The Ultimate Herbed Baby Potatoes (Easy & Elegant Side Dish!)
Imagine a side dish so simple, so elegant, and so universally beloved that it effortlessly elevates any meal. That, my friends, is the timeless magic of these Baby Potatoes with Butter & Fresh Herbs. It’s a classic dish you’d find in a fine dining restaurant—perfectly tender potatoes, glistening with melted butter, and generously flecked with…
Imagine a side dish so simple, so elegant, and so universally beloved that it effortlessly elevates any meal. That, my friends, is the timeless magic of these Baby Potatoes with Butter & Fresh Herbs. It’s a classic dish you’d find in a fine dining restaurant—perfectly tender potatoes, glistening with melted butter, and generously flecked with a vibrant trio of fresh herbs. It is, without a doubt, the most versatile and elegant potato side you will ever make.
Here’s the thing about a truly great side dish: it should complement the main course, not overpower it. This recipe is the epitome of that philosophy. I first fell in love with this style of potato at a fancy steakhouse and was shocked to learn how simple it was to recreate. It’s not about a long list of ingredients; it’s about a perfect technique that lets the humble potato shine.
I promise you, there is no greater feeling than serving a bowl of these beautiful, aromatic potatoes. The fresh, grassy flavor of the dill, the subtle bite of the chives, and the rich, creamy butter create a perfect harmony with the earthy potatoes. It’s a dish that is light enough for delicate fish yet satisfying enough to stand next to a hearty holiday roast.
Get ready to master a simple, stunning side dish that proves elegance doesn’t have to be complicated.
Why These Herbed Potatoes Are Simply Perfect!
You will be absolutely amazed by how a few simple ingredients can create such a sophisticated and delicious side dish. This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons. Here’s why:
- Effortless Elegance: This dish looks and tastes incredibly elegant, like something from a high-end restaurant, but it is surprisingly simple to prepare in just 20 minutes.
- Incredibly Versatile: It is the perfect companion for almost any main course—from a rich holiday roast to delicate baked fish, grilled chicken, or steak.
- A Celebration of Fresh Herbs: This recipe is all about the bright, vibrant flavor of fresh herbs. The combination of dill, chives, and parsley is classic and absolutely delicious.
- Lighter Than Mashed Potatoes: It’s a wonderful, less-heavy alternative to rich, creamy mashed potatoes, providing a fresh and clean-tasting side dish.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to be a star on your holiday table.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 5-8 servings |
| Calories | 181 kcal per serving |
| Course | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | Western |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / Stovetop |
Your Shopping List for These Elegant Potatoes
This recipe celebrates simplicity and freshness. Here’s the short and sweet list of what you’ll need:
→ For the Potatoes & Herb Butter
- 1kg (2 lb) baby potatoes → Also called new potatoes. Look for potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking.
- 1 tbsp salt → For boiling the potatoes. This is key for seasoning them from the inside out!
- 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter → For creating the rich, glossy coating.
- ½ tsp each of salt and pepper → For the final seasoning.
- 2 tbsp fresh dill → Finely chopped. This is the star herb in this mix.
- 1 tbsp chives → Finely chopped, for a delicate, fresh oniony note.
- 1 tbsp parsley → Finely chopped, for a bright, clean background freshness.
Let’s Get Cooking! Your Step-by-Step Guide
This wonderfully simple recipe is all about technique. Let’s get these potatoes perfectly boiled and dressed!
Part 1: Boil the Potatoes to Perfection
- Boil in Salted Water: Place the whole, unpeeled baby potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold tap water. Add the 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer Gently: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium so the potatoes are simmering gently, not at a rolling boil. This helps prevent the delicate skins from splitting. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until you can easily pierce a potato with a knife with no resistance.
- The “Steam Dry” Secret: Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for a full minute. This allows the excess surface moisture to evaporate in their own steam. This is the crucial step to ensure the butter clings to the potatoes instead of sliding off.
Part 2: The Final Herb Butter Toss
- Toss with Butter: Transfer the hot, steam-dried potatoes to a large bowl. Add the butter, ½ teaspoon of salt, and pepper. Gently toss the potatoes until the butter is completely melted and has coated every potato in a beautiful, glossy sheen.
- Add Herbs and Serve: Just before you’re ready to serve, add the freshly chopped dill, chives, and parsley to the bowl. Give it one final, gentle toss to combine. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve warm.
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Herbed Potatoes
These simple, classic techniques will ensure your potatoes are flavorful, beautiful, and absolutely delicious.
- Salt Your Water Generously. This is the most important step! Boiling the potatoes in well-salted water (it should taste salty like the sea) is your only opportunity to season the potatoes from the inside out. It makes a huge difference in the final flavor.
- Start with Cold Water. Always place your potatoes in cold water and bring them to a boil together. This ensures the potatoes cook evenly all the way through, from the outside to the center.
- Don’t Skip the Steam Dry. Letting the potatoes sit in the colander for a minute after draining is the secret to a perfect butter coating. If the potatoes are wet, the butter and herbs will just create a watery sauce at the bottom of the bowl.
- Use Fresh Herbs Only. This is a simple dish where the quality of the ingredients truly shines. Dried herbs will not provide the same bright, vibrant, and aromatic flavor. It’s worth it to get fresh dill, chives, and parsley.
- Add Herbs at the Very End. Add the delicate fresh herbs just before serving. The residual heat from the potatoes is just enough to warm them and release their essential oils without causing them to wilt and turn dark.
Baby Potatoes with Butter & Fresh Herbs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place potatoes in a large pot of cold tap water with 1 tbsp salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower heat to medium so they’re simmering gently. Cook for 10 – 15 minutes until a knife pierces them with no resistance.
- Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for one minute to steam dry.
- Transfer the hot potatoes to a large bowl. Add the butter, salt, and pepper. Toss gently until the butter is melted and the potatoes are fully coated.
- Just before serving, add the finely chopped fresh dill, chives, and parsley. Stir through, transfer to a serving bowl, and serve warm.
Notes
Keep It Fresh! Make-Ahead & Storing
While best served warm, you can certainly prep this dish ahead of time.
- Make-Ahead Instructions: You can boil the potatoes a day in advance. Once cooked and cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, let them come fully to room temperature. Reheat them gently in a pan or the microwave before tossing with melted butter and the fresh herbs.
- Serving at Room Temperature: This dish is also lovely served at room temperature. Just be sure to toss the potatoes with melted butter, not solid butter, and add the herbs right before serving.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are delicious reheated in a skillet until slightly crispy.
FAQs: Your Potato Questions, Answered!
Can I use bigger potatoes?
Yes, you can. If you can’t find baby potatoes, you can use a waxy variety like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Simply peel them and chop them into uniform 1.5-inch chunks before boiling. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Why did my potato skins split during boiling?
This usually happens for two reasons: starting the potatoes in hot water, or boiling them too vigorously. Starting them in cold water allows them to heat up gradually, and a gentle simmer (instead of a rolling boil) is much kinder to the delicate skins.
Can I use different herbs?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic template. Finely chopped fresh thyme is a classic and wonderful pairing with potatoes. Fresh rosemary would also be delicious, but use it more sparingly as it has a very strong flavor. A mix of whatever you have fresh in your garden can work beautifully!
Can I roast the potatoes instead of boiling them?
Yes, that’s a delicious variation! Toss the raw baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) until golden and tender. Once they are out of the oven, transfer them to a bowl and immediately toss with the butter and fresh herbs.
Final Thoughts: A Side of Simple Perfection
There is such a profound beauty in a simple dish, perfectly executed. These Baby Potatoes with Butter & Fresh Herbs are a testament to the fact that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something truly elegant and delicious. I hope this recipe becomes a trusted and beloved staple in your kitchen for every occasion. Happy cooking!
