All products are selected by our editorial team for quality. If you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
These Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes are a simple yet irresistible side dish that elevates any meal with minimal effort.
The secret lies in parboiling the baby potatoes first, ensuring a tender interior, then roasting them in a fragrant garlic butter mixture for a golden, crispy exterior.
This method locks in flavor while maintaining a light, wholesome texture. Nutritionally, this recipe provides a good dose of fiber from the potatoes, along with healthy fats from unsalted butter, while remaining moderate in calories and naturally low in cholesterol.
With only five main ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prep.
The combination of savory garlic, fresh parsley, and buttery richness creates a comforting dish that satisfies both taste buds and nutritional needs, making it a reliable go-to side for everyday cooking.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Large Pot
Ideal for boiling the baby potatoes evenly. A quality pot ensures potatoes are cooked to the perfect tenderness without sticking, and it’s essential for preparing soups, pasta, and more.
Baking Tray
Perfect for roasting the potatoes to a golden crisp. A sturdy, non-stick tray promotes even browning and is versatile for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, or sheet-pan dinners.
Small Saucepan
Used to melt butter and infuse it with garlic and parsley. A reliable saucepan is essential for making sauces, melting chocolate, or reducing liquids efficiently.
Chef’s Knife
Key for finely chopping garlic and parsley. A sharp, durable knife improves prep speed and precision, benefiting all cutting tasks in the kitchen.
Spatula or Tongs
Essential for turning potatoes midway through roasting to ensure even cooking and browning. A heat-resistant spatula or tongs are indispensable for sautéing, flipping, and serving hot foods safely.
Crispy Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot
- 1 Baking Tray
- 1 Small Saucepan
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 Spatula or Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes halved or left whole if small
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Your Potatoes: Begin by selecting fresh baby potatoes, ideally uniform in size to ensure even cooking.Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.If some potatoes are larger, cut them in half or quarters so that all pieces are similar in size. This step ensures that every potato cooks at the same rate and develops a consistent texture.
- Parboil the Potatoes: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully add the potatoes and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, or until they are just starting to soften when pierced with a fork.Be careful not to overcook them at this stage, as the goal is a tender interior while keeping their shape intact. Once parboiled, drain the water using a colander and set the potatoes aside to cool slightly.
- Infuse the Butter: While the potatoes are cooling, prepare the garlic butter.Place 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it begins to sizzle lightly. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. Then, add the finely chopped parsley and salt, stirring to combine evenly. This flavorful butter mixture will coat the potatoes and infuse them with aromatic richness. Remove the saucepan from heat once done.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting, line a large baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. A properly preheated oven ensures that the potatoes roast evenly and develop a golden, crispy exterior.
- Coat the Potatoes: Place the parboiled potatoes evenly on the prepared baking tray.Pour the warm garlic butter mixture over the potatoes, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.Use a spatula or tongs to gently toss the potatoes so that the butter, garlic, and parsley cover every surface. This step guarantees maximum flavor in every bite.
- Roast to Perfection: Transfer the tray to the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for 40–45 minutes.Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs or a spatula to carefully turn the potatoes. This promotes even browning and crispiness on all sides. The roasting process caramelizes the exterior, giving the potatoes a beautiful golden color and a satisfyingly crispy texture.
- Serve Hot: Once the potatoes are tender on the inside and golden on the outside, remove them from the oven. Transfer to a serving dish immediately while they are hot. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley for color and freshness. These potatoes are best enjoyed immediately, pairing perfectly with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a hearty main course.
- Optional Tips for Extra Flavor: For added depth, consider tossing the potatoes with a pinch of smoked paprika, black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to create your signature roasted potato flavor.
Notes
- Use baby potatoes of similar size for even cooking.
- Parboil potatoes just until tender but not fully cooked; this ensures a crispy exterior when roasted.
- Mince garlic finely to avoid large chunks and evenly infuse flavor.
- Stir the garlic butter constantly to prevent burning while sautéing.
- Turn the potatoes halfway through roasting for consistent browning.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness; dried parsley can be used in a pinch but will be less vibrant.
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness; reheated potatoes may soften.
- Optional: Add smoked paprika, rosemary, or thyme for a flavor twist.
Chef’s Secrets: Maximizing Potato Flavor
The key to perfectly roasted potatoes is parboiling before roasting.
This step softens the interior while allowing the outside to crisp beautifully in the oven.
Using unsalted butter gives full control over seasoning, while sautéing the garlic gently in butter ensures it doesn’t burn, which can create a bitter taste.
Fresh parsley adds a subtle herbal freshness that balances the richness of the butter.
For an even more flavorful result, toss the potatoes lightly in the garlic butter multiple times during roasting.
Always ensure your oven is preheated to 375°F (190°C) for consistent roasting and golden color.
Serving Suggestions: Delicious Meal Pairings
These roasted potatoes pair beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish.
They also complement vegetarian mains like stuffed mushrooms, sautéed greens, or a hearty lentil stew.
For a festive meal, serve alongside honey-glazed carrots or a fresh green salad.
Garnish with extra chopped parsley or a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elevated presentation.
These potatoes can also be enjoyed as a warm snack or side during brunch, making them versatile for any meal of the day.
Storage Tips: Keeping Potatoes Fresh
Leftover roasted potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, use a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness, or quickly sauté in a pan with a small drizzle of butter.
Avoid microwaving, which can make the potatoes soft and mushy.
Parboiling and roasting in advance is also a great meal-prep strategy: keep the parboiled potatoes in the fridge and roast fresh garlic butter when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions: Common Cooking Concerns
1. Can I use large potatoes instead?
Yes, but cut them into uniform small chunks to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
2. Is unsalted butter necessary?
Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content. You can use salted butter, but reduce additional salt slightly.
3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative; the roasting technique remains the same.
4. Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh parsley provides a brighter flavor and more vibrant color. Add dried parsley in smaller quantities near the end of cooking.
5. How do I get extra crispy potatoes?
Ensure potatoes are parboiled but drained thoroughly, coat them well in butter, and avoid overcrowding the tray. Roasting at high heat and flipping halfway ensures maximum crispiness.
This recipe is inspired by juliascuisine and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
