These Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes are little nuggets of joy! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are packed with rich garlic flavor and melted butter goodness.
Who can resist a warm potato treated with garlic and butter? I like to serve them as a side dish, but honestly, I could eat them all by myself! Perfect for any dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are great for baking because they have a fluffy interior. If you can’t find russets, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes instead for a creamier texture.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt content. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or vegan butter. I love using garlic-infused olive oil for a deeper flavor!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for this recipe, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too — just use 1/8 teaspoon per clove. I find that roasting the garlic slightly amplifies its sweetness, too!
Coarse Sea Salt: This salt adds a nice crunch. If you don’t have it, kosher salt can be a good substitute. I always go for flaky sea salt when available for its lightness and flavor.
How Do I Get Crispy Skins on My Baked Potatoes?
Getting that crispy, delicious skin requires a few simple steps. First, make sure to poke the potatoes with a fork; this releases steam and prevents sogginess. Then, brushing them with the garlic butter mixture helps create a flavorful crust.
- Preheat the oven properly — 425°F (220°C) is key for crispiness.
- Coat the potatoes evenly with the garlic butter and press the salt onto the skin, which helps create that crunchy texture.
- Bake them directly on the rack to allow hot air to circulate all around.
Letting them cool slightly before cutting allows the steam to settle, making sure the insides are fluffy. Enjoying these potatoes with the garlic butter melted inside is such a treat!
How to Make Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt (for topping)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 45-60 minutes to bake, making the total time around 55-70 minutes. It’s simple and worth the wait for those fluffy, flavorful potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough to make the skins crispy.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Make sure they’re clean! Once scrubbed, pat them dry with a clean towel.
3. Poke the Potatoes:
Use a fork to poke several holes in each potato. This step is super important because it allows steam to escape while they’re baking, preventing the potatoes from bursting in the oven.
4. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic. This is where the magic happens! Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the potatoes to coat them evenly. Yum!
5. Season the Potatoes:
Sprinkle the coarse sea salt all over the potatoes, pressing it gently onto the skin. This gives them an extra crunch and flavor.
6. Bake the Potatoes:
Place the seasoned potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil (for easier cleanup). Bake them for about 45-60 minutes, checking for doneness. The skins should be crispy, and a fork should easily pierce the flesh.
7. Prepare for Serving:
Once cooked, carefully remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly so you don’t burn your hands. Cut each potato open lengthwise, and fluff the insides with a fork to make them extra fluffy.
8. Add Toppings:
Slather on a generous pat of garlic butter and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy—this is the best part!
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve these tasty baked garlic butter potatoes straight away and enjoy the compliments!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for baking due to their starchy texture, you can use other types like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly; check for doneness with a fork.
What If I Don’t Have Unsalted Butter?
No worries! You can use salted butter instead. Just reduce the extra salt you sprinkle on the potatoes, adjusting to your taste. This way, you won’t overpower the flavor of the garlic and parsley!
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven keeps the skin crispy!
Can I Make These Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the potatoes ahead! Follow the recipe up to brushing with garlic butter, then cover them tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes and then bake as directed. This will help ensure even cooking!
