Looking for a quick and tasty side dish? Garlic Herb Skillet Potatoes are here to save the day! This easy recipe combines buttery baby potatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs in one pan. You’ll love how these simple ingredients turn into a delightful meal. Join me as I share my favorite tips and tricks to make perfect skillet potatoes every time. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
The main ingredients make this dish shine. Baby potatoes are small and tender. They cook fast and taste great. Olive oil adds richness and helps with browning. Garlic gives a strong, tasty kick. Fresh rosemary and thyme bring a lovely aroma. These herbs make the dish feel special.
Seasoning Ingredients
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Seasoning is key to great flavor. Paprika adds warmth and a bit of color. Salt enhances all the other tastes. Black pepper gives a nice, spicy edge. Adjust these seasonings to suit your taste.
Garnishing Ingredients
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Garnishing adds a fresh touch. Fresh parsley brightens the dish. It adds color and a hint of flavor. Always sprinkle it on just before serving. This small step makes your meal look and taste better.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
– Halve the baby potatoes: Start by cutting the baby potatoes in half. This helps them cook evenly.
– Mince garlic and chop herbs: Next, mince the garlic and chop fresh rosemary and thyme. Fresh herbs give the best taste.
Cooking Process
– Heat olive oil in the skillet: Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil into a large skillet. Heat it on medium.
– Add potatoes and season: Add the halved potatoes, cut side down. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor.
Finishing Touches
– Add garlic and herbs: Once the potatoes are crispy, add minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme to the skillet. Stir gently to mix.
– Cover and cook for tenderness: Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
– Adjust seasoning and garnish: After cooking, taste the potatoes. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Lastly, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Skillet Potatoes
To make the best skillet potatoes, focus on crispiness. Start with dry baby potatoes. If they are wet, they won’t crisp up. Cut them in half and place them cut side down in the skillet. Use medium heat to cook them. This helps create a nice golden crust.
Fresh herbs are key for flavor. I love using rosemary and thyme. They add a fresh taste that makes the dish pop. Chop them finely before adding them to the skillet. This way, the flavor spreads evenly through the potatoes.
Equipment Recommendations
For cooking skillet potatoes, use a heavy skillet. A cast iron skillet works best. It holds heat well and gives a nice sear. Non-stick skillets are also good, but remember to use less oil. They can help prevent sticking while ensuring an even cook.
Timing Adjustments
Cooking time depends on the size of your potatoes. If you use larger potatoes, cut them into smaller pieces. This will help them cook more evenly. For baby potatoes, about 8-10 minutes on the first side is perfect. After flipping, reduce heat and cover for 10-15 minutes. Always check for tenderness by poking with a fork. If they are soft, they are ready to eat!
Variations
Flavor Additions
You can play with flavors in your garlic herb skillet potatoes. Adding other herbs can boost taste. Try basil for a fresh twist. Oregano gives a nice earthy touch. You can also sprinkle cheese over the top. Feta or Parmesan melts well and adds richness. Just add it during the last few minutes of cooking for the best results.
Dietary Adjustments
If you want this dish to be vegan, swap the butter for more olive oil. You can also use vegetable broth instead of oil for a lighter option. For a gluten-free meal, this recipe is already safe! Just make sure your ingredients are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy it without worry.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic herb skillet potatoes pair well with many dishes. Try them with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal. They also work great with roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option. A light salad on the side can add freshness. These potatoes are a versatile side that complements many main dishes beautifully.
Storage Info
Leftover Storage
To store garlic herb skillet potatoes, let them cool first. Use a clean, airtight container. Place the potatoes in the container and seal it well. Store them in the fridge. They will keep fresh for up to three days.
Reheating Instructions
When reheating skillet potatoes, I suggest using a skillet again. Heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the leftover potatoes and stir gently. Cook until they are warm and crispy again. This keeps the texture nice. You can also use a microwave, but they may not stay crispy.
Freezing Tips
If you want to freeze the potatoes, make sure they are fully cooled. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for one to two hours. Once frozen, transfer the potatoes to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What type of potatoes work best for skillet cooking?
You should use baby potatoes for this recipe. Their small size cooks evenly and quickly. They have a creamy texture that makes each bite delightful. You can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Both types are great options. Just remember to halve them for even cooking.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried herbs. However, fresh herbs taste better and add more flavor. If using dried herbs, use about one-third of the amount. For example, one tablespoon of fresh rosemary is about one teaspoon of dried. Add them earlier in the cooking process. This helps release their flavors.
How do I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the potatoes and herbs in advance. Halve the potatoes and chop the herbs. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. You can also cook the potatoes ahead of time. Just reheat them in a skillet before serving. This keeps them warm and crispy.
You learned about making tasty skillet potatoes. We discussed key ingredients like baby potatoes, olive oil, and fresh herbs. I shared my step-by-step guide to help you cook them just right. Tips on achieving crispy potatoes and storage methods ensure your dish stays great. Lastly, I covered variations to suit different diets and tastes. Enjoy creating this simple dish that adds flavor to any meal!
