Garlic and Herb Baked Potatoes are a simple, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for almost any meal. The crispy skin, combined with a savory garlic and herb-infused butter, makes these baked potatoes irresistible. Here’s a quick and easy recipe to make them at home:
Garlic and Herb Baked Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 medium russet potatoes (or any starchy potato)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh, chopped)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (or fresh, chopped)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Scrub the potatoes clean under cold running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a towel.
- Prick each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. This will help the skins get crispy while they bake.
3. Bake the Potatoes:
- Place the prepared potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (for easy cleanup).
- Bake for about 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. They are done when the skin is golden brown and crispy, and a fork or skewer easily slides into the flesh without resistance.
4. Make the Garlic and Herb Butter:
- While the potatoes are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and oregano, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Finish the Potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and make a slit down the center of each potato, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Gently fluff the inside of the potato with a fork to make room for the garlic and herb butter.
- Spoon the garlic and herb butter over the top of each potato, allowing it to soak into the flesh.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of salt and pepper if desired.
6. Serve:
- Serve the garlic and herb baked potatoes as a side dish with your favorite main course, such as grilled steak, roasted chicken, or a fresh salad.
Tips:
- Customize the Herbs: Feel free to swap out the herbs for any you prefer. Chives, basil, or oregano all work well.
- Crispier Skin: For an even crispier skin, you can rub the potatoes with a bit more oil or butter before baking.
- Toppings: Top the baked potatoes with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Faster Option: If you’re short on time, you can microwave the potatoes for about 5-7 minutes (depending on size), then finish them off in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes to crisp up the skin.
