These garlic butter potatoes are a crispy, golden dream come true. Each baby potato is seared to perfection and bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, speckled with fresh parsley and just the right touch of seasoning. Whether you’re serving them as a side at dinner or making them the star of your brunch spread, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
The best part? You only need a few basic ingredients to make these stunningly flavorful potatoes. They’re quick to prep and even quicker to devour. The buttery garlic infusion makes them feel indulgent, yet they’re incredibly easy to throw together on a weeknight.
What Kind of Potatoes Work Best?
Baby gold or baby red potatoes are your best bet. Their thin skins get crispy when seared, and the small size means you can halve them for quicker cooking and more surface area to soak up that garlic butter. Yukon gold potatoes are a solid alternative if you cut them into chunks.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Potatoes
Baby Potatoes: These are the heart of the dish. Choose baby gold or red potatoes for quick cooking and the perfect bite.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential here. It infuses the butter and coats the potatoes with savory goodness.
Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning. It melts into a silky sauce that clings to each bite.
Olive Oil: Helps the potatoes get that golden, crispy sear while also blending with the butter for flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the whole dish and adds a pop of color to the golden potatoes.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning that allows the garlic butter to shine without overpowering.
Optional: Red Pepper Flakes or Paprika: For a subtle kick or smoky edge, a pinch of spice goes a long way.
How To Make the Garlic Butter Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Wash and dry the baby potatoes thoroughly. Cut them in half to create flat surfaces that will crisp up in the pan.
Step 2: Parboil for Soft Centers
Place halved potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 8–10 minutes until just fork-tender. Drain and let them steam dry.
Step 3: Sear for Golden Edges
Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the potatoes cut side down. Let them sear undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until deeply golden. Flip and brown the other side.
Step 4: Add the Garlic Butter
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining butter and the minced garlic. Stir gently to coat the potatoes. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss in chopped fresh parsley right before serving.
Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Potatoes
Serve garlic butter potatoes hot right from the skillet for maximum crispiness. They’re the perfect companion to grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a fried egg for brunch.
To store leftovers, let them cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet or the oven to bring back that crispy texture—avoid the microwave if possible to keep the edges from going soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pan should I use?
A heavy-bottomed non-stick or cast iron skillet gives the best sear and helps prevent sticking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can parboil the potatoes ahead, then sear and finish with garlic butter just before serving.
What herbs go well besides parsley?
Try rosemary, thyme, or chives for an herb twist.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use a vegan butter alternative or olive oil and skip the traditional butter.
Are these good for meal prep?
They are! They reheat well in a pan and keep their flavor, just expect a little loss of crispiness.
Can I use leftover baked potatoes?
If you have cooked potatoes on hand, just slice and sear them—skip the boiling step entirely.
Want More Side Dish Ideas?
If you’re loving these garlic butter potatoes, here are a few other savory bites you’ll want to try next:
- Roasted Potatoes and Carrots for a hearty veggie combo.
- Cheesy Cauliflower Patties that are crispy and kid-approved.
- Mexican Street Corn Potato Salad with smoky spice and creamy dressing.
- Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef if you want to double down on garlic butter goodness.
- Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes for a hands-off dinner loaded with comfort.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add herbs? Maybe a sprinkle of parmesan?
I love hearing your variations and tips. Don’t forget to tag me on Pinterest too — Life with Jam is where I share my daily kitchen inspiration!

Garlic Butter Potatoes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These garlic butter potatoes are golden, crispy on the outside, and silky on the inside—tossed in a fragrant butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh herbs. An easy, flavor-packed side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs baby potatoes
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Wash and dry baby potatoes. Cut them in half.
2. Place potatoes in salted water. Boil for 8–10 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and let dry.
3. Heat olive oil and 1.5 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add potatoes cut side down. Sear undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until golden, then flip and sear the other side.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Stir to coat.
6. Cook 2–3 minutes until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
8. Toss with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Parboil potatoes just until fork-tender to avoid overcooking before searing.
Let potatoes steam dry after boiling for maximum crispiness in the pan.
Use fresh garlic—jarred or powdered garlic won’t give the same rich flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: garlic butter potatoes, skillet potatoes, easy side dish


