Baked Potatoes with Garlic and Butter
Ingredients
Main Components
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) waxy potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or Charlotte)
- 4-5 large garlic cloves
- 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter
- Sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh Herbs (Choose 2-3)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley
- Fresh sage (optional)
Detailed Instructions
1. Potato Preparation
- Select and clean your potatoes:
- Choose potatoes of similar size for even cooking
- Scrub thoroughly under cold water
- Pat completely dry with kitchen paper
- Cut the potatoes:
- For medium potatoes: cut into halves
- For large potatoes: quarter them
- Keep pieces roughly equal in size
- Leave small potatoes whole if desired
2. Garlic and Butter Preparation
- Prepare the garlic:
- Peel cloves carefully
- Slice thinly (about 1-2mm thick)
- Or chop finely if preferred
- Prepare the butter:
- Cut into small cubes for even melting
- Melt slowly over low heat
- Watch carefully to prevent browning
3. Oven Preparation
- Set up for success:
- Position rack in middle of oven
- Preheat to 200°C (392°F)
- Use fan setting if available
4. Seasoning and Coating
- Create the seasoning mixture:
- Combine melted butter and garlic
- Add a generous pinch of salt
- Add freshly ground black pepper
- Coat the potatoes:
- Place potatoes in a large bowl
- Pour over butter-garlic mixture
- Toss thoroughly to coat every piece
5. Baking Process
- Prepare the baking tray:
- Line with parchment paper
- Or use a non-stick roasting pan
- Arrange potatoes:
- Place in a single layer
- Leave space between pieces
- Pour any remaining butter mixture over top
- Baking stages:
- Initial bake: 20 minutes
- Turn potatoes
- Final bake: 15-25 minutes
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Potato Selection:
- Choose waxy varieties for best results
- Ensure potatoes are firm and unblemished
- Avoid potatoes with green spots
- Temperature Management:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Maintain consistent oven temperature
- Allow pan to heat in oven before adding potatoes
- Texture Optimization:
- Dry potatoes thoroughly before coating
- Turn carefully to maintain crispy surfaces
- Check doneness with a fork
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these potatoes in various ways:
- As a side dish with roasted meats
- Alongside grilled fish
- With a dollop of sour cream
- Garnished with extra fresh herbs
- As part of a vegetarian main course
Nutrition Information
Per serving (recipe serves 6):
- Calories: 245
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg (varies with salt added)
Storage and Reheating
- Immediate Service:
- Serve hot from the oven
- Keep warm in a low oven if needed
- Leftovers:
- Store in airtight container
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Reheat in hot oven (200°C/392°F) for 10-15 minutes
Variations and Adaptations
- Herb Variations:
- Mediterranean: Rosemary and thyme
- French: Herbes de Provence
- Italian: Oregano and basil
- Flavor Enhancements:
- Add grated Parmesan in last 5 minutes
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika
- Add whole grain mustard to butter mixture
These garlic and butter potatoes are more than just a side dish – they’re a celebration of simple ingredients transformed through careful preparation and attention to detail. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
