Golden, crispy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside, these Authentic Greek Potatoes are the kind of side dish that might just steal the spotlight from your main course. Roasted in a lemony olive oil bath with garlic and herbs, every bite bursts with brightness, richness, and rustic Mediterranean comfort.

Whether you’re pairing them with grilled meats or letting them shine on their own, these potatoes bring a restaurant-quality feel straight to your home kitchen. And the best part? They’re easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for a dinner party.
What Kind of Potatoes Work Best for Greek Roasting?
Waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape while turning beautifully creamy inside. Russets can be used, but they tend to break down more and won’t deliver quite the same texture.
Ingredients for the Authentic Greek Potatoes
Yukon Gold Potatoes – Their creamy interior and ability to crisp well make them the ultimate choice for roasting.
Olive Oil – A quality extra virgin olive oil infuses richness and supports that classic Mediterranean flavor base.
Lemon Juice – The signature zing in Greek potatoes comes from freshly squeezed lemon juice, which balances the richness.
Garlic – Roasted garlic adds depth, aroma, and savory warmth to each bite.
Dried Oregano – A must-have Greek herb that brings earthiness and authenticity to the seasoning.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for rounding out the flavor and enhancing all the other ingredients.
Fresh Thyme (optional) – A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds a fresh, aromatic finish after roasting.

How To Make the Authentic Greek Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Wash and scrub the Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly. Cut them in half lengthwise, or into quarters if they are large. No need to peel – the skin adds texture and holds everything together beautifully.
Step 2: Create the Flavor Bath
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This marinade not only flavors the potatoes but also helps them roast to golden perfection.
Step 3: Coat and Arrange
Toss the potatoes in the lemon-oil mixture until fully coated. Arrange them cut side down in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pour any leftover marinade over the top.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-55 minutes, flipping them halfway through to get both sides beautifully browned. The edges should be crispy, and the insides buttery soft.
Step 5: Finish with Herbs
Once roasted, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the hot potatoes for a burst of aroma and flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture.
How to Serve and Store These Potatoes
These Greek potatoes are versatile enough to star alongside a range of mains—from grilled lamb and roast chicken to veggie kebabs and hearty stews. Serve them warm, directly out of the oven, with a drizzle of extra lemon juice or a side of Greek yogurt for dipping.
To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F to bring back that crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving unless you’re okay with losing some of that irresistible crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the potatoes crispy?
Make sure they are in a single layer, cut side down, and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Roasting at a high temperature and flipping halfway through also helps.
Can I use other herbs besides oregano?
Absolutely! While oregano is classic, rosemary, thyme, or even marjoram can work beautifully with these flavors.
Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for brightness and flavor. Bottled versions often taste muted or slightly bitter.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can prep and marinate them ahead of time. Roast just before serving for best texture.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious side for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What can I pair them with?
These potatoes go well with grilled chicken, lamb chops, beef kebabs, or even a Greek salad for a light vegetarian meal.
Want More Side Dish Ideas?
If these Authentic Greek Potatoes hit the spot, you’ll want to try these flavor-packed favorites from the site:
- Roasted Potatoes and Carrots for a hearty, family-style option.
- Mexican Street Corn Potato Salad if you’re craving a zesty picnic favorite.
- Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole for cheesy comfort with every bite.
- Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup when you want to turn potatoes into a whole meal.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try them with extra lemon? Add feta crumbles or fresh parsley?
I love hearing how others bring their own twist to the dish. Questions are welcome too—let’s inspire each other in the kitchen.


Authentic Greek Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4-6
Description
These Authentic Greek Potatoes are roasted to golden perfection with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Crispy on the edges and tender inside, they deliver big Mediterranean flavor with minimal effort. Ideal as a side for grilled meats or as a comforting vegetarian option, they’re as versatile as they are delicious.
Ingredients
2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, halved or quartered
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Add potatoes to the bowl and toss until well coated.
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Arrange potatoes cut side down on the prepared baking sheet.
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Pour any remaining marinade over the potatoes.
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Roast for 45-55 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
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Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme if using.
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Serve warm with extra lemon wedges or a side of Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
