– **Title**: Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnishing)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Stir well until combined.
3. Add the halved baby potatoes to the bowl and toss until the potatoes are evenly coated with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Arrange the coated potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
6. Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle them with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
7. Serve warm as a side dish to your favorite main course. Enjoy your delicious baked garlic butter potatoes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These are perfect for baking because of their creamy texture and small size. If you can’t find baby potatoes, you can use small red or yellow potatoes, or even fingerling potatoes for a similar effect.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used here to let the flavors shine through. You can substitute it with olive oil if you want a healthier alternative or need a dairy-free option.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a wonderful aroma. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1 teaspoon instead of 4 cloves.
Thyme: Dried thyme is great, but if you have fresh thyme, use it! Fresh herbs generally have a stronger flavor, so you might want to double the amount.
Paprika: Regular paprika gives a nice color. If you like things a bit spicy, you can switch to smoked paprika or even cayenne pepper for a kick!
How Can I Ensure My Potatoes are Crispy and Flavorful?
Getting that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender is key. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Make sure to wash and dry the potatoes well before coating. Excess moisture can prevent crispiness.
- When tossing potatoes with the butter mixture, ensure they are fully coated. This helps in even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Arrange them in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. This allows hot air to circulate and helps them brown nicely.
- Remember to turn them halfway through baking. This ensures all sides get golden and crispy.
- For an extra crispy finish, broil the potatoes for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning!
How to Make Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (or small new potatoes)
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to bake. So, plan for a total of around 45-50 minutes to enjoy your delicious baked garlic butter potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you put the potatoes in!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash the baby potatoes well to remove any dirt, and then pat them dry with a towel. If some of the potatoes are larger, you can cut them in half to make sure they cook evenly.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will add delicious flavor to your potatoes!
4. Coat the Potatoes:
Place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the garlic butter mixture over them and toss gently until all the potatoes are evenly coated with the buttery goodness.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Spread the coated potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet. If you halved any potatoes, make sure the cut side is facing up for perfect browning.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the potatoes for about 30-35 minutes. Halfway through, give them a little turn to make sure they cook evenly. They should be golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you love cheese, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the potatoes during the last few minutes of baking for an extra delicious topping!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once the potatoes are cooked to golden perfection, take them out of the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve them warm. Enjoy your delicious baked garlic butter potatoes!
## FAQ
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes give a nice texture, you can substitute with other small potatoes like fingerling or red potatoes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using a variety that’s larger or denser.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No worries! You can use garlic powder as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic. Just mix it in with the melted butter and other seasonings, and you’ll still get that great garlic flavor!
How to Store Leftover Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread them out on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy, or microwave them for a quicker reheating option.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the potatoes and coat them in the garlic butter mixture ahead of time! Cover and refrigerate them for up to a day. Just bring them to room temperature before baking for the best results.
