Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe
If you’re searching for a side dish that’s bound to steal the show, look no further than these Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes. Imagine golden, tender baby potatoes roasted until crispy on the outside and buttery-soft on the inside, each bite perfumed with garlic and herbs. It’s a recipe that tastes both decadent and comforting, yet comes together with humble ingredients and hardly any fuss. There’s a reason these potatoes frequent my weeknight table and make starring appearances at family gatherings—their combination of simplicity and flavor is truly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes is that the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen, and each one serves a delicious purpose. Simple pantry staples work together to create big, memorable flavors and the perfect texture.
- Baby potatoes: Bite-sized and creamy, these cook evenly for an ideal crispy outside and fluffy inside. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work too if needed.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth quality when baked with the potatoes.
- Olive oil: Helps the potatoes crisp beautifully and adds subtle fruity notes.
- Garlic: The heart of this dish! Freshly minced garlic infuses the potatoes with robust flavor during roasting.
- Dried thyme: Adds savory warmth and a hint of earthiness that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
- Dried parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of gentle herbal flavor, enhancing the other seasonings.
- Salt: Essential for amplifying all the flavors and ensuring the perfect level of seasoning.
- Black pepper: Lends gentle heat and depth, balancing the buttery richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For a savory, golden crust, add Parmesan in the last few minutes of baking.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A finishing flourish for a burst of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes and Oven
Start by scrubbing your baby potatoes, then halve them so they cook quickly and evenly. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, or add a light coating of oil to keep the potatoes from sticking. A hot oven and prepared tray guarantee the perfect golden crust for your Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes.
Step 2: Toss with Garlic Butter & Herbs
In a large mixing bowl, combine your halved potatoes with melted butter, olive oil, freshly minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss everything together, ensuring every potato gets coated in that flavorful garlicky butter mixture.
Step 3: Arrange for Maximum Crispiness
Lay the potatoes cut-side-down in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This small detail is key—placing them cut-side-down ensures you get those deeply golden, crisp edges every time. Avoid overcrowding the sheet for best results.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through for even browning. Your kitchen will smell incredible! If you want an extra-crispy finish, turn on the broiler for the final 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye so nothing overcooks.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Fresh Parsley
If using Parmesan, sprinkle it over the potatoes about five minutes before you’re ready to take them out of the oven. Once baked, shower the finished Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and enticing.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra Parmesan is all you need to bring your Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes to the next level. For those who love a little extra flavor, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a few cracks of black pepper right before serving. The vibrant colors and aromas make them as pretty as they are delicious.
Side Dishes
These potatoes are incredibly versatile, making them a tasty companion for just about anything. Think roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even as part of a vegetarian spread with sautéed greens and a crisp salad. Their savory, buttery richness provides the perfect canvas for all kinds of main courses.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, arrange your Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes in a spiral on a serving platter, or skewer them on rosemary branches for a fun, rustic touch at parties. They also make charming appetizers when stacked on a toothpick along with a cube of cheese or a cherry tomato.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store the cooled Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, perfect for grabbing on a busy weeknight.
Freezing
While potatoes can be tricky to freeze due to texture changes, these hold up fairly well. Place completely cooled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. Just note that the outside might lose a bit of crispiness after thawing.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes in a hot oven or toaster oven at 400°F until warmed through and re-crisped. The microwave will work in a pinch, but for that irresistible crunch, the oven is your friend. Add a little extra Parmesan or fresh parsley to revive their just-baked appeal.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Simply cut Yukon Gold or red potatoes into 1-inch pieces so they cook and crisp up just as beautifully. The flavor remains delicious, though baby potatoes do have a uniquely creamy texture.
How do I make these dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version while still enjoying the rich flavors. The texture and golden finish will remain just as satisfying.
What kind of herbs can I use instead of thyme and parsley?
Feel free to experiment with rosemary, oregano, or chives in place of—or alongside—the thyme and parsley. Fresh or dried herbs both work wonderfully; just keep in mind dried herbs tend to be more concentrated in flavor.
Why are my potatoes not getting crispy?
A crowded baking sheet or insufficient oven temperature can prevent crisping. Make sure your potatoes are spread out in a single layer, cut-side-down, and that your oven is fully preheated to 400°F. For extra crunch, finish under the broiler for a few minutes at the end.
Are Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for those with dietary restrictions or serving a crowd with varied needs. Just always double-check any seasonings or Parmesan to confirm they’re GF-certified.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with a batch of Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes—they’re the kind of no-fail, crowd-pleasing side that everyone will remember. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or planning a festive dinner, there’s something magical about crispy, garlicky potatoes shared at the table. I hope you give them a try soon!
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Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes are a flavorful side dish that pairs well with any meal. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these potatoes are seasoned with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese for an irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (halved)
Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Toss potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with melted butter, olive oil, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Bake: Spread the potatoes cut side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fork-tender.
- Add Parmesan: If using Parmesan, sprinkle it on during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if baby potatoes aren’t available.
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
