If you’re craving a side dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort, look no further than this Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe. Imagine tender baby potatoes roasted to golden perfection, glossy with a rich garlic butter coating, subtly infused with herbs and spices that bring every bite alive. This dish is incredibly simple to make but elevates any meal with its crispy edges and melt-in-your-mouth centers. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, these baked potatoes are sure to become an all-time favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the earthy potatoes to the fragrant garlic and herbs, every component is simple yet crucial for this delicious treat.
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (halved): These small potatoes roast evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust when cut in half.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the garlic infuse into every bite.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Provides that irresistible aroma and savory depth that garlic lovers crave.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps crisp the potatoes’ exterior while keeping them tender inside.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors and balances the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and warmth to the potatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a fragrant herbaceous note that complements garlic beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a gentle smokiness and lovely color contrast.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and splash of green.
- Grated Parmesan for garnish (optional): Delivers a salty, nutty touch that elevates the taste even more.
How to Make Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to a steady 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to crisp the potatoes perfectly. While the oven heats, wash and halve your baby potatoes for even cooking and maximum surface area to get that deliciously crispy edge.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. This mixture is where all the flavor happens — the garlic butter melds with the spices to coat every potato piece in a savory hug.
Step 3: Coat and Arrange Potatoes
Toss the halved potatoes in your buttery mixture until each piece glistens with flavor. Lay them out cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they have space so they crisp properly. Overcrowding here can lead to steaming rather than roasting.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Tender
Bake the potatoes in your preheated oven for about 35 to 40 minutes. Halfway through, gently flip them to brown both sides evenly. The smell will be intoxicating as the edges turn golden and the insides soften to creamy perfection.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the baked potatoes with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if you like. These garnishes add a brilliant pop of color and an extra layer of taste that takes the dish over the top.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan are classic options that brighten and enrich the potatoes. Feel free to try a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity, or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you want some exciting heat to accompany the buttery flavors.
Side Dishes
These potatoes pair remarkably well with almost any main course. Think grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a juicy steak. For vegetarians, they complement salads, sautéed greens, or hearty lentil dishes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these potatoes right off the baking sheet for a rustic style or plate them neatly stacked with a drizzle of herb-infused butter on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation. You can also turn them into a loaded dish by adding sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and chives for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked garlic butter potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that they taste best when reheated to retain their crispy texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to flash-freeze the potatoes in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents clumping, and they can be kept frozen for up to two months. Reheat them directly from frozen in a hot oven to restore their crispiness.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your potatoes in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method crisps them back up far better than a microwave, where they might turn soft or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Yukon gold or red potatoes work wonderfully as alternatives, providing slightly different textures and flavors but still delicious results.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter gives you better control over the saltiness of the dish. However, if you only have salted butter, you can reduce the added salt accordingly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil to keep the richness while making it vegan-friendly.
How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
Ensure that you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, flip the potatoes halfway through baking, and use a high oven temperature. Adding a touch more olive oil can also help with crispiness.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Rosemary, oregano, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can bring exciting new layers of flavor to this already delightful Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe is one of those rare combinations of simplicity and incredible taste that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s a joy to prepare, impresses any crowd, and makes every meal feel just a bit more special. Give it a try—you won’t regret inviting this cozy, flavorful side dish to your table.
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Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish featuring tender baby potatoes coated in a flavorful mixture of melted butter, garlic, herbs, and spices, then baked to golden perfection. This recipe yields crispy, savory potatoes perfect for complementing any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
Seasoning & Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare it for roasting the potatoes.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika until well combined, creating a flavorful coating for the potatoes.
- Coat Potatoes: Add the halved baby potatoes to the bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the butter and seasoning mixture.
- Arrange for Baking: Spread the potatoes cut-side down in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out well to avoid overcrowding for maximum crispiness.
- Bake Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through to promote even browning and a crisp exterior.
- Garnish and Serve: Once golden brown and tender, remove the potatoes from the oven; sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- For extra crispy potatoes, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation.
- You can substitute baby potatoes with Yukon gold or red potatoes if preferred.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
