If you’re searching for a comforting side that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, look no further than this Baby Potatoes with Butter and Fresh Herbs Recipe. These tender little spuds are boiled to perfection, then lovingly tossed in creamy butter and a lively mix of dill, chives, and parsley. The fresh herbs awaken every bite, making these potatoes a star side dish or even a snack all on their own. Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a warm, homey dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe highlights how simplicity can bring out the best flavors. Each ingredient plays an important role in texture, aroma, or taste, making this dish both easy and irresistible.
- Baby potatoes (1kg / 2 lb): Choose uniform, small potatoes about 3cm in diameter for even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Salt (1 tbsp for boiling): Essential for seasoning the potatoes from within during cooking.
- Unsalted butter (30g / 2 tbsp): Adds creamy richness and helps the herbs cling beautifully to the potatoes.
- Salt and pepper (½ tsp each): A simple seasoning combo that enhances the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Fresh dill (2 tbsp, finely chopped): Offers a fragrant, slightly tangy boost that pairs perfectly with buttered potatoes.
- Fresh chives (1 tbsp, finely chopped): Brings subtle onion notes that add depth and freshness.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, finely chopped): Adds brightness and a mild peppery note for balance.
How to Make Baby Potatoes with Butter and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes Tenderly
Start by placing your baby potatoes in a large pot filled with cold tap water and add a tablespoon of salt. Bring it up to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. This gentle simmering prevents the delicate skins from bursting while ensuring the potatoes cook evenly. After about 10 to 15 minutes, check by piercing one with a knife — it should feel soft with no resistance. You can also steam the potatoes if you prefer, which takes a similar amount of time.
Step 2: Let the Potatoes Steam Dry
Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for a minute to steam dry. This step is crucial because any excess moisture will prevent the butter from sticking, and you want every potato lovingly coated in that buttery goodness.
Step 3: Toss with Butter and Seasonings
Transfer the hot, dry potatoes into a bowl, then add the unsalted butter along with half a teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Toss the potatoes gently but thoroughly, letting the warmth melt the butter so it envelops every piece. This creates the velvety base for your fresh herbs to shine.
Step 4: Stir in the Fresh Herbs and Serve Warm
Right before serving, stir in the finely chopped dill, chives, and parsley. The fresh herbs add a burst of color and a lively, aromatic kick that transforms these humble potatoes into something truly special. Serve immediately while they’re warm and inviting.
How to Serve Baby Potatoes with Butter and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a delicate dusting of freshly ground black pepper right on top elevates the dish with tiny bursts of texture and flavor. A wedge of lemon on the side also works wonders, letting anyone squeeze a hint of zesty brightness over the potatoes at the table.
Side Dishes
This Baby Potatoes with Butter and Fresh Herbs Recipe shines alongside grilled meats like steak or chicken, offering a buttery, herby contrast. It’s also a perfect companion to roasted vegetables or a crisp salad, balancing richer mains with its fresh herbal notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve these potatoes in a rustic wooden bowl or a colorful ceramic dish to highlight their golden sheen and vibrant herbs. You can garnish with edible flowers or additional fresh herb sprigs for a garden-fresh look that’s sure to impress at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baby potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them cold helps preserve their texture and the fresh herb flavors.
Freezing
While you can freeze these potatoes, it’s best to do so only if fully cooled. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that freezing might slightly soften their texture when reheated, but they’ll still be delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the potatoes in a pan over medium heat with a touch of butter. This revives their buttery coating and freshens the herbs’ aroma. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it can make the potatoes a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use larger potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
While you can use larger potatoes, baby potatoes are preferred for their uniform size and tender skin which cook evenly and absorb the butter and herbs better. Larger potatoes might need longer cooking times and could fall apart more easily.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
Fresh herbs truly make this recipe stand out, but if you don’t have them, dried herbs can be used in smaller amounts. Just add them earlier in the cooking process to rehydrate and release their flavor.
Is it necessary to peel the baby potatoes?
No peeling is needed! The thin skin on baby potatoes adds texture and nutrients, and it holds the buttery herb mixture beautifully. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before cooking.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can boil and season the potatoes in advance, then toss with fresh herbs right before serving to keep the herb flavors vibrant and the potatoes fresh.
What other herbs can I try in this recipe?
Feel free to experiment with thyme, rosemary, or tarragon for different flavor profiles. Just keep the herb quantities moderate so they complement, rather than overpower, the buttery potatoes.
Final Thoughts
This Baby Potatoes with Butter and Fresh Herbs Recipe is truly one of those simple yet soul-satisfying dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s effortless to make, uses fresh ingredients, and brings so much flavor and comfort to your table. I encourage you to try it out soon—once you start making these buttery, herb-kissed potatoes, they might just become your new favorite side dish!
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Baby Potatoes with Butter and Fresh Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5.5 to 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: European
Description
These baby potatoes are boiled to perfection and tossed in rich unsalted butter and a blend of fresh herbs including dill, chives, and parsley. A simple yet flavorful side dish ideal for any meal, featuring tender potatoes with a buttery, herbaceous finish.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1kg / 2 lb baby potatoes / new potatoes (about 3cm / 1.2″ round, look for similar size)
- 1 tbsp salt (for cooking)
Butter & Seasoning
- 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter (no need to melt)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Fresh Herbs
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp chives, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Boil potatoes: Place the baby potatoes in a large pot filled with cold tap water and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium to maintain a gentle simmer. This careful temperature control prevents the potato skins from splitting. Cook the potatoes for 10 to 15 minutes, until a knife can be inserted easily with no resistance. Alternatively, you can steam the potatoes until tender.
- Steam dry: Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander and let them sit for about a minute to steam dry. This step is important to ensure that any surface moisture evaporates, which helps the butter adhere better to the potatoes.
- Toss with butter: Transfer the drained potatoes to a large bowl. Add the unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Toss the potatoes gently so the butter melts and evenly coats each potato, infusing them with rich flavor.
- Add fresh herbs: Just before serving, stir in the finely chopped fresh dill, chives, and parsley. Mix until the herbs are well distributed, then transfer the potatoes to a serving bowl and serve warm for the best taste.
Notes
- Use potatoes of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- Do not melt the butter beforehand; tossing with cold butter allows it to melt naturally and coat the potatoes evenly.
- Letting potatoes steam dry after draining ensures butter sticks well.
- Fresh herbs add brightness and enhance the buttery flavor, so add them just before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and adjust seasoning accordingly.
