Looking for a side dish that elevates any meal? Garlic Butter Dinner Potatoes will impress your family and friends with their rich taste and simple prep. In this post, I’ll share everything you need: the right ingredients, easy cooking steps, and my favorite tips. Get ready to enjoy perfectly roasted potatoes, covered in garlic butter and fresh herbs. Let's dive into this delicious recipe, and bring joy to your dinner table!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Garlic Butter: The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs creates a rich and savory flavor that elevates simple potatoes.
- Versatile Side Dish: These garlic butter potatoes complement a wide variety of main courses, from grilled meats to vegetarian dishes.
- Beautiful Presentation: With a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on the table.
Ingredients
To make Garlic Butter Dinner Potatoes, you need some simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh herbs: rosemary and thyme
- Seasonings: paprika, salt, and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
These ingredients come together to create a tasty side dish. Baby potatoes are small and tender, making them perfect for roasting. The butter adds richness, while the garlic gives a nice punch of flavor. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme add depth, and paprika brings a hint of warmth. Finally, a sprinkle of parsley brightens up the dish, making it look great on your table.
Using good quality butter and fresh herbs is key for the best taste. When you pick your potatoes, look for ones that are firm and smooth. This ensures they roast well and taste amazing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crispy potatoes.
- Preparing the baby potatoes: Take 1.5 lbs of baby potatoes and cut them in half. Put them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then add salt and pepper. Toss to coat them evenly.
Cooking Process
- Roasting the potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes on a lined baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to get a nice color on all sides.
- Making the garlic butter: While the potatoes roast, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small pan on medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. Stir in 1 teaspoon each of chopped rosemary and thyme, plus 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Cook for another minute and remove from heat.
Finishing Touches
- Coating the potatoes in garlic butter: Once the potatoes are golden brown, take them out of the oven. Drizzle the garlic butter over the hot potatoes. Gently toss to coat them well.
- Adjusting seasoning: Taste the potatoes. If needed, add more salt and pepper to boost the flavors.
- Garnishing prior to serving: Transfer the potatoes to a serving bowl. Top with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Perfect Roasting Tips
To get that golden-brown color, start with high heat. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This hot oven helps the potatoes crisp up nicely. When you roast, spread the potatoes in a single layer. This step allows hot air to flow around each piece. Halfway through roasting, flip the potatoes with a spatula. This move ensures they brown evenly on all sides.
Enhancing Flavor
Infusing garlic butter with herbs gives it a great taste. As the butter melts, add minced garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. These herbs add a fresh aroma and depth of flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones work too. Just use less, as dried herbs are stronger. A sprinkle of dried oregano or basil can also add nice flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic butter potatoes pair well with many main dishes. They go great with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve them with a fresh green salad. For a nice presentation, serve the potatoes in a beautiful bowl. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or a lemon wedge. This touch adds color and a hint of fresh taste.
Pro Tips
- Use Waxy Potatoes: Waxy potatoes, like baby Yukon Golds, hold their shape better and provide a creamy texture, making them ideal for roasting.
- Infuse Garlic Butter: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter while sautéing.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your potatoes are perfectly roasted, pierce them with a fork. They should be tender inside and crispy outside.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix in other herbs such as oregano or basil to customize the flavor profile of your garlic butter potatoes.
Variations
Different Seasonings
You can spice things up with a few extra seasonings. Add chili powder or cayenne pepper for a kick. A touch of lemon zest can also brighten the dish. If you crave creaminess, sprinkle some grated cheese on top. Cheddar or Parmesan works great and adds richness.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you want to try a different way, use a skillet. After boiling the potatoes, heat butter in a skillet. Add the potatoes and sauté them until they are golden brown. Grilling is another fun option. Toss the potatoes in garlic butter and grill them in a foil packet. This method adds a nice smoky flavor.
Different Potato Types
You do not have to stick with baby potatoes. Yukon Golds are creamy and buttery, while red potatoes are waxy and firm. Each type brings a unique taste and texture. Experimenting with different potatoes can elevate your garlic butter dinner potatoes.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store leftover garlic butter dinner potatoes, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they are cool before sealing. This helps keep them fresh. You can expect these potatoes to last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating.
Reheating Tips
When reheating garlic butter potatoes, I recommend using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. This method helps maintain their flavor and texture. Avoid microwaving them, as this can lead to soggy potatoes. If you must use a microwave, do it in short bursts and check often.
Freezing Options
Yes, you can freeze garlic butter potatoes! First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture.
FAQs
Common Questions
How do I make garlic butter from scratch? To make garlic butter, melt unsalted butter in a pan. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. For more flavor, mix in fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and garlic butter ahead. Store the uncooked potatoes in the fridge. You can also make the garlic butter and keep it in the fridge. Just reheat it when ready to serve.
What are good substitutions for butter? You can use olive oil or vegan butter as a substitute. Both options add great flavor. Coconut oil is another choice that will work well too.
Serving Sizes
How many people does this recipe serve? This recipe serves four people. It makes a perfect side dish for any meal.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double this recipe. Just make sure to use a larger baking sheet. This will help the potatoes roast evenly.
Dietary Considerations
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. All the ingredients used are safe for those with gluten allergies.
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, to make this dish dairy-free, use vegan butter or olive oil. The flavor will still be great without the dairy.
This blog post covered everything you need for perfect garlic butter potatoes. From selecting the right ingredients to roasting tips, you now have the tools to create a delicious dish. Remember to play with flavors or try different potato types. Enjoy your cooking adventure and impress your friends with this simple yet tasty recipe. With easy storage tips, you can savor leftovers too. Happy cooking!
