Why You’ll Love Lemon‑Garlic Roasted Potatoes Recipe
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Minimal ingredients: just potatoes, lemon, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
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Quick and easy: prep takes ~15 minutes, and cooking around 30 minutes.
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Bright, fresh flavor: the combination of lemon and garlic really shines without overwhelming the potatoes.
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Versatile: works as a side dish, snack, or part of a larger meal — and complements many cuisines.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 ½ pounds fingerling potatoes
1 small lemon, juiced
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Wash the potatoes and pat dry. If any potatoes are abnormally large, cut them in half so that all pieces are roughly the same size (about the size of half a ping-pong ball). Transfer the potatoes to a metal baking pan.
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Mix the lemon juice and olive oil together, then drizzle over the potatoes. Sprinkle the garlic powder and salt over, and toss until the potatoes are well coated and evenly spread in the pan.
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Bake for 20 minutes. Then stir the potatoes and continue baking until tender — about 10 more minutes.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: ~15 minutes
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Cook time: ~30 minutes
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Total time: ~45 minutes
Variations
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Use baby red or gold potatoes (halved or quartered) instead of fingerlings for a slightly different texture.
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Swap garlic powder for fresh minced garlic for a sharper garlic flavor (you can add fresh garlic with the oil-lemon drizzle).
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Add herbs: sprinkle dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano before roasting for an aromatic twist.
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Spice it up: add a pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes for a little kick.
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Add parmesan: after roasting, toss with a bit of grated parmesan for a cheesy finish.
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
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To reheat: spread on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
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Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a dash of olive oil to restore some crispness.
FAQs
What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Fingerling potatoes are used in the original recipe, but small baby red or gold potatoes also work well. If potatoes are large, cut them into evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes — fresh minced garlic can be used. Toss it with the lemon juice and oil before roasting. Just note that fresh garlic has a milder, more aromatic flavor compared with garlic powder.
Can I cut the recipe to make fewer servings?
Yes. You can scale down the ingredients proportionally (e.g., half the potatoes and half the seasoning). Just be aware cooking time may not scale exactly — keep an eye on doneness.
Can I add herbs or other seasonings?
Absolutely. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, or parsley — dried or fresh — enhance the flavor. You can also add a pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
Will the potatoes get crispy?
They’ll get lightly crisped on the outside but remain tender inside. For extra crispness, you could try increasing oven temperature slightly or giving them a final 5–10 minutes under a higher heat — but watch closely to avoid burning.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can roast the potatoes ahead, store them in the fridge, and reheat just before serving. Reheating in the oven helps preserve texture better than the microwave.
Is this recipe gluten-free or vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. It uses simple plant-based ingredients (potatoes, lemon, oil, garlic, salt).
What dishes pair well with these potatoes?
They’re a great side for roasted or grilled meats (chicken, beef, lamb), fish, or vegetarian mains. They also complement salads, grilled vegetables, or Mediterranean-style dishes.
Can I double this recipe for more servings?
Yes — you can increase the amounts proportionally to serve more people. Just use a larger baking pan to ensure the potatoes can spread out evenly for roasting.
What if my potatoes are not uniform size?
Cut any large potatoes so that all pieces are roughly the same size; this helps ensure even roasting so some pieces don’t overcook while others remain underdone.
Conclusion
This lemon-garlic roasted potatoes recipe is a foolproof, flavor-packed side dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. The balance of bright lemon and savory garlic brings out the best in every bite. With its minimal ingredients and flexible prep, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen — perfect for casual weeknights and dinner parties alike.
