There’s nothing quite like the combination of garlic, butter, and potatoes to create a truly comforting dish. The aromatic blend of these ingredients makes every bite soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, with a golden crust that’s hard to resist. This simple yet flavorful mix is perfect as a side for many dishes, and it’s a dish that can easily feed a crowd. Whether you’re looking for something easy to make or want to impress guests, these garlic butter potatoes are sure to do the trick.
Perfect Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe
The beauty of this recipe is in how effortlessly it comes together. Start by par-boiling the potatoes to ensure they are tender, then toss them in a buttery and punchy sauce of fresh garlic and herbs like thyme.
When you roast them, they develop that perfect crispy exterior, locking in the fluffy interior that’s full of flavor. The parmesan, parsley, and herbs help to coat every inch of the potato, adding an extra layer of deliciousness that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
What makes these potatoes even more special is the hasselback technique, where you cut small slices into each potato, allowing the garlic butter to seep into every part of the potato. This creates a moreish bite that’s hard to stop eating. The dish is versatile, offering endless possibilities, whether you’re serving them as a main or a side. You can even pair them with chicken noodle soup or drizzle some chicken Katsu sauce over for a fusion of flavors that works perfectly with the rich garlic and butter.
Side Dishes For A Crowd
During the holiday season, one of my favorite dishes to serve is garlic butter potatoes. They are perfect for feeding a large group and can be made quickly, with just 15 minutes of prep time. I usually start by boiling the potatoes to make sure they are soft on the inside, then toss them in a generous mix of melted butter and minced garlic. After that, I spread them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for a quick roasting, so they come out crispy on the outside. This simple side dish always feels special, and the next time you’re hosting, give it a try!
Crispy Garlic Butter Potatoes
There’s something special about making crispy garlic butter potatoes at home, especially when the steps are as easy as this. To get the best result, the potatoes are first boiled in water until their tender and fluffy interior is ready to soak up all the deliciousness. Afterward, they’re tossed in a simple seasoning mix to ensure every bite is filled with flavor. As they roast, the outside becomes perfectly crispy, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before they’re fully done.
A quick turn during the baking process ensures that all sides are evenly roasted, giving them an even crispier exterior. Once they’re beautifully baked to a golden perfection, the real magic happens with a generous drizzle of rich and aromatic garlic butter. It’s the reason these potatoes transform into a delicious appetizer, with every bite being a balance of crunchy texture and soft interior.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make garlic butter potatoes earlier in the day to save some hassle when it’s time to serve them. If you’re hosting or just want to cut down on oven usage when guests arrive, it’s easy to prepare ahead. Simply cook them and then reheat them in the oven at 300F (or 150C) for about 20 minutes.
If you’re dealing with leftovers, the microwave is also a great option—just heat them up at 1-minute intervals, giving them a quick stirring between each round. Or, if you’re looking for a crispy finish, pop them in the air fryer at 400F (or 200C) for about 5 minutes. Either way, they’ll be just as delicious when you’re ready to serve again. Reheating at proper intervals helps keep that buttery, garlicky goodness intact.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb baby potatoes (you can also use roasting potatoes like Yukon gold, Maris Piper, or King Edward)
- 1/4 cup neutral oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 20 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley (fresh or dried)
- 2 tsp flaky salt for garnish
- Zest of 1 lemon for garnish
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional for slight sweetness)
Substitutions:
- If you don’t have Cajun seasoning: Use a mixture of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme.
- For dairy-free: Replace butter with dairy-free margarine.
Method:
Prepare Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size, for even cooking.
Boil Potatoes:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and add the potatoes. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not fully cooked. Drain the potatoes and allow them to dry for a few minutes.
Season the Potatoes:
- In the same pot, add the neutral oil, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Toss the potatoes until evenly coated.
Roast Potatoes:
- Spread the seasoned potatoes onto a baking tray, making sure the cut sides face down for extra crispiness. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Flip the potatoes, then roast for an additional 15–20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Make Garlic Butter:
- While the potatoes are roasting, melt the butter and olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often until it turns fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add paprika, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Remove from heat.
Toss with Garlic Butter:
- Once the potatoes are done roasting, you can either toss them in the garlic butter sauce or drizzle the sauce over the top.
Final Garnish:
- Sprinkle the roasted potatoes with flaky salt and lemon zest. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Additional Info About Garlic Butter Potatoes
Here is some additional information that you may have to know about Garlic Butter Potatoes.
Health Benefits:
- Potatoes are rich in potassium and provide dietary fiber, supporting heart health and digestion.
- Garlic offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Olive oil contains healthy fats, supporting cholesterol levels and heart health.
- Parsley adds a boost of vitamins A and C, which are beneficial for immunity.
Notes:
- For extra crispy potatoes, make sure the potatoes are completely dry before roasting.
- You can adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a flavorful side.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
Equipment:
- Large pot for boiling
- Baking tray
- Small saucepan for garlic butter
- Oven
- Spatula or tongs for tossing
Serving Suggestions
When you make garlic butter potatoes, they become a perfect side for any hearty meal. Whether you’re serving grilled chicken or enjoying a fresh green salad, these potatoes blend seamlessly with various flavors. I personally love pairing them with a delicious wrap, filled with tender grilled chicken and veggies, or even a creamy chicken macaroni salad.
For a unique twist, these buttery potatoes work amazingly with dishes like Miso Ginger Gyoza Soup, offering a delightful contrast between the warm, savory potatoes and the light broth. If you’re having dinner, consider a big bowl of Hawaiian Fried Garlic Chicken, where the combination of flavors is truly wonderful. For a quick, lighter option, try them with a grilled egg sandwich for an easy but satisfying meal. The versatility of garlic butter potatoes makes them a great choice to pair with almost any dinner you have in mind.
Is Garlic Butter Good for You?
Garlic butter is a good source of vitamins like A, E, and K, offering health benefits while adding rich flavor to dishes like potatoes. It’s known to destroy harmful bacterias and has no harmful effects on the heart or body when used in moderation. It can replace unhealthy, refined oil and makes dishes both flavorful and nutritious.
Are potatoes with butter healthy?
When enjoying baked potatoes, adding butter or sour cream makes them more tasty, but they come with higher saturated fat and cholesterol, which isn’t great for a healthy diet. A better alternative is using a garlic butter mix with olive oil or plant-based butter, offering flavor without the health risks. This swap keeps your baked potato nutritious and delicious.
Is it better to cook potatoes in oil or butter?
When making garlic butter potatoes, choosing the right fat is key. Butter can burn quickly at high heat due to its lower smoking point, making it hard to get that optimal crispiness. To avoid this, pan-fry with cooking oil like olive oil, which adds great taste and handles heat better, ensuring your potatoes turn out crispy and golden.
Garlic Butter Potatoes
Delicious garlic butter potatoes, roasted to crispy perfection with a flavorful blend of garlic, parsley, and Cajun seasoning. Easy to make for a tasty homemade side dish!
Ingredients
Method
-
Prepare Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size, for even cooking. -
Boil Potatoes
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and add the potatoes. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not fully cooked. Drain the potatoes and allow them to dry for a few minutes.
-
Season the Potatoes
In the same pot, add the neutral oil, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Toss the potatoes until evenly coated.
-
Roast Potatoes
Spread the seasoned potatoes onto a baking tray, making sure the cut sides face down for extra crispiness. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Flip the potatoes, then roast for an additional 15–20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
-
Make Garlic Butter
While the potatoes are roasting, melt the butter and olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often until it turns fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add paprika, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Remove from heat. -
Toss with Garlic Butter
Once the potatoes are done roasting, you can either toss them in the garlic butter sauce or drizzle the sauce over the top.
-
Final Garnish
Sprinkle the roasted potatoes with flaky salt and lemon zest. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 230kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Sodium 400mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 27g9%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Protein 4g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- For extra crispy potatoes, make sure the potatoes are completely dry before roasting.
- You can adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a flavorful side.
