Name: Crispy Potato Stacks with Garlic Herb Butter
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (or any waxy potato), peeled; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme); 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary); Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Optional: finely grated parmesan or gruyere cheese for topping

Why You’ll Love Crispy Potato Stacks with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

The stacks bake up with beautiful crisp edges and a soft, creamy interior — a nice textural contrast.
Garlic-herb butter infuses the potatoes with rich, savory flavor, elevated by fresh herbs and Parmesan.
They serve as neat individual portions, which makes plating easy and elegant.
Great for entertaining or holiday meals — they look special without requiring overly complicated techniques.

Ingredients

“For the garlic herb butter:”
½ cup (114 g) unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon kosher salt (use 2 teaspoons if using a salt brand with lighter crystals)
Black pepper to taste

“For the Potato Stacks:”
3 lb (about 1360 g) yellow or Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced about 1/16″ thick
12–18 small sprigs of fresh thyme
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Neutral oil (for brushing the muffin tin)

“To finish:”
Flaky salt (such as Maldon salt) for sprinkling before serving

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

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190 °C). Lightly brush a 12-cup muffin tin with neutral oil.
Melt the butter and stir in the garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let cool slightly.
Slice the potatoes about 1/16″ thick using a mandolin or sharp knife.
Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl and toss with the garlic-herb butter until fully coated.
In each muffin cup, place a small thyme sprig at the bottom, then layer the buttered potato slices.
Sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese about ⅓ and ⅔ of the way up the stack.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until tender.
Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220 °C). Uncover and bake for another 13–15 minutes until crispy and golden.
Use a skewer or knife to gently lift the stacks. Flip upside down so the thyme is on top, sprinkle with flaky salt, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Serves 12–18 stacks
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use different herbs like rosemary or oregano for a new flavor profile.
Swap yellow potatoes with red, russet, or even sweet potatoes.
Add extra Parmesan or try other cheeses for a cheesier version.
Make ahead by partially baking the stacks and finishing them just before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place stacks on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 350°F (175 °C) oven for 10–15 minutes.
Alternatively, reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to revive crispiness.

FAQs

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for slices about 1/16″ (1.5 mm) thick to ensure even cooking. Use a mandolin for best results.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

No peeling required. Thin-skinned potatoes like Yukon Gold work well and add a rustic look.

What type of potatoes work best?

Yellow or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and ability to crisp up nicely.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the herb butter to prevent oversalting.

Can I substitute other herbs?

Yes. Try rosemary, oregano, or a blend of fresh herbs based on your preference.

Is there a way to make these ahead of time?

You can partially bake them ahead and finish in the oven right before serving.

Will the potato slices turn brown if prepped ahead?

If coated in garlic-herb butter quickly after slicing, browning is minimized.

Can I make these without a muffin tin?

A muffin tin gives the best results, but you can use a baking dish; just expect softer edges.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended as potatoes may become watery or mealy once thawed.

How many stacks per person should I plan for?

Plan on 2–3 stacks per person when serving as a side dish.

Conclusion

Crispy Potato Stacks with Garlic Herb Butter are a stunning and satisfying addition to any meal. With buttery layers, crisp golden edges, and a flavorful herb finish, they offer gourmet appeal with surprisingly little effort. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, these potato stacks will always impress.