Delicious Garlic Butter Potatoes with Crispy Prosciutto: Your Ultimate Side Dish Guide
Baby garlic butter potatoes, lavishly topped with irresistible crispy prosciutto bits, stand out as one of my all-time favorite ways to enjoy potatoes. This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience I regularly return to, especially when hosting gatherings where I need a side that is both quick and easy to prepare, yet exceptionally flavorful and impressive.
What makes these garlic butter potatoes truly special is their perfect balance. They offer a comforting richness without being overly indulgent, much like my no-mayo potato salad. They are genuinely delicious, surprisingly light, and incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with everything from a sizzling grilled steak or succulent chicken to an elegant piece of pan-fried fish. The simple yet profound flavors allow them to complement a wide array of main courses.
As if their taste and versatility weren’t enough, these tender baby buttered potatoes offer another significant advantage: they can be prepared ahead of time. This make-ahead convenience is a game-changer for busy hosts or anyone juggling multiple dishes. Reheating is a breeze, whether you choose the stovetop, oven, or even the microwave, ensuring they taste freshly made every time. This flexibility makes them an ideal choice for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to sophisticated holiday feasts.
If your love for potatoes runs as deep as mine, you’ll also adore these crunchy roast potatoes or this refreshing warm potato and asparagus salad. Each recipe celebrates the humble potato in its own unique and delicious way.
This cherished recipe was originally published on December 17th, 2020, and has been thoughtfully updated to include a more detailed step-by-step guide and additional expert tips, enhancing your cooking experience.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for Garlic Butter Potatoes
- How to Make Buttered Baby Potatoes
- Tips and Tricks for Perfect Potatoes
- Serving Suggestions
- Delicious Variations to Try
- Storage and Reheating
- More Recipes You’ll Love
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Essential Ingredients for Irresistible Garlic Butter Potatoes
The true beauty of these easy garlic butter potatoes lies in their simplicity. Most of the ingredients are right in the title, meaning you’ll need only a handful of pantry staples to create something truly spectacular. Fewer ingredients often translate to an easier cooking process, and this recipe is a perfect testament to that. Once you discover how effortlessly delicious these garlic butter potatoes are, they’ll undoubtedly become a regular feature on your menu, delighting family and guests alike.
Jump to the full recipe card for precise measurements and detailed instructions.
- Baby Potatoes: The star of our dish! Opt for small, waxy baby potatoes or new potatoes. Varieties like red-skinned or white new potatoes work equally well. The best part? No peeling required, saving you valuable prep time! For even cooking, try to select potatoes that are similar in size. If you have larger ones, simply cut them in half to match the size of the smaller potatoes. This ensures uniform tenderness.
- Prosciutto: Thinly sliced prosciutto is a game-changer here. When baked, it transforms into incredibly crunchy, savory bits that offer a delightful textural contrast to the soft, tender potatoes. Its rich, salty, and umami-packed flavor elevates the entire dish. If prosciutto isn’t available, high-quality bacon or speck are excellent substitutes. You could even use thinly sliced ham for a milder flavor. Of course, these buttered potatoes are also utterly delicious without any meat for a vegetarian option.
- Garlic: The bold, aromatic flavor of fresh garlic is essential. It harmonizes perfectly with the creamy texture of the potatoes. I typically use 3 medium-sized cloves, but feel free to add an extra one or two if you’re a true garlic enthusiast – just remember to prevent it from burning to avoid bitterness.
- Butter: As one of the core ingredients, the quality of your butter truly shines through. I recommend using a good quality salted butter to enhance the overall flavor profile. If you only have unsalted butter, simply add a pinch more flaky sea salt to taste at the end.
- Fresh Parsley: This vibrant herb is the ideal companion to garlic and butter. It provides a burst of freshness and a subtle peppery note without overpowering the other flavors. Roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley is my preference. Other suitable fresh herbs include sage (which could be cooked directly in the butter for a crispy texture, similar to these sage butter potatoes), dill for a brighter note, or chives for a delicate oniony hint.
- Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt at the very end is non-negotiable. It provides a satisfying crunch and bursts of salinity that truly elevate the dish from good to extraordinary. Don’t underestimate its power to enhance all the other flavors.
- Olive Oil: Just a small amount of olive oil added to the butter helps to raise the smoke point of the butter, significantly reducing the chance of the butter or garlic burning during the cooking process. This ensures a golden, fragrant garlic butter, not a bitter one.
How to Make Perfectly Buttered Baby Potatoes with Crispy Prosciutto
Serving baby potatoes cooked simply with a vibrant, punchy garlic butter sauce and crispy prosciutto is an elegant and incredibly satisfying way to transform a humble side dish. This method cleverly saves precious oven space, a huge bonus when you’re preparing a multi-course meal or when the weather is too warm to turn on the oven. The entire dish comes together with minimal fuss, proving that exceptional flavor doesn’t require complex techniques.
Jump to the full recipe card for precise measurements and detailed instructions.
1. Achieve Crispy Prosciutto Perfection
The first step to unlocking the full potential of this dish is to crisp the prosciutto. This process is surprisingly simple: lay thin slices of prosciutto in a single layer on a baking sheet. Baking it in the oven for 12-15 minutes at a moderate temperature will yield perfectly crispy results. For ultimate convenience, you can even prepare the prosciutto a couple of days in advance and store it in an airtight container until needed. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze – a true win-win for any cook.
2. Perfectly Cook Your Baby Potatoes
The goal here is tender, creamy potatoes that hold their shape. While boiling is my usual go-to method for its simplicity, steaming is also an excellent alternative. Both methods will result in wonderfully cooked potatoes. Begin by cutting any larger baby potatoes into halves or quarters, aiming for pieces roughly 1 to 1 ½ inches in size, ensuring they are no more than a comfortable mouthful. This uniformity in size is key for even cooking. If boiling, place the potatoes in a large pot, cover them with cold water by about an inch, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook for approximately 7-10 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork but not mushy. If steaming, place the potatoes in a steaming basket over about an inch of simmering water, cover tightly with a lid, and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and set aside, allowing any excess moisture to evaporate.
3. Craft the Aromatic Garlic Butter Sauce
Once your potatoes are cooked and drained, it’s time to create the fragrant garlic butter sauce. Using the same saucepan (to save on washing up!), add the olive oil, butter, and crushed garlic. Place the pan over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and gently bubble, stirring continuously to infuse the garlic flavor into the butter. This step should only take about 2 minutes. It’s crucial to watch the garlic carefully and ensure it doesn’t burn, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter, unpleasant taste to the entire dish. We’re aiming for fragrant, golden garlic, not dark brown. The olive oil helps prevent the butter from scorching, ensuring a smooth, rich base for your potatoes.
4. Combine, Toss, and Serve
With your garlic butter fragrant and ready, return the cooked potatoes to the saucepan. Add the freshly chopped parsley and the crumbled crispy prosciutto. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the potatoes are thoroughly coated in the luxurious garlic butter and the prosciutto and parsley are evenly distributed. The aroma at this stage is truly intoxicating! Transfer the glorious mixture to a serving dish and finish with a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The sea salt flakes provide a final textural pop and enhance all the flavors. These potatoes are best devoured warm, when the butter is perfectly molten and the flavors are at their peak. However, if you’re planning ahead or have delightful leftovers, they are incredibly easy to warm up on the stovetop, in the oven, or even in the microwave, making them a fantastic make-ahead option.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Garlic Butter Potatoes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: I always use baby (new) potatoes and leave the skins on. Not only does this save prep time, but the skins add a rustic charm and extra nutrients. However, if you prefer, you can certainly substitute with regular-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks.
- Don’t Overcook: Boil or steam your potatoes for only 7-10 minutes until they are just fork-tender. A fork should pierce them easily, but they should still retain their shape and not fall apart into mushy pieces. The exact cooking time will vary based on the size of your potatoes, so keep an eye on them!
- Season Smartly: While the prosciutto and salted butter already contribute saltiness, finishing the dish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt is absolutely essential. It adds a delightful textural crunch and a burst of clean, briny flavor that brightens the entire dish. Taste before adding too much!
- Embrace Fresh Parsley: Please, don’t skip the fresh parsley! It’s more than just a garnish. Its bright, herbaceous notes cut through the richness of the butter and garlic, adding a crucial layer of freshness that balances the dish beautifully.
- Prevent Burnt Garlic: When making the garlic butter sauce, keep the heat on medium and stir frequently. Garlic can go from perfectly fragrant to bitter and burnt in a matter of seconds. The olive oil helps, but active stirring is your best defense.
- Uniform Potato Size: As mentioned in the cooking steps, ensuring your potato pieces are roughly the same size (around 1 to 1 ½ inches) is vital for even cooking. This guarantees every bite is perfectly tender.
Effortless Serving Suggestions to Elevate Any Meal
These garlicky, buttery baby potatoes are incredibly versatile, making them a superb accompaniment to a vast array of dishes. While they shine alongside simple grilled meats or sausages, their sophisticated flavor profile allows them to complement more elaborate meals as well. Here are some fantastic ideas to inspire your next dinner:
- Herb Roasted Chicken: The savory herbs and tender chicken breast create a harmonious pairing with the rich potatoes.
- Oven Baked Pork Chops: A classic comfort food combination that never disappoints, offering a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Crispy Oven Roasted Pork Belly: The rich, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly finds its perfect counterpoint in these flavorful potatoes.
- Chimichurri Pork Tenderloin: The vibrant, zesty chimichurri sauce offers a fantastic contrast to the buttery potatoes.
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken: The creamy sauce from the chicken is wonderful when spooned over these simple potatoes.
- Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket: A comforting and hearty combination, perfect for a relaxed family dinner.
- Pan-Seared Salmon or Cod: The lightness of a perfectly cooked fish fillet is beautifully enhanced by the savory, garlicky potatoes.
- Vegetarian Mains: Serve with a hearty lentil loaf, mushroom steaks, or alongside a vibrant green salad for a complete vegetarian meal.
Delicious Variations to Customize Your Garlic Butter Potatoes
While these buttered garlic potatoes are incredibly flavorful as they are, their simple yet robust flavor profile makes them a fantastic canvas for customization. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these exciting variations to tailor the dish to your personal taste or specific meal requirements.
- Herbier & Fresher: Elevate the fresh notes by incorporating different or additional fresh herbs. Beyond parsley, finely chopped chives or dill added at the end offer a lovely, bright oniony or slightly tangy flavor. For more robust herbs like rosemary, oregano, or thyme, chop them very finely and add them to the butter sauce as it cooks. This allows their essential oils to infuse the butter beautifully without overpowering the dish.
- Chilli Garlic Potatoes: If you crave a touch of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes (chilli flakes) into the butter sauce while it’s cooking. The heat from the pan will activate their flavor, distributing a pleasant warmth throughout the potatoes. For just a hint of subtle spice without direct chili, a generous grind of fresh black pepper works wonderfully.
- Cheesy Buttered Potatoes: Who doesn’t love cheese with potatoes? For a decadent twist, stir in up to ¼ cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese (or another hard, salty cheese like Pecorino Romano) when you combine all the ingredients. The residual heat from the potatoes will melt the cheese, creating a delightful savory coating.
- Creamy Garlic Potatoes: Transform this side dish into a richer, creamier indulgence. After the garlic butter sauce has cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in ¼ cup of thickened cream or heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then remove from the heat immediately to prevent splitting. You can even combine this with the cheesy variation by adding Parmesan along with the cream for an ultimate creamy, cheesy garlic potato experience.
- Lemon Zest Brightness: For an unexpected burst of citrusy brightness, finely grate the zest of half a lemon over the potatoes when you add the parsley. The lemon zest will awaken the flavors and add a refreshing lift.
Storage and Reheating for Convenience
One of the many benefits of these baby garlic butter potatoes is their excellent make-ahead potential and their ability to store well. Any leftover potatoes should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is straightforward and versatile.
For the best texture, reheat them gently on the stovetop in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through. You can also warm them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, which helps to crisp up any remaining prosciutto. For a quick option, the microwave works well; simply heat for a few minutes until piping hot, stirring halfway through. A small splash of water or broth can help rehydrate them if they seem dry.
Beyond simply reheating, leftovers are fantastic when repurposed into new dishes. Try them diced and added to a frittata or use them as a delicious base for this hearty bacon and potato quiche, adding another dimension to your meal planning.
More Delicious Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re constantly on the hunt for delicious and easy side dishes to complement your meals, you’ve come to the right place. Beyond these amazing garlic butter potatoes, here are some other reader favorites that are sure to become staples in your kitchen:
- Mustard Maple Roasted Carrots: Sweet and savory, these vibrant carrots are a simple yet elegant addition to any plate.
- Roasted Beetroot Feta Salad: A colorful and flavorful salad combining earthy beets with tangy feta.
- Classic Egg and Potato Salad: A timeless crowd-pleaser, perfect for picnics and BBQs.
- Easy Cheesy Potato Bake: Layers of creamy, cheesy potatoes make this an ultimate comfort food side.
- Hearty Potato and Bacon Pie: A satisfying and flavorful tart that can be a side or a light main.
- Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Another fantastic potato recipe, packed with savory garlic and sharp Parmesan.
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Garlic Butter Potatoes (with Crispy Prosciutto)
8
serves
10 minutes
10 minutes
20 minutes
Rate
Pin
Ingredients
- 5 slices prosciutto
- 1 kg baby potatoes, washed (~2 lb)
- 57 g salted butter (¼ cup / 2oz)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3-4 medium cloves garlic, crushed
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- sea salt flakes, to taste
For best results, always weigh ingredients where a weight is provided
Equipment
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heavy based saucepan
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Baking sheet
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan forced) / 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Lay the prosciutto slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Bake for 12-15 minutes (cooking time can vary slightly depending on thickness) until crispy and golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before crumbling into smaller pieces.
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If you have any larger baby potatoes, cut them down to approximately 1 – 1 ½ inches in size to match the smaller ones. For whole smaller potatoes, pierce them a few times with a fork. Place all potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Boil for about 7-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through and easily pierced with a fork. Drain them thoroughly and set aside.
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Using the same saucepan (no need to clean it!), add the butter, olive oil, and crushed garlic. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and come to a gentle bubble, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn, as this will make it bitter.
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Add the drained potatoes back into the saucepan with the butter mixture. Incorporate the crumbled crispy prosciutto and the fresh chopped parsley. Gently stir and toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated in the fragrant garlic butter.
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Transfer the finished garlic butter potatoes to a serving dish. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt just before serving for an extra crunch and burst of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
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Please take a moment to leave a comment & rating. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and incredibly helpful!
Notes
- The cooking time for prosciutto can vary depending on its thickness. Paper-thin slices typically become crispy in about 12 minutes.
- The cooking time for potatoes will depend on their size. They are done when a fork pushes in easily without resistance.
- Be mindful of salt content. Prosciutto and salted butter both contribute salt, so add flaky sea salt to finish the dish sparingly, tasting as you go.
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179kcal
Marie Roffey
Appetizer, Side Dish
Australian, World
Have you tried this recipe?
Don’t forget to leave a rating and comment below and let me know how it was! I love hearing from you. Nutrition information is approximate and derived from an online calculator. The brands you use may cause variations.
Calories from Fat 81