Garlic Butter Potatoes
Garlic Butter Potatoes are a crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside side dish bursting with rich, savory flavors. Featuring buttery smoothness and fresh aromatic garlic, this easy and versatile recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to create a comforting favorite perfect for pairing with meats, fish, or vegetables. Ideal for cooks of all skill levels, this classic recipe delivers a perfect golden crust and soft interior every time.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan-frying (alternative baking: 425°F/220°C for 30-40 minutes)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Potatoes and Base Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, washed and cut into chunks or wedges
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Fresh Herbs and Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
Optional Variations
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese (for cheesy variation)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (for spicy twist)
- Rosemary or dill instead of parsley (for herb infusion)
- Vegan butter or additional olive oil (for dairy-free option)
- Whole garlic cloves, roasted (for sweeter garlic flavor)
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly, then cut them into evenly sized chunks or wedges to ensure even cooking and optimal crispy texture.
- Parboil the Potatoes: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 8 minutes until just tender but not falling apart. This speeds up cooking and helps create a crispy exterior.
- Drain and Rough Up the Edges: Drain the potatoes well, then gently toss them in the colander or with a spoon to roughen their edges, creating more surface area for crisping.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown and become bitter.
- Cook Potatoes in Butter Garlic Mixture: Add the potatoes to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer. Cook without stirring for several minutes to form a golden crust, then carefully flip to brown the other sides.
- Season and Add Fresh Herbs: Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the potatoes. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the herbs release their aroma and potatoes are tender inside with a crispy outside.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish and enjoy them hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Choose starchy or all-purpose potatoes for the best crisp texture.
- Parboil the potatoes to cook the inside without overcooking the outside.
- Maintain medium to medium-low heat to avoid burning garlic and butter.
- Use fresh minced garlic for superior flavor.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their aroma and color.
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet or oven to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: garlic butter potatoes, crispy potatoes, easy side dish, garlic potatoes, buttery potatoes, comfort food, gluten-free potato recipe