Pommes de Terre au Beurre à l’Ail au Four
Certainly! Here’s a full French-style recipe for Pommes de Terre au Beurre à l’Ail au Four (Oven-Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes), along with a detailed Q&A section to help you make them perfectly every time.
🥔 Pommes de Terre au Beurre à l’Ail au Four
(Oven-Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes – French Style)
Golden, crisp-edged potatoes infused with garlic, herbs, and rich butter — this classic French-inspired side dish is simple but elegant and bursting with flavor.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
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2 lbs (900g) waxy potatoes (like Yukon Gold, Charlotte, or Fingerling), scrubbed and halved or quartered
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3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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2 tbsp olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, finely minced or crushed
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1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Optional: a pinch of herbes de Provence or rosemary for a deeper flavor
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Optional: grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end
🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment or foil.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
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Wash and cut the potatoes into even chunks (halves or quarters).
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In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Add the potatoes and toss well until evenly coated.
Step 3: Bake
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Spread potatoes on the baking sheet in a single layer, cut side down for maximum crispiness.
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Roast for 35–45 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
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Potatoes should be golden, crisp on the edges, and tender inside.
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For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
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Step 4: Finish and Serve
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Sprinkle with fresh parsley and adjust salt to taste.
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Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a light dusting of Parmesan just before serving.
❓ Q&A – Pommes de Terre au Beurre à l’Ail au Four
Q: What kind of potatoes work best?
A: Waxy or all-purpose potatoes like Yukon Gold, Charlotte, or Fingerling hold their shape and get crisp without becoming dry. Avoid floury ones like Russets unless you prefer fluffier centers.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Roast ahead and reheat in a hot oven (425°F/220°C for 10–15 minutes) to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving — it softens the texture.
Q: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
A: You can, but fresh garlic gives a deeper, aromatic flavor. If using powder, use about 1 tsp per pound of potatoes.
Q: Why add both butter and olive oil?
A: Butter adds rich flavor, while olive oil helps prevent burning and promotes crispness. It’s a classic French combination for roasting.
Q: Can I add cheese or other toppings?
A: Absolutely. Add grated Parmesan, crumbled goat cheese, or a dollop of crème fraîche for a luxurious finish.
Q: What pairs well with this dish?
A: These potatoes go beautifully with:
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Roast chicken or duck
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Grilled steak or fish
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Ratatouille or roasted vegetables
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A crisp green salad and Dijon vinaigrette
Q: Is this dish vegetarian? Gluten-free?
A: Yes to both — as long as you use gluten-free certified ingredients like the butter (some flavored butters may contain gluten additives).
Q: How can I make it vegan?
A: Swap the butter for vegan butter or use more olive oil. Add a little nutritional yeast if you want a cheesy flavor.
