Lemon Garlic Baked Potatoes – Easy & Healthy Side Dish

Baked lemon garlic potatoes are a delightful and versatile dish that can elevate any meal with their zesty flavor and aromatic appeal. This recipe combines the tangy brightness of fresh lemons with the robust, earthy taste of garlic, creating a harmonious blend that is both refreshing and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, these potatoes offer a unique twist on the traditional baked potato, adding a burst of flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

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The simplicity of this recipe is one of its greatest assets. With just a few basic ingredients—potatoes, lemon, garlic, olive oil, and a handful of seasonings—you can create a dish that is both impressive and easy to prepare. The potatoes are sliced and tossed in a vibrant mixture of lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the delicious marinade. As they bake, the potatoes become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the lemon and garlic infuse them with a rich, aromatic flavor.

In addition to their delicious taste, these lemon garlic baked potatoes are also incredibly nutritious! Potatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. When paired with the health benefits of garlic, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and the vitamin C boost from lemon, this dish becomes a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful side dish that complements a wide range of main courses, from grilled meats to vegetarian entrees.

Whether you’re looking to add a new side dish to your regular meal rotation or impress guests at your next dinner party, lemon garlic baked potatoes are a fantastic choice!

Their delightful combination of flavors, ease of preparation, and nutritional benefits make them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Once you’ve tried this simple yet delicious dish, it is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The tangy lemon juice and earthy garlic create a balanced and vibrant flavor profile, complemented by the natural creaminess of the potatoes.
• Ease to Prepare: With just a few common ingredients and straightforward steps, the recipe is super easy to make and requires minimal effort.
• Simple Ingredients: The recipe requires only a few basic ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores. Potatoes, lemon, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper are common pantry staples.
• Versatility: Lemon garlic baked potatoes can be served as a side dish with various main courses or as a light main course on their own, making them adaptable to different cuisines and dietary preferences.
• Health Benefits: Potatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals, garlic offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and lemon juice adds a boost of vitamin C, making this dish nutritious and supportive of a healthy diet!

Ingredients You Need

One of the best parts of this dish is that it only needs a few simple pantry ingredients! Here is what you need!

• Potatoes: The main ingredient, providing a hearty base that becomes tender and flavorful when baked.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish and helps to tenderize the potatoes.
• Garlic: Offers a robust, earthy flavor and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, enriching the dish’s taste and nutritional value.
• Olive Oil: Helps to coat the potatoes, ensuring they bake to a crispy, golden brown while adding a smooth, rich flavor.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the dish more savory and satisfying.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor, complementing the lemon and garlic.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): A garnish that adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal and taste.

How To Make: Step-By-Step

Making this lemon garlic baked potatoes recipe is easy! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can prepare a flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal!

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 356-400°F (180-200°C). Preheating the oven ensures that it is at the right temperature when you start baking, which helps the potatoes cook evenly and become crispy.

Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut each potato into wedges, trying to keep them as uniform in size as possible. This helps ensure that all the wedges cook at the same rate. For medium potatoes, cutting each one into 8 wedges usually works well.

Make the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients well. The lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor, while the garlic provides a rich, earthy taste. Olive oil helps in achieving a crispy texture, and the salt and pepper enhance the overall flavor. You can also grate the lemon zest and add it to the mixture if you want.

Toss the Potatoes: Add the potato wedges to the bowl with the mixture. Using your hands or a large spoon, toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated with the mixture. Ensure that each wedge is thoroughly covered, as this will maximize the flavor and help the potatoes crisp up nicely. Alternatively, to accelerate the process, place them in the baking dish, pour the prepared mixture evenly on the potatoes, and then mix it with a spoon to get the mixture on each potato.

Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Spread the coated potato wedges in a single layer on the baking sheet. Ensure that the wedges are not touching each other, as this allows air to circulate around them and helps them crisp up evenly.

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the potatoes for about 25-40 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Halfway through baking (around 20 minutes), use a spatula to flip the potato wedges. This ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides. Check the potatoes towards the end of the cooking time to make sure they don’t burn.

Garnish (Optional): Once the potatoes are done baking, remove the baking sheet from the oven. If desired, sprinkle the baked potato wedges with fresh chopped parsley. The parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that complements the lemon and garlic flavors.

Serve: Serve the lemon garlic baked potatoes hot. They make a delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, such as grilled meats, fish, or vegetarian dishes. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a light main course, especially when accompanied by a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Tips & Ideas For Lemon Garlic Baked Potatoes

Here are some tips and ideas to enhance your lemon garlic baked potatoes. These tips and ideas can help you customize your lemon garlic baked potatoes and add variety to your meals.

• Add Herbs: Experiment with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for added flavor.
• Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese over the potatoes before baking.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Vegetable Variation: Mix in bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for a colorful roasted vegetable mix.
• Creamy Dip: Serve with a side of sour cream mixed with chopped chives or dill.
• Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the marinade for an extra citrusy flavor.
• Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the potatoes before baking.
• Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the potatoes after baking.
• Roasted Garlic: Use whole garlic cloves in the marinade for a milder, roasted garlic flavor.
• Pesto Drizzle: Serve with a dollop of basil pesto for a fresh herb flavor.

Important Notes

These tips will help you make delicious lemon garlic baked potatoes with ease!

• Potato Selection: Choose baking potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and flavor.
• Uniform Slicing: Cut the potatoes into evenly sized wedges to ensure they cook evenly.
• Baking Sheet Preparation: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
• Even Coating: Ensure the potato wedges are evenly coated with the marinade.
• Flipping the Potatoes: Halfway through baking, flip the wedges for even cooking and crispiness.
• Garnish (Optional): If using parsley, chop it just before serving for freshness.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy the potatoes hot and crispy for the best taste and texture.