Are you looking for a simple yet delicious side dish? Garlic Herb Skillet Potatoes are perfect for any meal. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create golden, crispy potatoes packed with flavor. In this post, I’ll guide you step by step to make this quick and tasty dish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your cooking skills! Let’s dive into the savory world of garlic and herbs!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Flavorful Herbs: The combination of garlic, rosemary, and thyme elevates the dish, creating a delicious aroma and taste.
- Perfectly Crispy: Cooking the potatoes cut-side down ensures they develop a beautiful golden brown crust, enhancing the texture.
- Versatile Side Dish: These garlic herb skillet potatoes pair well with a variety of main courses, making them a go-to side for any meal.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
To make Garlic Herb Skillet Potatoes, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Start with baby potatoes. Their size makes them perfect for cooking quickly. Halving them helps with even cooking and gives a nice texture.
Next, garlic adds a rich flavor. Fresh garlic is best here. You need four cloves, minced finely, to release all that great taste.
Olive oil is key for cooking. It adds flavor and helps the potatoes brown nicely. Use three tablespoons for even coating.
Herbs make this dish shine. Fresh rosemary and thyme bring wonderful scents. You will want one tablespoon of each, chopped finely.
Don’t forget seasoning. Salt and pepper help enhance all the flavors.
If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This step is optional, but it gives a nice kick.
Finally, fresh parsley is for garnish. It adds color and freshness right before serving. Each ingredient works together to create a tasty side dish that is quick and easy to make.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
First, wash the baby potatoes well under cold water. This removes dirt and any grit. Then, halve each potato. This helps them cook evenly.
Next, heat three tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot but not smoking. This step is important for a nice crisp.
Cooking Process
Once the oil is hot, place the halved potatoes cut-side down in the skillet. Make sure they are in a single layer. Season them with salt and pepper. This adds flavor and helps with browning.
Cook the potatoes for about 10 to 12 minutes. Allow them to caramelize and turn golden brown. Don’t stir them too much. Let them form a nice crust.
Final Touches
Now, add four cloves of minced garlic, one tablespoon of chopped rosemary, and one tablespoon of chopped thyme to the skillet. Stir gently to mix the flavors.
Continue cooking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the garlic to become fragrant and the potatoes to be tender.
If you like some heat, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This is optional but adds a nice kick.
When they are done, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the potatoes with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your tasty dish!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfectly Cooked Potatoes
To get great potatoes, start with even cooking. Caramelizing is key here.
- Best practices for caramelizing:
Place the potatoes cut-side down in a hot skillet. Keep them in a single layer. Don’t stir them too much. Let them brown for 10-12 minutes. This helps form a nice crust.
- Timing tips for adding garlic:
Wait until the potatoes are golden. Add garlic, rosemary, and thyme after caramelizing. Cook for 5-7 more minutes. This step makes the garlic fragrant without burning it.
Enhancing Flavor
You can play with flavors in this dish.
- Substituting different herbs:
Try using fresh basil or dill for a different taste. Each herb adds a unique flavor profile. Experiment and find what you love.
- Using different types of potatoes:
Baby potatoes are great, but you can use red or Yukon Gold potatoes too. Each type brings a different texture and taste. Keep it fun and fresh!
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for waxy baby potatoes for a creamy texture that holds up well during cooking.
- Perfectly Golden Brown: Give the potatoes enough time on the cut side to develop a deep golden crust before flipping.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs can be used in a pinch but won’t provide the same brightness.
- Serve Immediately: These potatoes are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the skillet, as they lose their crispness when left to sit.
Variations
Additional Ingredients
You can make garlic herb skillet potatoes even better by adding extra ingredients. Think about mixing in some colorful veggies. Bell peppers add sweetness and bright color. Onions bring a nice, savory flavor. Simply chop them and add them to the skillet when you add the garlic and herbs.
Adding protein can also turn this dish into a full meal. Try mixing in cooked chicken, sausage, or even beans. These options add texture and keep you full. Just make sure to cook the protein first, then mix it with the potatoes before serving.
Different Cooking Methods
If you want to change things up, try different cooking methods. Oven-roasting gives the potatoes a nice, crispy texture. To do this, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes. Turn them halfway through for even browning.
An air fryer is another quick option. It cooks potatoes faster and makes them crispy. Just toss the potatoes with oil and seasonings. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
These variations keep your garlic herb skillet potatoes exciting and full of flavor!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your garlic herb skillet potatoes fresh, follow these steps:
- Allow the potatoes to cool completely.
- Place them in an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to three days.
When you are ready to reheat:
- Use a skillet on medium heat.
- Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Stir gently until heated through.
This method keeps the potatoes crispy and tasty.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze your skillet potatoes, here is how:
- Cool the potatoes fully after cooking.
- Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Freeze for about an hour before transferring to a freezer bag.
For best results, consume within two months.
When reheating, follow these steps:
- Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Heat in a skillet over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally until warmed and crispy.
This way, you enjoy the same great flavor later!
FAQs
How long do garlic herb skillet potatoes take to cook?
Garlic herb skillet potatoes take about 25 minutes to cook. Here’s the breakdown:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes for washing and cutting the potatoes.
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes in total.
- First phase: Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Second phase: Add garlic and herbs, then cook for 5-7 minutes more.
This timing gives you crispy potatoes with soft centers, packed with flavor.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make garlic herb skillet potatoes in advance. Here are some tips:
- Prep Ahead: Wash and halve the potatoes a few hours before cooking. Store them in cold water to prevent browning.
- Cook and Store: You can also cook the potatoes, cool them, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Simply warm them in a skillet over low heat. This keeps them crispy and tasty.
What herbs pair well with garlic potatoes?
Several herbs enhance the flavor of garlic potatoes. Here are some great choices:
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme are key in this dish. They add depth and aroma.
- Dried Herbs: Oregano and basil also work well if fresh herbs are not available.
- Other Options: Parsley and chives add freshness when sprinkled on top.
Feel free to mix and match herbs based on your taste!
Garlic herb skillet potatoes are simple yet packed with flavor. We covered all ingredients, preparation, and cooking steps to ensure success. I shared tips to make your potatoes perfect, plus ways to add variety. Storing and reheating instructions help keep your dish fresh and tasty. With these ideas, you can enjoy a delicious side or main dish. It’s all about finding the best way to enjoy this tasty recipe. Happy cookin
Garlic Herb Skillet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- to taste salt and pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly and halving them for even cooking.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the halved potatoes cut-side down in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes, allowing the potatoes to caramelize and become golden brown. Don’t stir too often; let them develop a nice crust.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
- Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and the potatoes are tender.
- If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.