Crispy Garlic Butter Potatoes are the perfect combination of savory, buttery goodness with a satisfying crispy exterior. These potatoes are incredibly flavorful and easy to make, making them a great side dish for almost any meal. With the richness of garlic, butter, and olive oil, and a touch of fresh herbs, these crispy potatoes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Crispy Exterior

The combination of melted butter, olive oil, and the high heat of the oven creates an irresistibly crispy, golden-brown crust on the potatoes, making each bite satisfying.

2. Easy to Prepare

With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a baking sheet and a few basic pantry staples.

3. Rich Garlic Butter Flavor

The garlic butter sauce coats the potatoes perfectly, delivering a rich, savory flavor that enhances the natural taste of the potatoes, making them irresistible.

4. Versatile Seasoning Options

While the recipe calls for thyme or rosemary, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. Feel free to experiment with herbs like oregano or parsley, or even add some chili flakes for heat.

5. Perfect for Any Meal

These crispy garlic butter potatoes are a great side dish for any protein, from grilled meats to roasted chicken or even a vegetarian meal. They pair well with almost anything!

Ingredients

2 lbs (900g) baby potatoes, halved
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (optional for color)
1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Variations

Herb Variations: Instead of thyme or rosemary, you can use fresh basil, oregano, or a blend of Italian herbs to flavor the potatoes.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy variation.
Cheesy: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Bacon: Add crispy crumbled bacon to the potatoes for a smoky, savory twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and halve the baby potatoes. Place them in a large bowl.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a separate small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme or rosemary. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Coat the Potatoes

Pour the garlic butter mixture over the halved potatoes and toss them to coat evenly. Ensure all the potatoes are well-seasoned.

Step 5: Bake the Potatoes

Spread the coated potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Make sure to flip them halfway through the baking time for even crispiness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Cut the Potatoes Evenly: To ensure uniform cooking, make sure the potatoes are cut into roughly equal sizes so they cook evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For the crispiest potatoes, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crisping.
Use High Heat: Baking at a high temperature (400°F) helps create that crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and fluffy.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding different herbs, spices, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.

How to Serve

These crispy garlic butter potatoes make an excellent side dish for steak, chicken, or roasted pork. They also pair wonderfully with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a more balanced meal. Serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing or a zesty aioli for an extra burst of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover crispy garlic butter potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again.

Freezing

While these potatoes are best served fresh, you can freeze them if you need to. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the potatoes to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, spread the leftover potatoes on a baking sheet and place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for an even crispier texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, you can use larger potatoes. Just cut them into smaller chunks so they cook evenly.

2. Can I make this recipe without butter?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil for the butter to make the recipe dairy-free. The potatoes will still be delicious!

3. Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?

Yes, fresh garlic will work just as well as minced garlic. Just be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing it.

4. How do I make these potatoes extra crispy?

To make them extra crispy, spread the potatoes in a single layer without overcrowding the pan and flip them halfway through baking.

5. Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes, dried rosemary works just as well as fresh rosemary in this recipe.

6. Can I add cheese to the potatoes?

Absolutely! Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes just before serving for an extra flavor boost.

7. Can I add bacon to the recipe?

Yes, crumbled bacon would make a great addition to these potatoes. You can sprinkle it on top before baking or add it as a garnish.

8. Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can substitute the olive oil with other oils such as vegetable oil or avocado oil.

9. Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?

You can prep the potatoes by cutting and tossing them in the garlic butter mixture and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

10. Can I make these potatoes in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make these in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.

Conclusion

Crispy Garlic Butter Potatoes are the ultimate side dish for any occasion, offering the perfect balance of crispy texture and rich, savory flavor. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether served with your favorite protein or as a snack on their own, these potatoes are the perfect comfort food.