Welcome to the only recipe you’ll ever need for utterly delicious and incredibly simple Creamy Garlic Baby Potatoes. If you’re searching for a side dish that steals the show, you’ve found it. These potatoes are tender on the inside, gloriously golden on the outside, and coated in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce that is simply irresistible. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a holiday feast. Forget boring boiled potatoes; this recipe will elevate any meal it accompanies.
We’re taking simple ingredients and transforming them into a culinary masterpiece. The key is in our technique, which ensures every single potato is infused with flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with what will surely become your new go-to potato recipe.
Why This Creamy Garlic Baby Potatoes Recipe is a Winner
There are countless ways to cook potatoes, but this recipe for Creamy Garlic Baby Potatoes stands out for several key reasons. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the perfect texture and the simplicity of the process.
- Unforgettable Flavor: We build layers of flavor by first pan-searing the potatoes to get a golden crust, then simmering them in a luxurious sauce of garlic, cream, and parmesan.
- Perfectly Tender Texture: The two-stage cooking process guarantees a fluffy, tender interior that soaks up all the creamy goodness. No more undercooked centers!
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy. This recipe uses pantry staples to create a dish that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
- Versatile Side Dish: These potatoes are the perfect partner for almost any main course. From a simple weeknight Cowboy Butter Chicken to a festive holiday roast, they always fit right in.
Ingredient Spotlight
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is crucial.
- Baby Potatoes: Their small size and waxy texture mean they cook relatively quickly and hold their shape beautifully. Their thin skin doesn’t even need peeling!
- Heavy Cream: This is the secret to our ultra-creamy sauce. It provides a rich, velvety texture that milk or half-and-half just can’t replicate.
- Garlic: We use a generous amount of fresh garlic. Mincing it finely allows its flavor to infuse the entire sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor that complements the garlic and cream perfectly.
- Chicken Broth: The broth helps to cook the potatoes through while adding a savory background note to the sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and a fresh, clean flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection
Follow these simple steps for flawless Creamy Garlic Baby Potatoes every time. We’ll start by getting a beautiful color on the potatoes before creating the signature sauce.
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing your baby potatoes thoroughly. Since we’re leaving the skin on, make sure to scrub off any dirt. Halve any potatoes that are larger than a golf ball to ensure they all cook evenly. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel—this is crucial for getting a nice golden-brown sear.
2. Sear for Flavor
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the potatoes in a single layer. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. This step builds a delicious crust and the foundation of the dish’s flavor.
3. Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer to Tenderness
Once the sauce is simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the potatoes cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. The sauce will thicken beautifully as the potatoes finish cooking. Give it a stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve your Creamy Garlic Baby Potatoes hot and watch them disappear!
Expert Tips for the Best Results
Want to make your creamy potatoes even better? Here are a few tips from our kitchen to yours.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: For the best browning, make sure your potatoes are in a single layer in the skillet. If your skillet is too small, sear them in two batches.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Grating your own from a block will result in a much smoother sauce.
- Control the Heat: When you add the garlic, be sure to lower the heat. Burnt garlic will turn bitter and ruin the flavor of your sauce.
- Check for Doneness: The cooking time can vary based on the exact size of your potatoes. Start checking for tenderness with a fork after 15 minutes of simmering.
For a different take on roasted potatoes, check out our classic Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes, which offer a crispy texture rather than a creamy one.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas to make it your own.
- Add Herbs: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary along with the garlic for a more herbaceous flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic to give your dish a little kick.
- Add Bacon: For extra richness, add some crispy, crumbled bacon as a garnish before serving.
- Cheesy Upgrade: For an even cheesier sauce, try adding a handful of shredded Gruyère or sharp white cheddar along with the Parmesan. Wondering what to do with extra cheese? Consider making our popular Sausage and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Potatoes
These Creamy Garlic Baby Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with a wide range of main courses. They are a natural fit for roasted chicken, steak, or pork chops. They also beautifully complement fish dishes, like our Cilantro Lime Salmon. For a complete and comforting meal, serve them alongside some roasted asparagus or green beans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the recipe as directed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce to its original consistency.
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, use full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace the Parmesan with a nutritional yeast-based substitute for a cheesy flavor. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just be sure to cut them into uniform 1.5 to 2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
The key to a crispy sear is ensuring the potatoes are completely dry before they hit the hot pan. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary so each potato makes direct contact with the surface.
These potatoes are incredibly versatile. They pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, seared steak, pork chops, or salmon. They are a fantastic side dish for almost any protein.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
Have leftovers? Lucky you! These potatoes are just as delicious the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as they warm up. You can also microwave them, but gentle reheating on the stovetop will give you the best texture.
Enjoy Your New Favorite Side Dish!
We’re confident that this Creamy Garlic Baby Potatoes recipe will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It’s a simple, comforting, and incredibly flavorful dish that brings a touch of elegance to any meal. If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below or share a photo of your creation on Pinterest. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow!
Creamy Garlic Baby Potatoes
Creamy Garlic Baby Potatoes: The Ultimate Side Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once hot, add the halved baby potatoes in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the minced garlic, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
