These garlic butter roasted potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and coated with a rich mixture of butter, garlic, herbs, and seasoning.
They are simple enough for a weeknight dinner but also perfect for holidays, Sunday meals, barbecues, or family gatherings. The potatoes are first parboiled so the centers become tender, then roasted at high heat until the cut sides are beautifully caramelized.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds small Yukon Gold or baby potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika, optional
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- Extra parsley for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the potatoes
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly.
Place them in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cook the potatoes for about 10–12 minutes, or until they are slightly tender when pierced with a knife but still firm enough to hold their shape.
Do not cook them completely, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
2. Drain and cool
Drain the potatoes well and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes.
Once they are cool enough to handle, cut each potato in half lengthwise.
Larger potatoes may be cut into quarters.
3. Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F or 220°C.
Lightly grease a large baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Make the garlic butter mixture
In a small bowl, combine:
- Melted butter
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Parsley
- Oregano
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika, if using
Stir until well combined.
The olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning while the potatoes roast.
5. Arrange the potatoes
Place the potato halves in the prepared baking dish with the cut sides facing upward.
Brush or spoon the garlic butter mixture generously over every potato.
Turn the potatoes so the cut sides face downward. This helps them develop a deeper golden crust against the hot pan.
Pour any remaining garlic butter over the potatoes.
6. Roast
Bake for 25 minutes without moving the potatoes.
After 25 minutes, carefully turn them over.
Brush them with some of the butter and juices from the bottom of the dish.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.
Return them to the oven and roast for another 15–20 minutes, or until deeply golden, crispy around the edges, and tender inside.
7. Broil for extra crispiness
For a more browned finish, place the potatoes under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
Watch them closely because the garlic and butter can burn quickly.
8. Serve
Remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to rest for 2–3 minutes.
Sprinkle with extra parsley, Parmesan, black pepper, or a small pinch of flaky salt.
Serve warm.
Helpful Tips
Use waxy or all-purpose potatoes
Yukon Gold and baby potatoes hold their shape well and have a naturally creamy center.
Parboil before roasting
Partially boiling the potatoes helps create a soft interior while reducing the oven time.
Dry the potatoes well
Excess water can prevent the potatoes from becoming crispy. Let them steam-dry briefly after draining.
Place the cut sides down
The flat cut surface makes direct contact with the hot dish and becomes beautifully browned.
Do not overcrowd the pan
Leave a little space between the potatoes so hot air can circulate around them.
Use fresh garlic carefully
Fresh garlic adds excellent flavor, but it can burn. Mixing it with butter and oil helps protect it during roasting.
Easy Variations
Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Add ½ cup finely grated Parmesan during the final 15 minutes of roasting.
Spicy Potatoes
Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or smoked paprika to the butter mixture.
Lemon Herb Potatoes
Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest before roasting and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Rosemary Potatoes
Replace the oregano with chopped fresh rosemary.
Cheesy Potatoes
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar over the potatoes during the final 5 minutes.
Ranch Potatoes
Add 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning to the garlic butter.
Air-Fryer Method
Parboil and season the potatoes as directed.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F or 200°C.
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer with the cut sides down.
Air-fry for 15–20 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Cook in batches if necessary.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Potatoes
These potatoes pair well with:
- Roast chicken
- Grilled steak
- Baked salmon
- Pork chops
- Meatloaf
- Burgers
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh salad
- Fried or scrambled eggs
Make-Ahead Instructions
The potatoes can be parboiled and cut up to one day ahead.
Store them covered in the refrigerator.
When ready to cook, bring them closer to room temperature, coat them with the garlic butter, and roast as directed.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheating
Oven
Reheat at 400°F or 200°C for 10–12 minutes.
Air fryer
Reheat at 375°F or 190°C for 5–7 minutes.
Skillet
Warm in a little butter or oil over medium heat until crispy.
Avoid microwaving when possible, as the potatoes may become soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip boiling the potatoes?
Yes, but they will need more time in the oven. Cut them into smaller pieces and roast for approximately 40–50 minutes.
Can I leave the skins on?
Yes. The skins become flavorful and slightly crispy during roasting.
Why are my potatoes not crispy?
They may have been too wet, overcrowded, or roasted at too low a temperature.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. Reduce the added salt and adjust after cooking.
Can I prepare this without dairy?
Yes. Replace the butter with additional olive oil or dairy-free butter.
Final Notes
These garlic butter roasted potatoes are simple, flavorful, and dependable. Their crisp golden edges, creamy centers, and rich garlic-herb coating make them an easy side dish that works with almost any meal.
