This Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes recipe transforms simple Yukon potatoes into a golden, flavorful side dish bursting with savory richness.
Crispy on the outside yet tender inside, these potatoes offer fiber, potassium, and heart-healthy fats from olive oil.
Quick, easy, and full of aromatic garlic, they are perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or effortless meal prep that satisfies every time.
Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 sheet pan (baking tray)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon potatoes small
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley minced
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and kitchen tools before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process. This includes small Yukon potatoes, olive oil, unsalted butter, kosher salt, coarse black pepper, fresh garlic, and parsley. Wash potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove dirt. Dry them completely using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, as moisture can prevent crispiness during roasting.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat fully. A preheated oven ensures even cooking and helps the potatoes develop a golden, crispy exterior. For extra crispiness, place your baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes so it’s warm when you add the potatoes.
- Cut and Prepare Potatoes: Place washed potatoes on a cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, halve each potato so they are of similar size. Uniform cuts ensure even cooking and consistent texture. If potatoes are particularly large, quarter them for the best results. Transfer the cut potatoes to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Flavors and Oils: Add olive oil, melted butter, kosher salt, coarse black pepper, and minced garlic to the mixing bowl with potatoes. Toss gently but thoroughly so every piece is evenly coated. This ensures flavor penetration and helps potatoes crisp evenly during roasting.
- Arrange Potatoes on Sheet Pan: Transfer the coated potatoes to a baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between pieces to promote airflow. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this causes steaming instead of roasting. For best results, place potatoes skin side down.
- First Roasting Stage: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes. This stage softens the potatoes and begins developing a crisp surface. Check halfway through and gently reposition potatoes for even roasting.
- Flip and Continue Roasting: After 30 minutes, remove the baking sheet using oven mitts. Flip each potato with a spatula so the opposite side roasts evenly. Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 20 minutes until potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
- Final Crisping and Flavor Boost: Once roasting is complete, remove potatoes from the oven and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with freshly minced parsley and, if desired, drizzle extra olive oil. Toss gently to coat and distribute flavors evenly.
- Serving and Presentation: Place potatoes in a serving bowl or platter. Arrange them attractively so crispy edges are visible. Garnish with additional parsley and a light pinch of kosher salt if desired. Serve immediately to preserve texture and flavor.
- Enjoy and Store Leftovers: Serve hot as a side dish with your preferred main course. Leftover potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispness.
Notes
- For the crispiest potatoes, choose small Yukon gold potatoes that roast evenly and develop a golden crust. Avoid overly large potatoes unless cut into smaller, uniform pieces.
- Dry potatoes thoroughly after washing to prevent steaming and ensure crispiness.
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch. Add it in Step 4 if using.
- If you prefer a richer taste, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese during the final toss.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Kosher salt works best for even seasoning.
Chef’s Secrets: Elevating Roasted Potatoes
The secret to truly exceptional garlic butter roasted potatoes lies in attention to detail.
Always cut potatoes into equal sizes so they roast evenly.
Use a combination of olive oil and melted butter for the best balance of crispness and flavor — olive oil adds healthy fats, while butter delivers richness.
Toss the potatoes thoroughly before roasting so every piece is coated.
Flip them halfway through roasting to ensure both sides develop a golden, crunchy exterior.
Fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also brightens the dish visually, making it perfect for entertaining.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Pairing Ideas
Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes are versatile enough to pair with a wide range of dishes.
Serve them alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a juicy steak for a satisfying dinner.
They also work beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
For brunch, pair them with scrambled eggs and avocado toast.
Their warm, garlicky flavor makes them a welcome side for holiday dinners or family gatherings.
You can also toss leftover potatoes into a breakfast hash with onions, bell peppers, and eggs for a delicious next-day meal.
Storage Tips: Keeping Potatoes Fresh
Store any leftover roasted potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To maintain crispiness when reheating, avoid the microwave; instead, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.
This reheating method helps restore the crisp outer texture.
For longer storage, roasted potatoes can be frozen.
Place cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat directly from frozen for best results, adjusting the baking time as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes. Yukon gold potatoes work best for their creamy texture and golden crust, but red potatoes, baby potatoes, or fingerlings can be excellent alternatives.
Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the potato type and size.
2. How do I make these potatoes extra crispy?
The key is to ensure potatoes are dry before tossing them with oil and butter.
Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet without overcrowding, and flip them halfway through roasting to achieve an even crisp.
3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the potatoes up to Step 4, store them in the refrigerator, and roast them when ready. However, they will be crispier if roasted immediately after preparation.
4. Can I make this recipe without butter?
Absolutely. Olive oil alone will still yield delicious roasted potatoes, although butter adds richness and depth of flavor. You can also substitute with vegan butter or ghee for dietary preferences.
5. How can I add more flavor to this recipe?
Add fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano along with parsley. A pinch of smoked paprika or grated Parmesan cheese at the end can also enhance the dish’s flavor profile beautifully.
