Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter

If you are craving a side dish that perfectly balances crispy edges and tender, buttery centers, you’re in for a treat. This recipe for Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter transforms humble potatoes into a gourmet delight, infused with nutty, rich flavors from the browned butter that will have you coming back for more. Easy to prepare and packed with comforting taste, these potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbeatable flavor: The browned butter adds a deep, nutty richness that elevates the natural earthiness of the potatoes.
• Crispy perfection: Roasted to golden perfection, the potatoes have a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining fluffy inside.
• Simple ingredients: Using just a handful of pantry staples makes this recipe both accessible and reliable every time.
• Versatile side dish: Complements nearly any main course, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
• Great for leftovers: These potatoes reheat beautifully, keeping their texture and flavor for days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture and rich flavor, offering a dish that is both rustic and elegant.

• Potatoes: Choose Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamy interior and crispy skin.
• Unsalted butter: For making the browned butter that delivers that iconic nutty aroma and flavor.
• Fresh herbs: Rosemary or thyme add a fragrant herbal note that pairs wonderfully with butter.
• Garlic cloves: Roasted garlic gently infuses the potatoes with savory depth.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the potatoes’ natural sweetness.
• Olive oil: Helps to crisp the potatoes evenly and adds a subtle fruity layer.

Variations for Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter

This recipe is a fantastic base that welcomes your personal touch. Whether you want to tweak it for dietary needs or experiment with new flavors, these variations make it easy to customize.

• Spicy kick: Add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a subtle heat.
• Cheesy upgrade: Toss in grated Parmesan or Pecorino right before serving for an extra savory boost.
• Vegan alternative: Substitute browned butter with browned coconut oil for a similar nutty flavor.
• Herb swaps: Try tossing in fresh oregano or sage instead of rosemary or thyme for a different herbal profile.
• Sweet potatoes twist: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones for a naturally sweet and colorful option.

How to Make Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter

Step 1: Prep and Parboil the Potatoes

Start by washing and cutting your potatoes into even-sized chunks to ensure they cook evenly. Parboil them in salted water for about 8 to 10 minutes until they are just tender but not fully cooked. This helps create a fluffy inside and gives the outside a rough texture perfect for crisping in the oven.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

While the potatoes are parboiling, melt unsalted butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Keep a close eye and swirl the pan occasionally; the butter will foam and then start to brown, releasing a wonderfully nutty aroma. Once it turns golden brown with specks, remove from the heat immediately to avoid bitterness.

Step 3: Toss Potatoes with Oil, Herbs, and Seasoning

Drain the parboiled potatoes and gently shake them to roughen their edges. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, fresh herbs, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor and invites that coveted crisp crust during roasting.

Step 4: Roast Until Golden and Crispy

Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased pan. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown them evenly on all sides. The smell will be irresistible as the potatoes develop a crusty, golden exterior.

Step 5: Drizzle with Browned Butter and Serve

Once the potatoes are out of the oven, immediately pour the warm browned butter over them and gently toss to coat. This final touch maximizes the flavor and adds a luscious silky finish that melts in your mouth.

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter

• Choose the right potato: Waxy potatoes hold shape well but starchy varieties like Russets create extra crispiness—Yukon Golds are the perfect middle ground.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each piece enough room to roast evenly and not steam, which can ruin the crisp texture.
• Rough up edges: After draining, gently shake potatoes in the colander to create rough surfaces perfect for crisping.
• Monitor butter closely: Browned butter can quickly go from nutty to burnt, so watch it carefully while browning.
• Finish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a few chopped fresh herbs just before serving to brighten up the dish.

How to Serve Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme scattered on top add a bright, natural contrast to the rich butter. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt at the end enhances the texture and flavor punch.

Side Dishes

These potatoes pair incredibly well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or fresh fish. They also complement vegetarian mains such as sautéed greens or stuffed mushrooms for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them in a rustic cast-iron skillet at the table to keep them warm and inviting, or pile them high on a large platter garnished with herb sprigs for a beautiful and shareable centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover roasted potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor well but may lose some crispness.

Freezing

It’s best to freeze roasted potatoes only if they are cooked fully. After roasting and cooling completely, spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months but may become softer after thawing.

Reheating

To keep the crispy texture, reheat potatoes in a hot oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave. A quick 10 to 15-minute roast at 375°F (190°C) restores that crunch and warms the browned butter flavor beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes for roasted potatoes with browned butter?

Fresh potatoes work best for this recipe to achieve the ideal texture, but if using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before roasting to avoid sogginess.

Is browned butter necessary, or can I just use regular butter?

While regular butter adds richness, browning it enhances the flavor immensely by bringing caramelized, nutty notes that elevate the dish.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Replace the browned butter with browned coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives to maintain that deep, nutty flavor without dairy.

What herbs work best in this recipe?

Rosemary and thyme are classic choices for their woody, aromatic flavors, but oregano, sage, or parsley also make excellent additions based on your preference.

How do I get my roasted potatoes extra crispy?

Parboiling the potatoes, roughing up their edges, and roasting at a high temperature without overcrowding the pan are key steps for maximum crispiness.

Final Thoughts

It’s little wonder that Roasted Potatoes with Browned Butter are quickly becoming a favorite for home cooks everywhere — the combination of rich, nutty butter and perfectly roasted, crispy potatoes is simply irresistible. This recipe is easy enough for weeknights yet special enough to impress guests. Give it a try and watch these golden bites disappear from your plate every single time.

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