Are you ready to elevate your side dish game? Garlic Herb Skillet Potatoes are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients like baby potatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, you can create a dish that steals the show at any meal. Follow me as I guide you through each step, from prepping to perfecting, and discover tips that guarantee a delicious outcome every time. Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Herbs: The combination of garlic, rosemary, and thyme infuses the potatoes with incredible flavor.
- Crispy Texture: Cooking the potatoes cut side down ensures they develop a deliciously crispy crust.
- Versatile Side Dish: These skillet potatoes pair well with any protein, making them a versatile addition to your meal.
Ingredients
To make Garlic Herb Skillet Potatoes, you need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
These ingredients bring together great flavors. The baby potatoes give a soft inside with a crispy outside. The garlic adds a rich taste, while rosemary and thyme offer a fresh scent. Smoked paprika gives a warm color and subtle smokiness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, the parsley adds a pop of color and freshness when you serve.
Gathering these items is easy. You can find them at your local grocery store. Make sure to choose firm potatoes and fresh herbs for the best dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Potatoes
Start by washing the baby potatoes under cool water. This step removes dirt and ensures a clean dish. If the potatoes are larger, cut them in half. Leave smaller ones whole for even cooking. The size affects cooking time. Larger pieces take longer to cook, while small ones cook faster.
Cooking Process
Next, heat three tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the halved potatoes with the cut side down. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Make sure to let them cook untouched for about 10 to 12 minutes. This step is key to developing a crispy, golden-brown crust.
Now, it’s time to flip the potatoes. Use a spatula to turn them carefully. Add in four cloves of minced garlic, along with two tablespoons of chopped rosemary and two tablespoons of chopped thyme. Stir gently to mix the flavors without breaking the potatoes. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. This allows the garlic to infuse into the oil and the herbs to release their nice aroma.
Final Steps
Check the potatoes for tenderness. They should be golden all over. If they are soft when pierced with a fork, they are done. Remove the skillet from heat. Finally, garnish the potatoes with one tablespoon of fresh parsley before serving. This adds a nice touch and bright color to your dish. Enjoy your Garlic Herb Skillet Potatoes!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Crisp
To get that perfect crisp on your Garlic Herb Skillet Potatoes, avoid overcrowding the skillet. When you pack too many potatoes in, they steam instead of fry. This makes them soft, not crispy. Use a large skillet and give them space. Cook over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Enhancing Flavor
You can boost the flavor by adding more herbs and spices. Try fresh basil, oregano, or even a dash of chili flakes for heat. When preparing garlic, make sure to add it at the right time. If you add it too early, it can burn and taste bitter. Stir it in after flipping the potatoes to let it infuse the oil without burning.
Serving Suggestions
These potatoes make a fantastic side dish. Pair them with grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a well-rounded meal. For a lovely presentation, serve them in a white bowl and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and makes the dish pop. Enjoy your meal with a side salad for freshness!
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for waxy baby potatoes for the best texture; they hold their shape well and become creamy inside.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow the potatoes to cook undisturbed for the first 10-12 minutes to ensure a nice crust forms on the cut side.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano for a unique flavor profile.
- Serve Immediately: These potatoes are best enjoyed right after cooking while they are crispy and hot!

Variations
Different Potato Types
You can use different types of potatoes for this dish. Red or yellow potatoes work great. They have a nice texture and flavor. Sweet potatoes are another fun option. They add a natural sweetness and a vibrant color. Adjust your cooking time as sweet potatoes may take a bit longer to cook.
Herb Substitutes
If you want to change the flavor, try different herbs. Fresh basil or oregano can add a new twist. You can also use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available. Just remember, dried herbs are stronger, so use less than fresh. For example, if a recipe calls for two tablespoons of fresh herbs, use about one tablespoon of dried.
Dietary Adjustments
You can easily make this recipe vegan. Just swap the butter with olive oil. If you need it gluten-free, this recipe is already safe. For low-sodium diets, cut back on salt. You can also use low-sodium seasoning mixes to enhance flavor without adding too much salt.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store leftovers, let the potatoes cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil to help regain the crispiness. Stir them often to ensure even heating. You can also use the microwave, but they may get soggy.
Freezing Tips
Freezing cooked potatoes is easy but requires care. First, cool the potatoes completely before freezing. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 to 2 hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. Avoid freezing raw potatoes, as they can become grainy. Use freezer-safe containers to keep them fresh. Label the bags with the date for easy tracking.
FAQs
How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?
You can tell if the potatoes are cooked by checking their tenderness. Use a fork to pierce them. If the fork goes in easily, they are done. You should also see a nice golden-brown crust on the outside. This means they got crispy and flavorful.
Can I use other cooking methods for this recipe?
Yes, you can cook these potatoes in the oven or an air fryer. For oven baking, spread the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet. Roast them at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through for an even crisp. For air frying, place the potatoes in the basket and cook at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway for even cooking.
What can I serve with Garlic Herb Skillet Potatoes?
These potatoes pair well with many dishes. You can serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish. They also go great with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. For a vegetarian option, try them with a chickpea salad or stuffed bell peppers.
In this post, we covered making Garlic Herb Skillet Potatoes. You learned about the key ingredients and easy steps to prepare this dish. Tips on achieving the best crisp and flavor, as well as storage advice, were included. Variations let you personalize the recipe to fit your needs.
Enjoy creating this tasty side dish. It will impress at any meal. Happy cookin

Garlic Herb Skillet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly. Cut them in half if they are larger; leave smaller ones whole.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the halved baby potatoes, cut side down.
- Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Allow them to cook untouched for about 10-12 minutes or until they develop a crispy golden-brown crust.
- Flip the potatoes and add in the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme. Stir gently to combine without breaking the potatoes.
- Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the garlic to infuse the oil and the herbs to release their aroma. Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Once the potatoes are tender and golden all over, remove the skillet from heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

