Garlic and Herb Baked Potatoes

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:

Table of Contents

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.