Name: Creamy Garlic Baby Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 lb baby potatoes (scrubbed); 2 –3 tablespoons butter; 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary; Salt and black pepper (to taste); Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

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Imagine tender baby potatoes enveloped in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that melts in your mouth with every bite. This comforting side dish brings warmth and richness to the table, perfect for elevating your everyday meals or special occasions alike.

Whether paired with roasted meats, grilled proteins, or simply enjoyed on its own, these creamy garlic baby potatoes promise a delightful balance of buttery softness and aromatic herbs that will keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Rich, creamy sauce infused with fresh garlic and Parmesan for irresistible flavor.
Versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with various main courses.
Uses baby potatoes for a tender texture and faster cooking time.

Ingredients

Baby potatoes (1 kg / 2 lbs): Small, tender potatoes that cook quickly and absorb flavors well when scrubbed clean.
Butter (2–3 tablespoons): Adds rich creaminess and helps create a smooth, flavorful base for the sauce.
Garlic cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic delivers a fragrant, savory aroma that infuses the dish with depth.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Provides luxurious texture and richness, perfect for coating the potatoes evenly.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds umami and a slightly nutty taste, helping thicken the sauce beautifully.
Dried thyme or rosemary (1 teaspoon): Herbs that enhance the flavor profile with earthy and aromatic notes.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out and balance all the flavors.
Fresh parsley or chives (optional, chopped): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness as garnish.

Instructions

Cook the Potatoes: Place the scrubbed baby potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to season the cooking water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 12–15 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. This step ensures the potatoes are perfectly cooked through and ready to absorb the sauce.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it foams gently. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, careful not to let it brown to avoid bitterness. This step releases the garlic’s rich aroma and infuses the butter with flavor.
Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Slowly mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried thyme or rosemary. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop a smooth, creamy texture.
Season and Combine: Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Add the cooked baby potatoes to the skillet and gently toss them until evenly coated in the creamy garlic sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to warm everything through and let flavors meld.
Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamy garlic baby potatoes to a serving dish while still warm. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired, adding a fresh, colorful finishing touch that elevates the presentation and flavor.

You Must Know

Gruyère or Asiago cheeses are excellent substitutes for Parmesan and offer unique flavor depths.
For a mellow garlic taste, roast the garlic before adding it to the sauce instead of sautéing.
Fresh herbs like dill or basil can be used instead of thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic profile.
The sauce can be prepared ahead; just reheat gently with the potatoes before serving to save time.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to preserve the creamy texture without breaking the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these creamy garlic baby potatoes alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon for a comforting meal. They also complement vegetarian mains like sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables wonderfully.

Professional Tips

Use scraped baby potatoes for quicker cooking and a silky exterior that holds sauce well.
Don’t rush sautéing the garlic; gentle cooking prevents bitterness and enhances aroma.
For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving to enhance flavor perception.
Adjust cream thickness by simmering longer for a richer sauce or adding a splash of milk for a lighter version.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?: Yes, but regular potatoes will take longer to cook and may not absorb the sauce as well. Cut them into smaller chunks for even cooking.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this dish?: You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan butter and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives to make it dairy-free.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?: Prepare the sauce and cook the potatoes separately ahead of time. Reheat them together on the stove just before serving.
Can I freeze creamy garlic baby potatoes?: Freezing is not recommended as cream sauces can separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated.
What can I serve this with for a full meal?: This side pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, fish, or even hearty plant-based mains like grilled portobello mushrooms.
How do I make the sauce less thick?: Add a splash of milk or vegetable broth while simmering to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?: Yes, asparagus, green beans, or peas can be added towards the end of cooking for added texture and nutrition.