If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that bursts with flavor yet remains incredibly easy to prepare, this Simple Garlic-Infused Parsley Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, golden waxy potatoes get lovingly sautéed in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil, then finished with a fresh sprinkle of vibrant parsley, creating a harmony of textures and tastes that will quickly make this dish a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, these potatoes deliver all the warmth and delight every home cook dreams of.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this Simple Garlic-Infused Parsley Potatoes Recipe—each ingredient plays a vital role in creating its irresistible flavor and beautiful presentation. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why.
- 2 pounds medium-sized waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold or red): These varieties hold their shape perfectly, giving you the ideal texture—soft inside with a slight crisp outside.
- 4-6 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Garlic is the star of the show, infusing the dish with its bold, aromatic flavor that makes everything taste richer.
- 0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh burst of color and a bright, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the potatoes and garlic.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing, it helps caramelize the garlic and potatoes, bringing a silky, luscious finish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the potatoes and garlic.
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
How to Make Simple Garlic-Infused Parsley Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by washing your potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue. Use a gentle scrub to clean the skin since the potatoes will be cooked with it on for extra texture. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks, about one to two inches. This ensures they cook uniformly, so no piece is left undercooked or overly mushy.
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
Place a large skillet on medium heat and add the olive oil. Wait until it becomes shimmering and just starting to ripple—that’s your sign it’s ready to infuse with garlic flavor. Heating the oil properly is key to unlocking the wonderful taste that will coat the potatoes beautifully.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the hot olive oil and sauté for one to two minutes only. Be careful not to brown or burn it; you want that sweet, fragrant aroma to fill your kitchen, which will soak into the oil and later into the potatoes.
Step 4: Start Cooking the Potatoes
Now, gently add the prepared potato chunks into the skillet. Stir them briefly to make sure every piece is coated in that glorious garlic oil. Then resist the urge to stir constantly—let them cook undisturbed for five to seven minutes. This creates those coveted golden, slightly crispy edges.
Step 5: Season and Continue Cooking
After that initial crisp, stir the potatoes and season them with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Keep cooking for another 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the potatoes becoming tender inside while maintaining their crisp exterior. This is the magic moment where simple ingredients transform into comfort food perfection.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Once the potatoes are tender and seasoned just right, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, allowing its vibrant color and fresh herbal aroma to brighten the dish beautifully.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time lets all the flavors settle and mingle together, giving you that perfect bite of the Simple Garlic-Infused Parsley Potatoes Recipe every time.
How to Serve Simple Garlic-Infused Parsley Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish is delightful on its own, adding a little extra parsley on top or a drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving elevates its appearance and flavor. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also add a nice crunch and highlight the seasoning.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a range of main courses—from roast chicken to grilled fish or even a hearty steak. The mild garlic and fresh parsley flavors complement grilled or roasted proteins perfectly, making it a versatile side dish for any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve these potatoes in individual small cast-iron skillets or rustic bowls. You can also toss in some cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for added color and flavors, making the Simple Garlic-Infused Parsley Potatoes Recipe even more exciting and visually appealing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover potatoes are easy to store in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make a fantastic next-day side that just needs reheating. The flavors often deepen with a little resting time.
Freezing
You can freeze these potatoes, although their texture may soften slightly. For best results, flash freeze them spread on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Use within one month and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, the best method is to sauté the leftover potatoes gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to revive their crispness. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold or red waxy potatoes are recommended for their texture, you can use other waxy varieties. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets as they tend to fall apart during cooking.
How much garlic should I use if I prefer a milder flavor?
If you’re sensitive to strong garlic flavors, start with 2 to 3 cloves and adjust to your taste. The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is.
Can I prepare this dish in advance and reheat it?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven to restore the crisp texture.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
You can substitute with dried parsley, but use it sparingly as dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh parsley offers a brighter, fresher flavor and color, though.
Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?
Definitely! The Simple Garlic-Infused Parsley Potatoes Recipe uses only plant-based ingredients, making it naturally vegan and a crowd-pleaser for all diets.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Simple Garlic-Infused Parsley Potatoes Recipe enough—it’s a true joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, simple yet bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned chef, this recipe will quickly become a favorite side that you’ll want to serve again and again.
Print
Simple Garlic-Infused Parsley Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Simple Garlic-Infused Parsley Potatoes are a perfect side dish featuring tender waxy potatoes sautéed with fragrant garlic and fresh parsley. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe highlights the perfect balance of crispiness and softness, ideal for complementing a variety of main dishes.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds medium-sized waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold or red), washed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
Garlic and Herbs
- 4–6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Seasoning and Oil
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, scrubbing gently to remove any dirt. Cut them into evenly sized pieces about 1 to 2 inches to ensure even cooking.
- Heat Oil: Place a large skillet on medium heat and add olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for sautéing.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot olive oil and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook Potatoes: Add the cut potatoes to the skillet, stirring well to coat them thoroughly in the garlic-infused oil. Let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes to develop a crispy exterior.
- Season and Continue Cooking: Stir the potatoes to prevent sticking, season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and continue cooking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
- Add Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped fresh parsley to add a bright, fresh flavor.
- Final Touch and Serve: Allow the potatoes to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. Optionally garnish with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for enhanced flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes because they hold their shape better during cooking.
- Adjust garlic quantity to your preference for more or less pungency.
- Ensure potatoes are cut evenly to cook uniformly.
- For extra crispiness, cook the potatoes undisturbed initially to sear the surface.
- Fresh parsley adds color and brightness; feel free to substitute with other fresh herbs as desired.
