Baked Potatoes with Garlic and Butter

Through years of experimenting in my kitchen, I’ve mastered the art of creating perfectly roasted potatoes that are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and infused with the heavenly combination of garlic and butter. This recipe draws inspiration from classic French pommes de terre à la sarladaise, but with a simplified approach that delivers restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen.

The Secret to Perfect Roast Potatoes

The magic of these potatoes lies in three key elements: the right variety of potato, proper heat distribution, and the perfect butter-to-garlic ratio. I’ve discovered that using waxy potatoes creates the ideal crispy exterior while maintaining a creamy interior, while carefully melted butter ensures even coating and optimal browning.

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

1. Select and clean your potatoes:

• Choose potatoes of similar size for even cooking
• Scrub thoroughly under cold water
• Pat completely dry with kitchen paper

1. 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

1. Prepare the garlic:

• Peel cloves carefully
• Slice thinly (about 1-2mm thick)
• Or chop finely if preferred

1. Prepare the butter:

• Cut into small cubes for even melting
• Melt slowly over low heat
• Watch carefully to prevent browning

3. Oven Preparation

1. 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

1. Create the seasoning mixture:

• Combine melted butter and garlic
• Add a generous pinch of salt
• Add freshly ground black pepper

1. Coat the potatoes:

• Place potatoes in a large bowl
• Pour over butter-garlic mixture
• Toss thoroughly to coat every piece

5. Baking Process

1. Prepare the baking tray:

• Line with parchment paper
• Or use a non-stick roasting pan

1. Arrange potatoes:

• Place in a single layer
• Leave space between pieces
• Pour any remaining butter mixture over top

1. Baking stages:

• Initial bake: 20 minutes
• Turn potatoes
• Final bake: 15-25 minutes

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Potato Selection:

• Choose waxy varieties for best results
• Ensure potatoes are firm and unblemished
• Avoid potatoes with green spots

1. Temperature Management:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan
• Maintain consistent oven temperature
• Allow pan to heat in oven before adding potatoes

1. 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

1. Herb Variations:

• Mediterranean: Rosemary and thyme
• French: Herbes de Provence
• Italian: Oregano and basil

1. 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.