Boiled Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter are a simple, yet incredibly flavorful side dish that elevates classic boiled potatoes with a rich, aromatic twist. Tender, fluffy potatoes are coated in a luscious garlic herb butter, offering a delightful blend of buttery richness and savory freshness. This dish is the perfect complement to any main course, adding a satisfying, rustic touch to your dinner table.
I first made Boiled Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter on a day when I wanted a quick, fuss-free side but still wanted something packed with flavor. Tossing the boiled potatoes in a mix of melted butter, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley and chives transformed a basic side into something truly special. The garlic butter brought a warm, savory richness, while the herbs added a burst of freshness that tied everything together beautifully.
What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and adaptability. You can use different herbs depending on your taste—rosemary for a stronger earthy flavor, cilantro for a tropical twist, or thyme for a subtle, savory touch. Add a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors. Whether served alongside steak, roasted chicken, or grilled fish, Boiled Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter are a timeless, delicious side that feels both rustic and refined.
Perfect for:
- Casual dinners
- Holiday meals
- BBQs
- Weeknight dinners
- Garlic lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Boiled Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter will become your go-to side dish:
- Simple and Delicious: A straightforward recipe that enhances potatoes with minimal fuss.
- Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute meals.
- Aromatic Garlic Herb Butter: Adds a burst of flavor that elevates every bite.
- Tender and Creamy Texture: Boiling brings out the soft, fluffy interior of potatoes.
- Herb Variability: Customize with your favorite herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
- Classic Comfort Food: A timeless dish that pairs well with any main course.
- Minimal Ingredients Needed: Uses basic pantry staples for a quick prep.
- Versatile Pairing Options: Perfect with meat, fish, veggies, or as a standalone treat.
- Easy Cleanup: Boiling potatoes and melting butter—no complicated kitchen tools needed.
- Customizable Flavor Profile: Adjust garlic, butter, and herbs to suit your taste preferences.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Boiling Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Carbs: 40g, Fat: 10g, Protein: 5g
Ingredients
For the Boiled Potatoes:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) small potatoes, washed and scrubbed
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Potatoes: Offer a satisfying, earthy texture and flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the garlic herb blend.
- Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the potatoes.
- Fresh Herbs: A burst of freshness and color to enhance taste and presentation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Boil the Potatoes:
- Prepare Potatoes: Place the washed potatoes in a large pot and fill it with enough water to cover them completely. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Boil: Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes boil for about 15 minutes until they are fork-tender.
- Drain: Once cooked, drain the potatoes and set aside in a serving bowl.
Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter:
- Melt Butter: In a small bowl, melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
- Mix in Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper into the melted butter.
Combine and Serve:
- Drizzle Butter: Pour the garlic herb butter over the boiled potatoes. Toss gently to coat the potatoes evenly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with extra herbs and a pinch of salt if desired. Serve warm.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Boiled Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter:
- As a Side Dish: Pair with steak, chicken, or fish for a complete meal.
- With Grilled Meat: A classic complement to BBQ ribs and burgers.
- For Holiday Dinners: Perfect alongside turkey or roast meat during Christmas or Thanksgiving.
- With Vegetables: Add sautéed greens or broccoli for a nutritious combo.
- As a Standalone Treat: Enjoy as a buttery, flavorful snack on its own.
- With Cheese: Top with grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy twist.
- Mixed with Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavor.
- In a Potato Salad: Toss boiled potatoes with the garlic herb butter for a gourmet twist.
- With Lemon Zest: Add a touch of lemon zest for a subtle citrus kick.
- Topped with Fresh Parsley: For a simple but elegant presentation.
Additional Tips
- Use the Right Potatoes: Choose waxy potatoes (like Yukon Gold) for a creamier texture or starchy potatoes (like Russet) for a fluffier consistency.
- Add Salt to Boiling Water: Boiling potatoes in salted water enhances their flavor right from the start.
- Infuse Water with Herbs: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves to the boiling water to give the potatoes a subtle herbaceous flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Boil just until the potatoes are fork-tender. Overcooking can turn them mushy.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Mince fresh garlic cloves rather than using garlic powder for a more robust flavor.
- Mix Butter and Olive Oil: Combine butter with a splash of olive oil to prevent the butter from burning and add a richer taste.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs (parsley, chives, or dill) for a more vibrant flavor profile.
- Add Lemon Zest: A bit of grated lemon zest in the butter mixture adds a refreshing brightness to the dish.
- Toss Gently: Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss the potatoes with the garlic herb butter, ensuring they don’t break apart.
- Garnish Creatively: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Potatoes: Mix shredded cheddar or Gruyère into the butter before tossing with potatoes.
- Spicy Garlic Herb Butter: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick of heat.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut oil or vegan butter as a substitute for regular butter.
- Mediterranean Style: Include oregano, olive oil, and lemon juice for a Mediterranean twist.
- Herb Mix Blend: Use a pre-made herb mix for quick and consistent flavoring.
Special Equipment
- Large Pot – For boiling potatoes evenly and ensuring they are fully cooked.
- Potato Masher – Useful for breaking down potatoes if you want a smoother texture.
- Colander/Strainer – To easily drain boiled potatoes without spilling.
- Garlic Press – For quickly mincing garlic cloves into fine bits.
- Mixing Spoon or Silicone Spoonula – For stirring the butter, garlic, and herbs together.
- Basting Brush – If you want to evenly brush garlic butter onto potatoes before serving.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To accurately measure butter, garlic, and herbs.
- Cutting Board – For chopping fresh herbs and any other preparation work.
- Knife Set – A sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping herbs.
- Serving Dish/Platter – A decorative dish to present the boiled potatoes beautifully with melted garlic herb butter on top.
FAQ Section
- Can I use larger potatoes instead?
Yes, but cut larger potatoes into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. - Can I freeze boiled potatoes?
Freezing is possible, but texture may change slightly after reheating. - How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic herb butter. - Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, use vegan butter or coconut oil as a substitute for unsalted butter. - What are the best herbs to use?
Parsley, rosemary, thyme, and basil are all great choices. - Can I make garlic herb butter in advance?
Yes, make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. - Should I peel the potatoes before boiling?
No, leaving the skin on enhances flavor and nutrients. - Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Absolutely! Cheese adds a creamy, delicious twist. - What’s the secret to a good garlic flavor?
Use fresh garlic and let it melt gently with butter for a robust aroma.
Conclusion
Boiled Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter are a simple yet irresistibly flavorful side dish that transforms ordinary potatoes into something truly special. Tender boiled potatoes are tossed in a rich, savory garlic herb butter, creating a mouth-watering combination of earthy goodness, buttery richness, and aromatic herbs. It’s a perfect complement to any main dish, whether you’re serving steak, chicken, or fish.
You can elevate this dish by adding fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives, along with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a hint of lemon juice for a subtle brightness. For an extra touch of decadence, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or drizzle with olive oil.
I’d love to see your Boiled Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your buttery, flavorful masterpiece. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any creative twists or personal touches you added to make this side dish your own!