Transform humble fingerling potatoes into a luxurious side dish with this foolproof recipe. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and coated in a heavenly butter-herb sauce that will make your kitchen smell like a French bistro.
Ingredients for Herb-Buttered Fingerling Potatoes: A Perfect Roasted Side Dish
- 24oz Fingerling Potatoes
- 2oz Salted Butter
- 2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary
- 2 tbsp Fresh Thyme
- 4 cloves Garlic Cloves
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions for Herb-Buttered Fingerling Potatoes: A Perfect Roasted Side Dish
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Wash and dry 24oz fingerling potatoes, then cut any larger ones in half lengthwise so they're all roughly the same size
- In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil and 2oz melted butter
- Mince 4 cloves garlic cloves and finely chop the fresh herbs (2 tbsp rosemary and 2 tbsp thyme)
- Add the minced garlic, chopped herbs, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper to the oil-butter mixture
- Toss the potatoes in the herb-butter mixture until well coated
- Arrange potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet, cut side down if halved
- Roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until potatoes are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork
- Serve hot, garnished with any remaining fresh herbs if desired
A Simple Side Dish That Steals the Show: Herb-Buttered Fingerling Potatoes
There's something magical about the combination of golden-roasted potatoes, fresh herbs, and melted butter. This Herb-Buttered Fingerling Potatoes recipe transforms humble spuds into an elegant side dish that rivals any main course. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a French bistro kitchen. Whether you're serving these alongside a Perfect Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb with Rosemary Garlic Jus or a simple roasted chicken, these potatoes will undoubtedly become a staple in your recipe collection.
Tips for Perfect Herb-Buttered Fingerling Potatoes
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Choose the Right Potatoes: Look for fingerling potatoes that are roughly the same size. If some are larger, halve them lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
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Dry Thoroughly: After washing, make sure to dry the potatoes completely. This helps achieve that coveted crispy exterior.
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Don't Skimp on the Herbs: Fresh herbs make all the difference here. While dried herbs can work in a pinch, fresh rosemary and thyme create an aromatic explosion that dried simply can't match.
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Perfect Your Timing: The key to achieving that golden-brown exterior while maintaining a creamy interior is the 30-35 minute roasting time. Start checking at the 25-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary.
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Single Layer is Key: Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Giving the potatoes enough space ensures they roast rather than steam.
How to Serve Herb-Buttered Fingerling Potatoes
These versatile potatoes can elevate any meal from casual to elegant. For a stunning presentation, transfer them to a warm serving platter and scatter with additional fresh herbs. They pair beautifully with Creamy Garlic Butter Mushroom Steak for a special occasion, or alongside a simple roasted chicken for a cozy Sunday dinner.
Consider serving them as part of a brunch spread or at room temperature for a sophisticated picnic side. Leftovers (if you're lucky enough to have any) can be roughly chopped and transformed into the most amazing breakfast potatoes the next morning.
A Personal Note: My Love Affair with Fingerling Potatoes
I first discovered the magic of fingerling potatoes during my time working in a small bistro in Paris. The chef there taught me that the simplest ingredients, treated with respect and care, can create the most memorable dishes. One evening, when we were short-staffed and overwhelmed with orders, he showed me this quick but elegant preparation.
What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms throughout the cooking process. The kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma as the herbs and garlic mingle with the butter, and watching the potatoes turn from pale to golden brown is surprisingly satisfying. It's become my go-to side dish for dinner parties, and I can't count the number of times I've been asked for the recipe. There's something deeply satisfying about creating something so delicious with such simple ingredients.
Smart Substitutions for Herb-Buttered Fingerling Potatoes
If you can't find fingerling potatoes, don't worry! Baby potatoes or small Yukon Gold potatoes make excellent alternatives. Just halve or quarter them to match the size of fingerling potatoes. For a different twist, try using small red potatoes - they'll add a lovely pop of color to your dish!
For those following a dairy-free diet, you can replace the butter with additional olive oil or ghee. While you'll miss some of that buttery richness, the herbs and garlic will still create a delicious flavor profile. Speaking of herbs, if fresh aren't available, you can use dried herbs - just remember to use one-third of the amount as dried herbs are more potent.
No rosemary or thyme? Try these herb combinations:
- Sage and oregano
- Parsley and dill
- Tarragon and chives
For a Mediterranean twist, try using duck fat instead of butter - it creates an incredibly crispy exterior while keeping the inside creamy.
Complete Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 275
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Potassium: 650mg
- Vitamin C: 15%
- Iron: 8%
These herb-buttered fingerling potatoes make a satisfying side dish while keeping portions reasonable. They're particularly rich in potassium and vitamin C, making them not just delicious but nutritious too!
Allergy Information
This recipe is naturally:
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Egg-free
- Soy-free
However, it contains dairy (butter). For those with dairy allergies, please see the substitutions section above for dairy-free alternatives.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results:
- Cool completely before storing
- Keep herbs and garlic pieces attached to the potatoes
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes
- Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy
You can also prep these ahead: par-boil the potatoes and prepare the herb-butter mixture up to 24 hours in advance, then roast just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead for a dinner party? A: Yes! Par-boil the potatoes and prepare the herb mixture up to 24 hours ahead. Roast just before serving.
Q: Why are my potatoes not crispy? A: Make sure your potatoes are completely dry before tossing with the herb-butter mixture, and don't overcrowd the baking sheet.
Q: Can I use regular potatoes instead of fingerlings? A: Yes, but cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Q: How do I know when they're done? A: They should be golden brown on the outside and easily pierced with a fork.
Final Thoughts on Herb-Buttered Fingerling Potatoes
These herb-buttered fingerling potatoes are more than just a side dish - they're a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something spectacular. The combination of fresh herbs, butter, and perfectly roasted potatoes creates a dish that's both elegant and comforting. Whether you're serving them alongside a Perfect Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb with Rosemary Garlic Jus or a simple roast chicken, these potatoes will elevate any meal to restaurant-quality status.
Remember, the key to success lies in not rushing the roasting process and allowing those beautiful golden crusts to form. With this recipe in your repertoire, you'll never look at potatoes the same way again!
