Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter
Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter make the perfect side dish to elevate any meal, bringing a golden crunch and rich, nutty flavor that’s surprisingly easy to create. This recipe combines simple ingredients with an indulgent browned butter glaze that transforms humble potatoes into a crowd-pleasing sensation. Whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter will quickly become your go-to for that perfect balance of texture and taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Yet Sophisticated: Combines everyday ingredients into a side dish bursting with irresistible flavor.
- Perfect Crispy Texture: Achieves a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
- Versatile and Crowd-Friendly: Complements a wide variety of main courses from roast chicken to steak effortlessly.
- Quick to Prepare: Minimal prep time makes it ideal for busy nights without sacrificing taste.
- Unique Flavor Boost: Browned butter adds an amazing depth of nutty richness that takes potatoes to the next level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role in building layers of flavor and texture that will delight every bite.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes are perfect for roasting due to their creamy texture and ability to crisp beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: The star of the show; browning it enhances the dish with a warm, nutty aroma.
- Fresh Herbs: Thyme or rosemary add a fragrant, earthy note that pairs perfectly with browned butter.
- Garlic: Minced or thinly sliced, garlic provides a subtle punch that enhances overall flavor.
- Olive Oil: Used for roasting, it helps create that essential crispy crust.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to balance the dish and bring out natural potato flavors.
Variations for Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to tailor Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter to your preferences, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or cayenne for a subtle heat contrast.
- Lemon Zest Twist: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest after roasting for a bright, citrusy layer.
- Parmesan Cheese: Toss with grated Parmesan right after roasting for a savory finish.
- Vegan Version: Swap butter with a vegan-friendly browned margarine or olive oil and add nutritional yeast for cheesy notes.
- Root Veggie Mix: Mix in carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes for a colorful medley.
How to Make Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter
Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes
Start by washing and cutting the potatoes into even-sized chunks, about 1 to 1.5 inches. This ensures even roasting for a consistent crispy crust and creamy center.
Step 2: Parboil the Potatoes
Boil the potatoes in salted water for 8-10 minutes until just tender but not falling apart. This step primes them for the best roasting texture and gives you that perfect fluffy interior.
Step 3: Brown the Butter
While the potatoes boil, melt unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat. Keep cooking and swirling it until it turns golden brown with a fragrant nutty aroma. Be careful not to let it burn!
Step 4: Toss Potatoes with Herbs and Garlic
Drain the parboiled potatoes and return them to the pot. Add olive oil, fresh herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly and bring those flavors to life.
Step 5: Roast to Golden Perfection
Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even golden crust.
Step 6: Finish with Browned Butter
Once roasted and crispy, drizzle the browned butter over the potatoes while still hot. Toss gently to coat every piece, giving them an extra depth of flavor and irresistible gloss.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter
- Size Matters: Cut your potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking and crispiness.
- Don’t Skip Parboiling: This step is essential for that soft interior paired with a crunchy exterior.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: It browns more evenly and won’t cool down the potatoes when drizzled.
- High Heat is Key: Roasting at 425°F helps develop the perfect crunch quickly without drying out the potatoes.
- Keep Tossing Gently: When coating with herbs and browned butter, gentle tossing maintains the crisp texture.
How to Serve Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter
Garnishes
Finishing your Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter with fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a pop of color and brightness, enhancing the dish’s appeal and taste.
Side Dishes
These potatoes pair beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or even a fresh green salad, making them incredibly versatile for any meal occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them in rustic bowls or cast-iron skillets for a cozy, homestyle feel. Alternatively, pile them high on a platter and sprinkle with extra herbs for a festive touch at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover roasted potatoes with browned butter in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while allowing flavors to meld further.
Freezing
If desired, frozen roasted potatoes can be stored in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months, making meal prep quick and easy any day of the week.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat leftovers in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave, which can make them soggy. Add a small drizzle of browned butter after reheating to refresh the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best for texture, russet or baby potatoes can be used too. Just adjust roasting times accordingly.
How do I know when the butter is properly browned?
Look for a golden-brown color with a rich nutty scent and tiny brown flecks forming at the bottom. Remove it from heat immediately to prevent burning.
Is this recipe dairy-free friendly?
To make it dairy-free, substitute browned butter with vegan buttery spreads or olive oil infused with garlic and herbs for a similar rich flavor.
Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time before roasting?
Yes, you can parboil and season the potatoes in advance, then refrigerate. Roast them fresh when ready to serve for best crispiness.
What herbs work best in this dish?
Fresh thyme and rosemary are classic choices, but you can also experiment with sage, oregano, or parsley depending on your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter are truly a game-changer in the world of side dishes—they strike the perfect harmony between crispy texture and rich, buttery flavor. Whether you’re preparing a casual dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is simple, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. Give it a try and watch these golden beauties become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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PrintRoasted Potatoes with Browned Butter
Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter combine simple, everyday ingredients to create a perfectly golden, crunchy side dish with a rich, nutty glaze. Easy to prepare and versatile, this recipe elevates potatoes with a browned butter finish and fragrant herbs, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch chunks
Butter and Oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Potatoes: Wash and cut the potatoes into even-sized chunks, about 1 to 1.5 inches, ensuring uniform cooking for a consistent crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
- Parboil the Potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water for 8-10 minutes until just tender but still holding shape to prime them for roasting.
- Brown the Butter: While the potatoes boil, melt the unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat. Cook and swirl until golden brown with a nutty aroma, being careful not to burn it.
- Toss Potatoes with Herbs and Garlic: Drain the parboiled potatoes and return them to the pot. Add olive oil, fresh thyme or rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Roast to Golden Perfection: Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even golden crust.
- Finish with Browned Butter: Once potatoes are roasted and crispy, drizzle the browned butter over them while still hot. Toss gently to coat each piece, adding rich nutty flavor and a glossy finish.
Notes
- Cut potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking and crispiness.
- Don’t skip parboiling; it’s essential for the right texture.
- Use room temperature butter for even browning and to avoid cooling the potatoes when drizzled.
- Roasting at high heat (425°F) achieves perfect crunch without drying out the potatoes.
- Toss gently when coating to maintain crisp texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: roasted potatoes, browned butter, crispy potatoes, side dish, easy potato recipe, garlic potatoes, herb roasted potatoes, fall side dish
