Garlic-Parmesan-Rosemary Bubble Potatoes

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These rosemary-garlic potatoes are anything but ordinary. Inspired by a viral TikTok trend, these pillowy potatoes are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside, infused with the savory flavors of Parmesan cheese, rosemary and garlic. If you want to use less oil, you can skip the frying altogether and cook these crispy bites in the air fryer instead.

a recipe photo of the Garlic-Parmesan-Rosemary Bubble Potatoes
Photo:

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

Active Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
6

If you’re someone who is constantly thinking about everything potatoes, these Garlic-Parmesan-Rosemary Bubble Potatoes will make your dreams come true. Fiber-filled russet potatoes get mashed then pan- or air-fried, which creates a golden crispy coat that is the perfect textural complement to the light, fluffy interior. Nutty Parmesan cheese and savory, fragrant garlic and rosemary add just the right amount of seasoning to these posh potato pillows. Keep reading for expert tips, including what you can swap the Parmesan with.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • Mochiko (sweet rice flour) is readily available at most grocery stores and on Amazon.
  • To ensure the potatoes are the crispiest pillows, they need to be cooked until tender before frying. Microwaving the potatoes speeds up the cooking process. If you don’t have a microwave, you can use a steamer basket or simmer whole potatoes until tender.
  • You can substitute 1 teaspoon dried rosemary for the fresh rosemary, substitute fresh thyme or use a combination of both herbs.
  • You can use any favorite salty, aged cheese instead of Parmesan, such as Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.

Nutrition Notes

  • Potatoes are loaded with gut-friendly fiber and potassium for healthy blood pressure. And, of course, energy-producing carbs. We include the skin in this recipe because it adds more fiber and nutrients to these poppable potatoes. 
  • Besides adding a subtle saltiness, Parmesan cheese also provides some calcium and protein. If you’re concerned about the sodium in Parmesan, you could swap it out for finely shredded Swiss cheese, which is one of the lower-sodium cheeses available. If, on the other hand, your concern lies with the saturated fat in cheese, you will be happy to hear that there is evidence that the saturated fat in cheese doesn’t have the same harmful effects as the saturated fats in highly processed foods. 
  • Garlic is small but mighty when it comes to its health benefits. Its anti-inflammatory properties have also been shown to reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. As a prebiotic, garlic provides food for your beneficial gut bacteria. 
  • A member of the mint family, rosemary brings a fresh, piney scent to these potatoes. Rosemary also provides anti-inflammatory antioxidants and has been linked with improved brain function and mood.
the ingredients to make the Garlic-Parmesan-Rosemary Bubble Potatoes

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

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Ingredients

  • pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed

  • ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided

  • 2 tablespoons mochiko (sweet rice flour)

  • 1 tablespoon potato starch

  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • Canola oil, for frying, or cooking spray, for air frying

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Prick potatoes all over with a fork; place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on High, flipping once, until tender and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool for about 5 minutes.

    a step in making the Garlic-Parmesan-Rosemary Bubble Potatoes

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

  2. Remove the skin from the potatoes; finely chop the skin and transfer it to a large bowl. Mash the potato flesh using a potato masher (or press through a ricer); add to the bowl. Stir in ½ cup Parmesan, 2 tablespoons mochiko, 1 tablespoon potato starch, 2 teaspoons rosemary and 1 teaspoon garlic powder; knead the mixture until a dough forms.

  3. Add oil to a depth of 1 inch in a Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pot. Heat over medium heat to 350°F. (Alternatively, see air-fryer instructions below.)

  4. Meanwhile, shape dough into a (1½-by-11-inch) log; slice into ½-inch-thick pieces (about 20 pieces). Add one-third of the potato pieces (about 7) to the hot oil; cook, flipping often and making sure they don’t stick together, until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate; sprinkle with one-third of the ¼ teaspoon salt. Repeat the process twice with the remaining potato pieces and salt.

    a step in making the Garlic-Parmesan-Rosemary Bubble Potatoes

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

  5. Transfer the fried potatoes to a plate; sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Garnish with rosemary, if desired.

    a step in making the Garlic-Parmesan-Rosemary Bubble Potatoes

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

Alternative Air-Fryer Method

  1. Prepare Step 1 as directed above.

  2. Remove the skin from the potatoes; finely chop the skin and transfer it to a large bowl. Mash the potato flesh using a potato masher (or press through a ricer); add to the bowl. Stir in ¼ cup Parmesan, 2 tablespoons mochiko, 1 tablespoon potato starch, 2 teaspoons rosemary and 1 teaspoon garlic powder; knead the mixture until a dough forms. 

  3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, shape the dough into a 1½-inch-diameter log; slice into ¾-inch pieces. Place the remaining 6 tablespoons Parmesan in a small shallow bowl. Coat each slice with a generous amount of cooking spray. Working with 1 slice at a time, dredge in the Parmesan until lightly coated; transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining slices and Parmesan.

  4. Lightly coat the air-fryer basket with cooking spray. Add half of the potato slices to the basket; coat the slices with cooking spray. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate; sprinkle with half of the ¼ teaspoon salt. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and salt.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 3 to 4 potato slices

Calories 222, Fat 10g, Saturated Fat 2g, Cholesterol 10mg, Carbohydrates 27g, Total Sugars 1g, Added Sugars 0g, Protein 6g, Fiber 2g, Sodium 316mg, Potassium 507mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How should I store rosemary-garlic potatoes?

    You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container or freeze them for up to 3 months. To prevent the potatoes from freezing into a clump, we recommend freezing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and then, once frozen, transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for storage.

  • Can I use garlic cloves instead of garlic powder?

    No, we wouldn’t recommend that. It’s best to use garlic powder because high-heat cooking will burn the fresh garlic and turn it bitter.

  • What type of potato is best?

    We chose russet potatoes because they hold up well during cooking and have a rich, creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes would also work well.

  • What should I serve with rosemary-garlic potatoes?

    These potatoes go with just about any entree you can think of. Here are just a handful of suggestions: Lemon-Garlic Steak & Green Beans, Instant Pot Chicken Breast, Tandoori Grilled Tofu with Red Peppers & Broccolini and Fish Fillets with Pineapple-Jalapeño Salsa.

EatingWell.com, August 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

191 Calories
5g Fat
30g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 3 to 4 potato slices
Calories 191
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 6g 12%
Total Fat 5g 7%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 8mg 3%
Vitamin A 26µg
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 1mg 4%
Folate 31µg
Vitamin K 4µg
Sodium 275mg 12%
Calcium 103mg 8%
Iron 1mg 7%
Magnesium 40mg 10%
Potassium 671mg 14%
Zinc 1mg 8%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Carrie Myers, M.S.
Carrie Myers
Carrie Myers is a portfolio entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in the health and wellness space. As a freelance writer and editor, Carrie has worked for both consumer and trade print and online publications. She's been quoted in several articles as a health and fitness expert. Carrie is also a certified life and wellness coach and exercise physiologist, and the founder of CarrieMichele Co., a lifestyle company that helps women create lives they love where they can be authentic.
and
Linda Frahm

Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications, such as Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country magazines, and has edited cookbooks for Dovetail Press and The Taste Curators.

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