If you’re craving a side dish that embodies sunny Mediterranean flavors in every bite, you absolutely need to try Greek Lemon Potatoes. Crispy on the outside, perfectly tender within, and infused with zesty lemon and herbs, this recipe transforms humble potatoes into glorious, golden wedges that will have everyone reaching back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, these potatoes are guaranteed to be the highlight of your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Greek Lemon Potatoes lies in just how simple and honest the ingredients are. Each one has an important role, working together to create a seriously craveable depth of flavor and that signature mouthwatering aroma.
- Potatoes: Stick to Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the best fluffy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside texture.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil not only adds richness but helps the potatoes crisp up as they roast.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for that bright, signature tang.
- Chicken Broth: The secret for keeping things moist and infusing an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Garlic: Minced or finely grated, garlic adds an aromatic kick that makes everything pop.
- Dried Oregano: Traditional Greek flavor, it’s the herb that brings it all together.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste so those lovely flavors shine.
- Optional Garnish – Fresh Parsley or Dill: A sprinkle of fresh herbs makes the final dish pop with color and freshness.
How to Make Greek Lemon Potatoes
Step 1: Prep and Cut Your Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cut your potatoes into thick wedges. You want them sturdy enough to hold up in the oven and soak up all the flavors, but not so thick that they won’t get deliciously tender in the center. Rinse them briefly and set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This fragrant marinade is where all the magic happens. If you have time, let the potatoes sit and soak a few minutes while your oven finishes preheating for even more flavor.
Step 3: Toss and Arrange the Potatoes
Add your potato wedges to the bowl and toss them well so each piece is completely coated in the lemony-garlic goodness. Arrange them in a single layer, cut side down, in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Don’t crowd the pan, or they won’t crisp up.
Step 4: Roast to Golden Perfection
Transfer your potatoes to the oven and roast, uncovered, for 40-50 minutes. About halfway through, flip the wedges to ensure they brown evenly and absorb that lovely sauce. The potatoes should be golden and crispy at the edges, with most of the liquid absorbed.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once your Greek Lemon Potatoes are golden and fork-tender, remove them from the oven. Transfer to a platter and spoon over any pan juices. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately for the best flavors and textures.
How to Serve Greek Lemon Potatoes
Garnishes
Garnish your Greek Lemon Potatoes with generous handfuls of fresh chopped parsley, dill, or even a little crumbled feta cheese if you love creamy, tangy flavors against those crispy edges. The brightness of the herbs and the creamy bite of feta both pair beautifully with the irresistible citrus notes.
Side Dishes
These potatoes are classic partners for grilled or roasted meats, especially chicken, lamb, or pork. They also complement a simple Greek salad with tomatoes and cucumbers, or a cool bowl of tzatziki for dipping. Honestly, they’re so good that you might find yourself building the rest of your meal around them!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these potatoes into the centerpiece for a mezze platter by pairing them with olives, hummus, and warm pita. For a vibrant presentation, layer roasted peppers or charred lemon slices over the top, or serve in a rustic dish alongside lemon wedges for guests to squeeze at the table. Let your creativity shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled Greek Lemon Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors keep developing, making them a craveable midnight snack or side for another meal.
Freezing
You can freeze these potatoes! Place cooled portions on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. This keeps them from clumping. Use within three months for best quality, and note that the texture may be a bit softer after thawing, but the flavor is still fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat Greek Lemon Potatoes in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, until hot and crispy again. A quick pass under the broiler at the end helps revive those gloriously golden edges without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I make Greek Lemon Potatoes vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth. All the fabulous flavor, none of the animal products.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Yukon Golds and Russets give you that dreamy creamy interior and crispy crust, but any waxy potato will work in a pinch. Avoid red potatoes if you can, since they don’t get as fluffy inside.
Why aren’t my potatoes getting crispy?
Make sure your pan is big enough for the potatoes to sit in a single layer, and let the oven work its magic. Also, don’t skip flipping them halfway through roasting and use enough oil to get those edges crisp.
Can I prep the potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can cut and soak the potatoes up to a day ahead. Just store them in water in the fridge, then drain and pat dry before marinating and roasting.
What herbs can I use besides oregano?
Oregano is classic, but thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of marjoram are all lovely substitutes that still keep things feeling authentically Greek and herby.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted the lemony, herby magic of Greek Lemon Potatoes, you’ll understand why they’re a staple in so many kitchens. They’ll quickly become the dish everyone requests, and frankly, you’ll be happy to oblige. Give them a try this week and watch as they steal the show on your dinner table!
PrintGreek Lemon Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Greek Lemon Potatoes are a classic side dish featuring crispy-on-the-edges potatoes baked in a tangy, aromatic blend of lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. Roasted until golden, these potatoes soak up all the savory flavors and make the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or Mediterranean mains.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- 3 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
For the Marinade
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Garnishing
- Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
- Lemon wedges, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the potatoes cook evenly and get perfectly crisped edges.
- Prepare Marinade – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. This zesty mixture will infuse the potatoes with signature Greek flavor.
- Combine Potatoes and Marinade – Add the potato wedges to the bowl and toss, making sure each wedge is generously coated. If desired, allow them to marinate for 15-30 minutes for extra flavor.
- Arrange and Bake – Spread the potatoes and all the marinade in a single layer in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer to ensure even baking. Bake for 40 minutes, stirring halfway through to coat in pan juices.
- Crisp and Brown – After 40 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Continue baking for 20-30 minutes, turning the potatoes occasionally, until they are golden brown, crisp on the edges, and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Serve – Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing.
Notes
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for a buttery texture, but russets also work well for crispiness.
- For vegetarian or vegan, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Letting the potatoes marinate with the dressing for a bit before baking enhances the flavor.
- If you prefer extra crispy potatoes, spread them out well and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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