Introduction
Delve into the world of simple yet delectable side dishes with this recipe for crispy baby gold potatoes. Perfect for any meal, these golden bites are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, enhanced by the fragrant notes of garlic and fresh herbs. Ideal for beginners or seasoned cooks, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
1½ lbs baby gold potatoes (small ones work best)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 garlic cloves, smashed
Fresh herbs (optional—think thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
22–27 minutes
Total Time
37–42 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Enjoy making this delightful recipe and savor the satisfying crunch of these crispy baby gold potatoes, enhanced by butter, garlic, and your choice of aromatic herbs!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prep the Potatoes
Wash the potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skins on. Cut them in half lengthwise. On the cut side, score a criss-cross pattern about halfway through each potato half.
Heat the Skillet
In a cast iron skillet, add the olive oil, butter, and smashed garlic cloves. Heat over medium until the butter melts and becomes aromatic.
Cook the Potatoes
Place each potato half, cut side down, into the skillet without overcrowding. Season the tops with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for about 12–15 minutes, until the cut side is crispy and golden brown.
Steam to Finish
Once the cut side is crispy, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat slightly, and let the potatoes steam for another 10–12 minutes, until the insides are tender.
Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Potato Selection
Baby gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, but you can substitute with other small potatoes if necessary.
Oil and Butter
Ensure to balance the olive oil and butter for optimal flavor and crispiness. Olive oil provides great flavor while butter adds richness.
Herb Options
Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor; consider using thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a delightful finish.
Cooking Times
Adjust cooking times based on the size of the potato halves. Smaller pieces may cook faster, while larger ones might require additional time.
Cook techniques
Prep the Potatoes
Wash the baby gold potatoes thoroughly while keeping the skins on. Cut them in half lengthwise and score a criss-cross pattern about halfway through each potato half to help them cook evenly and absorb flavors.
Heat the Skillet
In a cast iron skillet, combine olive oil and unsalted butter along with smashed garlic cloves. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the butter melts and releases its aromatic scent, infusing the oil with flavor.
Cook the Potatoes
Place potato halves, cut side down, in the skillet without overcrowding. Season the tops with kosher salt and black pepper. Allow them to cook undisturbed for approximately 12–15 minutes until the cut side is crispy and golden brown.
Steam to Finish
Once the cut side achieves a crispy texture, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat slightly, and let the potatoes steam for an additional 10–12 minutes. This step ensures the insides become tender.
Serve
After cooking, remove the skillet from heat. If desired, sprinkle the potatoes with fresh herbs before serving them hot for added flavor and garnish.
FAQ
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use other small potatoes, but baby gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of olive oil?
You can substitute olive oil with other cooking oils such as avocado oil or canola oil, although the flavor may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to score the potatoes?
Scoring the potatoes is not necessary but it can help with even cooking and allows more flavoring to penetrate the potato.
What herbs can I use for seasoning?
Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley work well, but feel free to experiment with your favorites or whatever you have on hand.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are done when the cut side is crispy and golden brown, and the insides are tender when pierced with a fork or knife.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the potatoes ahead and reheat them in the skillet before serving to regain their crispiness.
Conclusion
The baby gold potatoes, when cooked to perfection with garlic and herbs, create a delightful dish that combines crispy exteriors with tender interiors. This method not only enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes but also adds a rich, buttery essence. The inclusion of fresh herbs elevates the overall taste, making them an ideal side dish for any meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Herb-Infused Potato Wedges
Cut the potatoes into wedges and toss them with olive oil, garlic, and a mix of your favorite herbs before baking for a crispy treat.
Garlicky Mashed Potatoes
Boil the baby potatoes until tender, mash them with butter, garlic, and a splash of cream for a creamy side dish.
Roasted Garlic Potato Salad
Cube cooked potatoes and toss them with roasted garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs for a flavorful potato salad.
Cheesy Potato Bake
Layer the cooked, sliced potatoes with cheese and herbs in a baking dish, then bake until bubbly for a comforting casserole.
Spicy Garlic Potatoes
Add crushed red pepper flakes and a squeeze of lemon juice to the smashed garlic for a spicy twist on the classic recipe.
