Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes

This Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes recipe delivers the crispiest golden bites bursting with bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and rich garlic butter. It takes just 15 minutes to prep and transforms simple baby potatoes into a dish that feels special yet is incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a weekday side or Sunday dinner, these potatoes bring warmth and zest to the table every time.

I discovered this recipe when I wanted a comforting potato dish with a twist. Now it’s a favorite that even my pickiest eaters ask for regularly.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Baby potatoes: one pound their small size means even roasting and a tender inside with crispy skin
• Olive oil: a quarter cup provides a smooth base for roasting and complements the herbs
• Butter: two tablespoons melted adds a luscious richness and helps brown the potatoes beautifully
• Garlic: three cloves minced imparts a warm fragrant punch essential for flavor depth
• Italian parsley: one tablespoon chopped fresh and vibrant, balances the richness with herbaceous notes
• Lemon juice: one tablespoon brings brightness and a subtle tang that livens up the dish
• Honey: one tablespoon offers a gentle sweetness that mellows the lemon and garlic
• Salt: a quarter teaspoon enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering
• Ground black pepper: three dashes adds a mild heat and complexity, freshly ground if possible

How to Make It

Preheat Oven:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit which is perfect for slow roasting to achieve tender insides and crispy outsides with even cooking.

Cut Potatoes:

Cut slits in each baby potato carefully without slicing all the way through. These slits allow the butter and herbs to seep deeply into the potatoes for maximum flavor absorption.

Mix Ingredients:

Mix together the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper thoroughly in a bowl creating the oil mixture.

Coat Potatoes:

Place the potatoes in a roasting pan and brush them generously with the oil mixture. Make sure you coat inside each slit as well to infuse the potatoes with the flavors while roasting.

Roast Potatoes:

Roast in the oven for one hour, taking the pan out every 30 minutes to baste the potatoes with the remaining oil mixture. This keeps them moist and braised in all the delicious flavors throughout the cooking process.

Serve:

Serve immediately while hot and golden, perfect alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Lemon juice is my favorite ingredient here because it brightens the entire dish and balances the richness of butter and oil. Once I served these potatoes at a family dinner, the compliments poured in and I realized this simple side could truly elevate any meal.

Flavor Boosters

Pair these potatoes with roasted chicken, steak, or grilled fish for a well-rounded plate. They also shine alongside a green vegetable or crisp salad for a lighter meal. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side adds creaminess and tang.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted potatoes are a universal comfort food appearing across many cuisines. The combination of lemon and herbs feels Mediterranean, reminiscent of Italian and Greek sides that highlight fresh flavors with simple preparation.

Creative Twists

Add fresh dill or basil in spring and summer when herbs are abundant for a bright, seasonal note. In autumn try swapping lemon juice for orange juice and stirring in a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth and depth.

This recipe is simple yet impressive, perfect for anyone looking to brighten up their potato game with fresh herbs and lemon flavor.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ What type of potatoes work best?

Baby potatoes or small waxy potatoes hold their shape well and absorb the flavors beautifully when roasted.

→ How does making slits in potatoes affect cooking?

Slits allow the lemon herb butter mixture to penetrate deeply, enhancing flavor throughout each potato.

→ Can I adjust the herb seasoning?

Yes, Italian parsley can be swapped for rosemary or thyme to vary the aromatic profile.

→ Why is basting important during roasting?

Basting keeps the potatoes moist and infuses additional flavor while promoting a crisp golden finish.

→ Is it necessary to use butter and olive oil together?

Combining butter and olive oil adds richness and helps achieve a balanced savory taste with a nice roasting texture.