If you are searching for a side dish that brings comforting warmth and irresistible flavor to your table, this Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly golden and crispy on the outside with tender, buttery centers, these potatoes are infused with fragrant garlic and herb notes that make every bite a delight. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe transforms simple baby potatoes into a memorable dish that guests and loved ones will rave about. Get ready to fall in love with one of the easiest yet most satisfying ways to enjoy potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy richness of butter to the aromatic punch of garlic and thyme, everything comes together harmoniously to create a dish that feels both rustic and refined.
- Baby potatoes: 2 pounds halved or quartered to ensure quick, even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons melted, providing a luscious coating that crisps the skins beautifully and enriches the flavor.
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced, adding a savory, aromatic kick that elevates the entire dish.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon to enhance all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon for a gentle peppery warmth without overpowering.
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon, or rosemary as an alternative, for an earthy, herbaceous layer.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): 2 tablespoons grated to add a deliciously nutty crust during the final minutes of baking.
- Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon chopped, sprinkled at the end to lend freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up. Taking this step seriously ensures your potatoes will bake evenly and develop that irresistible golden crust.
Step 2: Mix Your Flavorful Butter Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. This simple yet flavorful mixture will coat every piece of potato, infusing them with a rich, savory profile that feels indulgent without being complicated.
Step 3: Toss the Potatoes to Coat Evenly
Add the halved or quartered baby potatoes to the bowl and toss thoroughly until each piece is generously coated with the garlic butter mixture. This step is crucial because it ensures that every bite delivers consistent flavor and that the herbs and spices coat the crispy exterior perfectly.
Step 4: Arrange Potatoes Cut Side Down
Spread the coated potatoes in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, placing them cut side down. This positioning is a clever trick to maximize crispiness on the edges and bottoms while keeping the interiors tender and buttery.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Tender
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let the potatoes bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they are beautifully golden brown on the outside and fork-tender inside. If you are adding Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on during the last 5 minutes to allow it to melt and create a slightly crispy topping.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked to perfection, remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. This final touch adds brightness and a lovely color contrast that makes the dish as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple fresh parsley is the classic choice to garnish these potatoes, adding a fresh, herbaceous note and gorgeous green flecks. For a little extra indulgence, a light dusting of Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can bring a delightful brightness and depth.
Side Dishes
This Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, roasted vegetables, or even a crisp green salad for a lighter touch. Its versatility means it can complement nearly any main course, elevating your meal with little effort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the potatoes in individual small bowls with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chives. Alternatively, toss them with cooked bacon bits or finely chopped scallions to add texture and flavor layers. These presentation ideas make your dish feel special for guests or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked garlic butter potatoes keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure they have cooled completely before storing to maintain their texture and freshness.
Freezing
Although freezing cooked potatoes can sometimes affect their texture, you can freeze this dish if needed. Place cooled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat these potatoes is in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwaving is quicker but may lead to soggier edges, so use it if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold and red potatoes are recommended for their waxy texture, but baby potatoes of most varieties will work well. Just make sure to cut them evenly for consistent baking times.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply substitute the unsalted butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The potatoes will still come out deliciously crispy and flavorful without that dairy element.
Is it possible to add some heat to this recipe?
Yes! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture before tossing the potatoes adds a lovely subtle heat without overpowering the dish’s savory balance.
Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time to bake later?
You can toss the potatoes in the butter and spices and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature before placing in the oven for an even cook.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley for garnishing?
Fresh parsley adds a nice touch, but if you don’t have any, feel free to substitute with chopped chives, basil, or even a small sprinkle of dried herbs for color and freshness.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your recipe rotation. The harmony of crispy, buttery potatoes with fragrant garlic and herbs is simple yet exceptionally satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table and leaves everyone asking for more. So go ahead and make these potatoes—you’ll be amazed how something so straightforward can taste so incredible.
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Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, coated in a flavorful blend of garlic, butter, and herbs. Perfect as an easy and delicious side dish for any meal, they are enhanced with optional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for extra taste and color.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary)
Optional Additions
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
- Toss Potatoes: Add the halved or quartered baby potatoes to the bowl and toss thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the garlic butter mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the potatoes in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet with the cut side down to maximize crispiness during baking.
- Bake Potatoes: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes turn golden brown and are fork-tender when pierced.
- Add Parmesan (Optional): If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow it to melt and brown slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best for this recipe, but any waxy potato can be used.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a subtle spicy kick.
- To make a dairy-free version, substitute olive oil for the butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
