If you have a soft spot for comfort food with a crispy edge and a garlicky, buttery punch, then this Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These baby potatoes, baked to golden perfection, are infused with fragrant garlic, melting butter, and a touch of herbs and spices that make every bite downright irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a side or munching them solo, this dish combines simplicity and flavor in a way that feels both homely and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, readily available ingredients, each playing a key role in creating that rich, savory, and slightly crispy potato dish everyone will love. From the creamy butter to the punch of garlic and the subtle hint of herbs, these ingredients work together like old friends.
- Baby potatoes, 2 pounds (halved): The star of the dish, these small potatoes roast quickly and develop a crispy exterior with a tender inside.
- Unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons (melted): Adds richness and helps the garlic and herbs cling to the potatoes.
- Garlic, 3 cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor and a lovely punch.
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons: Helps with browning and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Brings out all the delicious flavors.
- Black pepper, ½ teaspoon: Adds just enough heat and depth.
- Dried thyme, ½ teaspoon: Offers a mild earthy herbal note that complements the butter and garlic.
- Paprika, ½ teaspoon: Gives a subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
- Fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons (chopped, optional): Brightens the dish with a fresh pop of green and flavor.
- Grated Parmesan, for garnish (optional): Adds a salty, nutty finish for an extra special touch.
How to Make Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Potatoes
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, halve your baby potatoes so they cook evenly and develop that beautiful crisp edge. Halving the potatoes ensures they’ll bake thoroughly and soak up all those inviting flavors from the garlic butter mixture.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavorful Garlic Butter Mixture
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Whisking them together creates a rich, well-balanced coating that will stick to every potato half, delivering that signature taste and aroma throughout the dish.
Step 3: Toss Potatoes Until Perfectly Coated
Add your halved potatoes into the bowl and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure each piece is coated in the luscious garlic butter blend. This step is crucial for flavor infusion and ensures you don’t miss any crispy, buttery bites when you serve.
Step 4: Arrange Potatoes for Even Baking
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Spread the potatoes cut-side down in a single layer—a little space between each spud helps them roast evenly without steaming. This technique guarantees a wonderfully golden and crispy crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Tender
Pop the tray into your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through baking to brown both sides evenly and get that irresistible crisp texture all around. When done, your kitchen will be filled with the most comforting aroma of garlic and herbs.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked to perfection, sprinkle fresh parsley and grated Parmesan over the potatoes if you like. These final touches add color, fresh herbs, and a savory cheese note that elevate the dish to something truly special.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
For a burst of fresh flavor and a beautiful presentation, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a handful of grated Parmesan are perfect. The parsley adds a lively green contrast and a mild herbal note, while Parmesan contributes a sharp, savory finish that pairs perfectly with the buttery potatoes.
Side Dishes
These baked potatoes shine alongside roasted or grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork, and also complement vegetarian mains such as sautéed mushrooms or a hearty lentil stew. Their crispy edges and buttery softness bring a cozy, satisfying texture contrast to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these potatoes in small cast iron skillets or rustic bowls for a charming, homey feel. You could also mix them into a warm salad with fresh greens, toasted nuts, and a zesty vinaigrette for an inventive side that’s both hearty and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They maintain their flavor well but do lose some crispness when chilled.
Freezing
The best way to freeze is before baking: toss your halved and coated potatoes in the garlic butter mixture, spread them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
To bring leftover baked garlic butter potatoes back to life, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This method revives the crispiness better than microwaving, keeping that delightful contrast between crispy outside and soft inside intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon gold or red potatoes work beautifully, but you may need to adjust the roasting time slightly for larger pieces. Just cut them into smaller chunks to ensure even cooking and a crisp finish.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese garnish. Olive oil and vegan butter work wonderfully, keeping the potatoes rich and flavorful.
What herbs go best with garlic butter potatoes?
Thyme is a classic choice included in this recipe, but rosemary, oregano, or even a sprinkle of fresh chives can be delightful variations, offering different layers of herbal aroma and flavor.
How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?
Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet and roast the potatoes cut-side down. Also, ensuring the potatoes are dry before tossing them in the butter mixture helps achieve that coveted crispiness.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and rewarding about the simplicity of the Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe, and I truly hope you give it a try soon. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of oven magic, you can create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect as a cozy side or a tasty snack, these potatoes bring warmth and joy to any table.
Print
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
This recipe for Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes offers a deliciously crispy and tender side dish perfect for any meal. Baby potatoes are tossed in a flavorful blend of melted butter, olive oil, garlic, and aromatic spices, then baked to golden perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, these potatoes are an easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
Seasoning & Sauce
- 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 the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the potatoes crisp and golden.
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. This mixture will infuse the potatoes with rich flavor.
- Coat the Potatoes: Add the halved baby potatoes to the bowl and toss them thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated potatoes cut-side down in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Bake the Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.
- Add Garnishes: Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired, adding a fresh and savory finish.
- Serve Hot: Serve the garlic butter potatoes hot as a delicious side dish to complement your main courses.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- You can substitute baby potatoes with Yukon gold or red potatoes if preferred.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the seasoning mix to introduce a spicy kick.
