If you are searching for a comforting and irresistibly flavorful side dish, the Creamy Garlic Sauce Baby Potatoes Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender baby potatoes bathed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that’s beautifully rich and perfectly seasoned, this recipe takes simple ingredients to a whole new level of indulgence. It’s like a warm hug from the inside, perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or whenever you want to turn humble potatoes into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this dish simple is part of its charm. Each ingredient plays an essential role in building the creamy, garlicky goodness that defines this recipe, and they’re easy to find too!
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes (red or yellow): Small, tender potatoes that cook quickly and soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps bring out the flavor of the garlic.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): The star of the show, providing that heady, aromatic punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The base of the sauce, making it decadently smooth and silky.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild, warming spice that enhances the garlic.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional): Brings a subtle herbaceous note, but feel free to skip if you want to keep it pure garlic and cream.
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending a sharp, nutty depth.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Sauce Baby Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Begin by placing your baby potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold, salted water. This gentle boiling process is key to getting potatoes cooked evenly and perfectly tender—too soft and they might fall apart, too firm and they won’t soak up the sauce. Boil them for about 12 to 15 minutes until a fork slides in without resistance, then drain and set aside so they’re ready to meet their creamy garlic match.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a spacious skillet over medium heat, melt your butter and add the minced garlic. The aroma that fills your kitchen in these first couple of minutes is nothing short of magical—make sure not to brown the garlic too much to avoid bitterness. It should become fragrant, softening just enough to release all those wonderful flavors straight into the butter.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Now pour in the heavy cream to the skillet, and sprinkle in salt, pepper, and the optional Italian seasoning. Gently bring this mixture to a simmer—you’re looking for it to thicken slightly without boiling vigorously. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt smoothly, transforming the sauce into a luxuriously rich, silky coating for the potatoes. This stage is where the magic truly happens, as flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Potatoes and Sauce
Carefully add the cooked baby potatoes back into the skillet. Toss them gently but thoroughly so they become evenly coated with that creamy garlic sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to fully mingle. For an extra touch, lightly smash some potatoes before adding to the skillet—it creates a wonderfully textured bite that’s almost like a mash but with little potato pockets of cream.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Sauce Baby Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top not only adds a beautiful splash of green color but also brings a fresh and slightly peppery note that brightens the richness of the creamy garlic sauce. For those who love a bit of zest, a quick drizzle of lemon juice or a few lemon zest curls make a lovely unexpected garnish that enhances the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This dish plays wonderfully as a side for roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef, where its velvety texture beautifully contrasts with crispy or charred protein. It also pairs seamlessly with steamed or roasted vegetables for a comforting vegetarian meal. Since it’s rich, a crisp, fresh salad on the side can offer a nice balance, cutting through the creaminess with bright textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these creamy garlic baby potatoes in a rustic cast iron skillet right at the table for a cozy, family-style vibe. For a fancier presentation, spoon the potatoes onto individual plates and garnish with parsley and a Parmesan shaving. Another fun twist is to serve them alongside grilled shrimp or scallops to create an elegant, creamy garlicky feast that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy garlic potatoes keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit as it chills, but that’s easy to fix when reheating. Just the perfect chance to enjoy a quick, comforting meal with minimal effort.
Freezing
Because of the cream and fresh dairy in the sauce, freezing isn’t ideal for this Creamy Garlic Sauce Baby Potatoes Recipe. The texture can become grainy or separate upon thawing. For best results, stick to refrigerating for short-term storage and enjoy fresh.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating can help loosen the sauce to its original luscious texture. Avoid microwaving at high power as this can cause the sauce to break unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! If you choose regular potatoes, cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the boiling time until fork-tender. Smaller chunks will absorb the creamy sauce just as well, though baby potatoes naturally have a creamier texture that makes them ideal for this recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
You can swap out butter for plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free cream alternative, such as coconut cream or an oat-based cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese to add that cheesy, nutty flavor. Keep in mind the texture and richness will vary slightly.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the sauce?
Definitely! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives make fantastic additions if you want to experiment with flavors. Just be mindful not to overpower the garlic; the goal is to enhance the creamy garlic sauce, not mask it.
Should I peel the baby potatoes?
No need! The skins on baby potatoes are thin and tender once cooked, adding extra texture and nutrients. Plus, they help the potatoes hold together better when tossed in the creamy garlic sauce.
What’s the best way to get the sauce extra thick?
Simmering the sauce gently over a few minutes after adding the cream and cheese will do the trick naturally. If you prefer it thicker, you can dissolve a small amount of cornstarch in cold water and stir it into the sauce as it simmers, but usually the Parmesan cheese thickens it enough.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Sauce Baby Potatoes Recipe is one of those simple dishes that feels and tastes decadent without a lot of fuss. It’s a perfect way to elevate everyday potatoes into something truly memorable and comforting. I encourage you to give it a try and make it your go-to side for any occasion—you might even find yourself craving these creamy, garlicky delights on repeat.
Print
Creamy Garlic Sauce Baby Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and creamy garlic sauce baby potatoes cooked to perfection with Parmesan cheese and herbs. This easy-to-make side dish combines tender baby potatoes with a rich, flavorful creamy garlic sauce that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes (red or yellow)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 12–15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Once cooked, drain the water and set the potatoes aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic. Add salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine Potatoes and Sauce: Add the cooked baby potatoes to the skillet and toss well to coat them evenly with the creamy garlic sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the creamy garlic sauce baby potatoes warm.
Notes
- You can lightly smash the potatoes before adding them to the sauce for extra creaminess.
- For a tangy twist, add a splash of lemon juice or a spoonful of sour cream to the sauce.
