Garlic Potato Stacks Recipe – Crispy Layered Side Dish with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

Crispy, Buttery, and Beautifully Stacked

Garlic potato stacks are the kind of side dish that instantly elevates any meal. With their golden, crispy edges and tender, buttery centers, they’re as stunning to look at as they are satisfying to eat. Each stack is a delicate tower of thinly sliced potatoes, infused with garlic, herbs, and butter, then baked to perfection in a muffin tin for that irresistible crunch.

Inspired by recipes from Poppy Cooks, The Slow Roasted Italian, and Salt & Pepper Here, these stacks are a modern take on classic French Pommes Anna, reimagined for today’s home cook. They’re simple to prepare yet look impressively gourmet—making them perfect for holiday feasts, dinner parties, or even a cozy night in.

Whether served alongside roast meats or as the star of a vegetarian spread, garlic potato stacks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their elegant appearance and rich flavor make them a side dish worth savoring.

What Are Garlic Potato Stacks?

Garlic potato stacks are a visually striking and deliciously crispy side dish made by layering thin slices of potato with a rich mixture of garlic-infused butter and herbs. The slices are stacked in muffin tin wells, which helps them bake evenly and develop beautifully crisp edges while the centers remain soft and tender.

This dish is a contemporary twist on traditional French Pommes Anna or gratin-style potatoes, but with a more rustic, approachable presentation. The muffin tin method not only creates individual portions but also enhances the texture, giving each stack a delightful contrast between golden crunch and creamy interior.

These stacks are endlessly customizable—add cheese, spices, or different herbs to suit your taste. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want to impress your family with something special, garlic potato stacks are a flavorful, elegant, and surprisingly easy addition to your table.

Ingredient Breakdown

To make garlic potato stacks, you’ll need a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients:

• Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet are ideal. Yukon Golds offer a buttery texture, while Russets crisp up beautifully.
• Garlic: Freshly minced or grated garlic infuses the butter with bold, aromatic flavor.
• Butter: Use unsalted, melted butter as the base for the garlic-herb mixture.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps prevent burning.
• Fresh herbs: Thyme or rosemary work best, adding earthy, fragrant notes.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer.

Optional ingredients to elevate your stacks:

• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish—sprinkle between layers or on top.
• Smoked paprika: A pinch adds warmth and color.

Tip: Use a mandoline slicer to achieve paper-thin, uniform slices. This ensures even cooking and maximizes crispiness. If using a knife, take your time to slice as evenly as possible.

These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both rustic and refined—perfect for any occasion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

2. Slice the Potatoes Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice 4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes into thin, even rounds—about 1/16-inch thick.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture In a large bowl, combine:

• 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

4. Toss the Potatoes Add the sliced potatoes to the bowl and toss until each piece is well coated in the garlic butter mixture.

5. Stack in Muffin Tin Layer 8–10 slices in each muffin cup, slightly overlapping. Press down gently to compact the stacks.

6. Bake Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the edges are crisp.

7. Optional Cheese Finish In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each stack for a cheesy, golden crust.

8. Serve Let the stacks cool for 5 minutes before gently removing with a spoon or offset spatula. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Bold Tips:

• Crisp edges: Don’t overfill the muffin cups—airflow is key.
• Avoid soggy centers: Pat potatoes dry before tossing in butter to reduce moisture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple dish like garlic potato stacks can go awry without a few key precautions. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Slicing potatoes too thick: Thick slices won’t crisp properly and may remain undercooked in the center. Use a mandoline for uniform, paper-thin slices.
• Not greasing the muffin tin: This is crucial. Without proper greasing, the stacks can stick and tear when you try to remove them. Use butter or nonstick spray generously.
• Overcrowding the stacks: Avoid overfilling the muffin cups. Too many slices can prevent even cooking and lead to soggy centers. Aim for 8–10 slices per stack.
• Skipping seasoning: The flavor of this dish relies heavily on garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy—season each layer well to ensure every bite is delicious.
• Not drying the potatoes: Excess moisture can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Pat slices dry with a paper towel before tossing in the butter mixture.

By steering clear of these common mistakes, you’ll ensure your garlic potato stacks come out golden, crispy, and full of flavor—ready to impress at any table.