The Viral Side Dish You’ll Make Again and Again

There are few things in life more satisfying than the combination of buttery potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy golden edges. This recipe for Cheesy Garlic Butter Potato Stacks is everything you love about comfort food, served up in neat, single-serve layers that are almost too pretty to eat. (Almost.)

Stacked vertically in a muffin tin and baked to crispy perfection, these little towers of flavor are buttery on the inside, crisp on the outside, and bursting with garlicky, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner, bringing a side to a holiday gathering, or just craving something ridiculously satisfying — these are your new go-to.

✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly portioned — no slicing or serving drama.
  • Versatile — works with cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, or even gruyère.
  • Customizable — add herbs, spices, bacon, or even caramelized onions.
  • Crowd-pleasing — one of those dishes where silence at the table = success.

đź“ť Ingredients

For 12 muffin-sized stacks:

  • 3–4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled (optional) and sliced thinly
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional for warmth and color)
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley or thyme
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella (or a blend!)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for that golden, crispy finish)
  • Cooking spray or additional butter for greasing the pan

🔪 Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or a touch of butter.

2. Slice the Potatoes

Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife, slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds — about 1/8 inch thick. Consistency is key here for even baking.

3. Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs. Mix well until fragrant and emulsified.

4. Coat and Layer

Toss the potato slices in the garlic butter mixture until thoroughly coated.
Then, layer 5–7 slices into each muffin cup, adding a small sprinkle of shredded cheese between every 2–3 layers.

5. Finish with Parmesan

Once all stacks are built, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of each one. This adds that crispy, golden crust everyone loves.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges look crisp. You should see a bit of bubbling around the edges — that’s the cheese magic happening.

7. Cool Slightly & Serve

Let the stacks cool in the pan for about 5–10 minutes before removing them with a spoon or small spatula.
They’ll pop out easily and hold their shape like little potato towers.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with sour cream, garlic aioli, or a drizzle of truffle oil.
  • Pair with steak, roasted chicken, or as the star on a vegetarian plate.
  • Add crispy bacon bits, gruyère cheese, or even caramelized onions between the layers for extra indulgence.

❤️ Final Thoughts

There’s a reason these went viral: they check every box.
Crispy. Cheesy. Garlicky. Comforting.
And if you’re anything like me, once you make these once… you’ll keep a batch ready in your freezer forever.

Save this post, tag a potato lover, and make sure to grab a photo before they vanish.
Because once they hit the table, they’re gone.

Would you like a printable PDF recipe card, Pinterest pin design, or a reel script with captions to match this long form? I can prep it all!