary as garnish. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a softly blurry background that has warm lighting, giving a cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 large Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Olive oil (for greasing the pan)

Optional toppings: lightly beaten egg (for binding), panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with olive oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Silicone molds on a baking sheet work well too.

Step 2: 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 under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 3: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat, then stir in the chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, chives, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Dip each potato slice into the warm garlic herb butter, coating fully. Begin layering the slices vertically in each muffin cup, overlapping slightly like flower petals to create a tight spiral. Press gently after each slice to compact the stack. Use 6–8 slices per stack depending on size.

Step 5: Brush the tops of the stacks with remaining garlic herb butter. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and an extra pinch of salt and pepper if desired.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 40–50 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through for even browning. The stacks are done when golden brown and crispy on the edges, and tender inside.

Step 7: Allow the stacks to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Use a small spatula or butter knife to loosen the edges, then carefully lift out the stacks onto a serving platter.

Step 8: Drizzle with a little extra melted garlic butter and garnish with fresh chives or microgreens. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips & Variations

Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices to ensure consistent cooking.

Thoroughly dry the potato slices after rinsing to maximize crispiness.

For extra crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top before baking or broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.

Add cheese such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar between layers for a gooey twist.

Mix smoked paprika and chipotle in adobo into the butter for a smoky, spicy flavor.

Try swapping fresh herbs: dill and lemon zest for a spring feel or sage and nutmeg for autumn.

Use sweet potatoes instead for a naturally sweet and colorful variation.

For vegan stacks, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

FAQs

Can I prepare the potato stacks in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the stacks a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for the best crispiness.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?

Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but reduce the amount since they are more concentrated. Fresh herbs provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

Dinner

Crispy Potato Stacks with Garlic Herb Butter and Parmesan Recipe