If you want a side dish that absolutely steals the show, let me introduce you to my ultimate Garlic Butter Potatoes. Crispy golden edges, soft and fluffy centers, and a silky roasted garlic butter that melts into every satisfying bite—these potatoes are about to become your new addiction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Insanely Flavorful: Roasting whole garlic bulbs transforms the humble potato into something sweet, nutty, and absolutely irresistible.
- The Perfect Texture: Artfully sliced potatoes roast up with crisp edges and a creamy, buttery interior—pure comfort in every bite.
- A Showstopper, Every Time: These Garlic Butter Potatoes look stunning with their golden, fanned tops, and they’re always the first thing to vanish at a dinner party.
- Simple, Honest Ingredients: All you need is a handful of basics—no fancy equipment or hidden steps required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a quick trip to the pantry—and maybe the market for fresh parsley—can turn such simple ingredients into a crave-worthy dish. Each element brings something special: velvety butter for indulgence, olive oil for crispness, garlic for deep roasted sweetness, and those pretty little potatoes as the perfect canvas.
- Small Potatoes (about 1kg/2lbs): Baby potatoes, such as ‘Charlotte’ or any small waxy variety, crisp up beautifully and hold their shape when sliced thinly.
- Garlic Bulbs (2 whole): Roasting softens their sharp bite, delivering a mellow, nutty flavor that perfumes the entire dish.
- Olive Oil (3 tbsp): Helps the potatoes turn golden and crunchy, while also aiding the roasting garlic’s transformation.
- Butter (90g/6 tbsp): Blended with roasted garlic, this becomes your decadent finishing touch—think melted silk that soaks right into the cuts.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for amplifying every flavor; don’t be shy with seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, finely diced): Adds vibrant pops of color and a fresh, herby brightness to balance the richness.
Variations
The beauty of Garlic Butter Potatoes is how easy they are to bend around your mood or pantry. Don’t be afraid to mix things up—whether you need a dairy-free version, crave some extra heat, or simply want to use what you have on hand, these spuds are happy to adapt.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the potatoes for the final 5 minutes in the oven and get a golden, savoury crust.
- Lemon & Herb Twist: Add lemon zest and extra fresh herbs such as thyme or chives to the butter for a brighter, fresher vibe.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a quality vegan butter in place of dairy, and you won’t miss a thing in terms of that buttery garlic flavor.
- Spicy Surprise: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the garlic butter for a gentle kick.
- Loaded Potato Style: Top with crispy bacon bits and a dollop of sour cream if you want something extra indulgent!
How to Make Garlic Butter Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Garlic Bulbs
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C/390°F. Take both garlic bulbs and slice off the very tops, just enough to reveal all the individual cloves. Drizzle each bulb with a touch of olive oil, then wrap them up snugly in foil. These will roast right alongside your potatoes, softening and sweetening as they go.
Step 2: Slice and Season the Potatoes
Now comes the fun part! Use a sharp knife to make thin, even slices along your small potatoes—think about 1/16″ to 1/8″ apart—being careful not to cut all the way through. (Placing the potato between two wooden spoons can help!) Toss the sliced potatoes in a big bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper until every nook and cranny is coated. Space them out cut-side-up on a baking tray, and brush over any leftover oil so those edges get extra crispy.
Step 3: Roast Potatoes and Garlic
Add your wrapped garlic bulbs to the tray with the potatoes. Pop everything into the oven for an initial 30 minutes. Midway through, use a brush to baste the potatoes with any oil that’s pooled in the tray, making sure those tops stay moist and golden. If the garlic looks like it’s browning too fast, dial the oven down to 180°C/350°F as needed.
Step 4: Finish Roasting for Ultimate Crispiness
Keep roasting for another 15-20 minutes—your signal that it’s done is potatoes with richly golden, crispy tops and garlic that’s soft, sticky, and lightly caramelized. Don’t worry if one finishes before the other; you can pop whichever cooks first back in at the end for a quick reheat!
Step 5: Make the Roasted Garlic Butter
While everything’s piping hot, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a small bowl (hold them with a towel if they’re too hot). Add in the softened butter, parsley, and a good pinch more salt and pepper. Mash and mix until it’s creamy, soft, and flecked with green. Spread this succulent garlic butter lavishly over your potatoes—they should soak it right up! There’s no such thing as too much here!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Potatoes
- Slicing Safety: Place two chopsticks or wooden spoons along each potato to prevent your knife from cutting all the way through—Hasselback style makes for easy and beautiful results.
- Soft, Creamy Butter: For the perfect consistency, soften your butter in the microwave with quick 5-second bursts—watch closely so it doesn’t melt and separate.
- Garlic Roasting Watch: Keep a close eye after 30 minutes in the oven—if the garlic starts browning too fast, lower your oven temp to prevent bitterness while still coaxing out that sweet, nutty flavor.
- Potato Size Matters: Using evenly sized small potatoes ensures all your Garlic Butter Potatoes cook through at the same rate and look perfectly uniform on the table.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Potatoes
Garnishes
A final flourish of finely diced fresh parsley is classic—it brings out that beautiful green against the golden potatoes and adds bright herbiness. For an extra boost, try a few delicate shavings of Parmesan or a scattering of chopped chives right after the garlic butter melts in for a pop of freshness and flavor.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Potatoes play well with just about anything! They’re especially dreamy alongside slow-roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a simple pan-seared salmon. For a vegetarian spread, pair with a crisp, lemony green salad or sautéed greens. They also join the holiday table with roasted turkey or as a standout addition to Sunday family dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
Fan the potatoes out on a family-style platter so those crispy, golden slices peek through like edible petals. Or, serve individually on small plates for an appetizer with a dollop of herbed crème fraîche. They also make adorable little nests—place a few Garlic Butter Potatoes in a bowl lined with fresh greens for a rustic yet elegant side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, stash any leftover Garlic Butter Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll maintain that lovely flavor and are easy to rewarm for a quick snack or side the next day.
Freezing
While you can freeze them, just know the texture will change a bit—those crisp edges may soften up. If you do freeze, place cooled potatoes on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container for up to two months.
Reheating
To bring back that magical crispy texture, reheat Garlic Butter Potatoes in a hot oven (200°C/390°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until piping hot and golden again. Avoid the microwave when possible, as it tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of potato for Garlic Butter Potatoes?
Absolutely! While small, waxy potatoes like Charlotte or baby Yukon Golds give you the best result, you can use any small potato you love. Just try to keep them all about the same size for even cooking and gorgeous, uniform presentation.
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Do I have to peel the potatoes?
No need to peel! The thin skins of baby potatoes crisp up beautifully and add extra flavor and nutrients to your Garlic Butter Potatoes. Just give them a good scrub before slicing.
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Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the roasted garlic butter up to a day in advance. Keep it in the fridge, and let it come to room temperature before spreading over your hot potatoes for easy melting.
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What do I do if my potatoes finish roasting before the garlic?
No worries! Simply remove the potatoes from the oven and set aside while the garlic finishes roasting. When the garlic is ready, pop the potatoes back in for a quick 5-minute warmup and they’ll be good as new (and just as crispy!).
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort that dazzles, make these Garlic Butter Potatoes the next time you gather around the table. They’re warm, inviting, and have a way of making every meal feel like a celebration—so don’t be surprised if they disappear even faster than you hoped. Happy cooking!
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Garlic Butter Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Global
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Butter Potatoes are a perfect side dish with crispy golden skins, tender insides, and a rich buttery garlic flavor. Roasted to perfection, these potatoes are a savory delight for any meal.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Potatoes:
- 2 bulbs of Garlic
- 1kg / 2lb small Potatoes
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 90g / 6 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp very finely diced Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C/390F. Slice the tips off the garlic bulbs and wrap them in foil after drizzling with oil.
- Thinly slice the potatoes. Toss with oil, salt, and pepper, then place on a baking tray.
- Roast for 30 minutes. Coat with leftover oil, then roast for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Make the garlic butter. Combine roasted garlic with butter, parsley, salt, and pepper. Spread over hot potatoes.
Notes
- Potatoes: ‘Charlotte’ or large baby potatoes work well.
- Slicing: Use a wooden spoon trick to avoid slicing all the way through.
- Butter: Soften but not fully melted for a creamy consistency.
- Roasted Garlic: Roasting transforms garlic to be sweet and nutty.
- Timings: Ensure potatoes and garlic finish cooking together.
- Calories: Recipe serves 4.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 405mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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