If you’ve been hunting for a show-stopping yet simple potato dish, you’re going to adore this Garlic Herb Potato Galette Recipe. Imagine thinly sliced, buttery, garlicky potatoes baked until crispy on the outside and tender inside—sounds dreamy, right? I absolutely love how this comes together with just a handful of fresh herbs and easy pantry staples, and I promise, once you make it, this will become your go-to special occasion side or cozy dinner star. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips for getting perfect layers and that irresistible golden crust every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry favorites with fresh herbs for a gourmet taste.
- Impressive Presentation: The layered, golden concentric circles look stunning on the table.
- Comforting & Versatile: Perfect as a side for any meal or even a light main with a salad.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once assembled, it bakes in the oven with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Herb Potato Galette Recipe really comes from the balance of buttery richness, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs. Using medium-sized red potatoes works best here—they hold their shape but get tender without turning mushy.
- Red potatoes: I like to choose medium-sized ones with smooth skin for easy slicing and even cooking.
- Butter: Salted butter adds a lovely richness and savory depth.
- Olive oil: Using it alongside butter helps with crispiness and prevents sticking.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic flavor—don’t skip this!
- Chives: Fresh and chopped finely to add a mild oniony hint.
- Parsley: Adds a bright herbal note that balances the richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer so flavor is consistent.
- Additional olive oil: For greasing the cast iron skillet to ensure your galette releases easily.
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so I often swap up herbs or add extras to suit our mood or seasonal flavors. You can easily make it your own, and I encourage you to experiment!
- Add cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Gruyere between layers adds amazing depth and melty goodness—my family goes crazy for this twist.
- Try other herbs: Thyme or rosemary work beautifully in place of parsley and chives for an earthier flavor.
- Make it vegan: Swap butter for a plant-based alternative and keep the olive oil—still delicious, just dairy-free.
- Add spice: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper in the seasoning layers gives a subtle smoky kick.
How to Make Garlic Herb Potato Galette Recipe
Step 1: Prep your potatoes and herb butter mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 400°. While that warms up, melt the salted butter gently in a small saucepan or microwave, then stir in the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped chives, and parsley. This fragrant butter mixture is the flavor base for your galette, so make sure everything’s well combined—you’ll find the roasted garlic aroma really sets the tone here.
Step 2: Slice potatoes thinly and season
Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice your red potatoes as thin as possible without breaking them. This step can be a bit tedious, but trust me, thinner slices mean quicker baking and better layering. Toss the sliced potatoes in a large bowl with your garlic herb butter mixture, coating them evenly. This helps each slice absorb flavor and stay moist during baking.
Step 3: Prepare your skillet and arrange the galette
Coat a cast iron skillet generously with olive oil to prevent sticking—it might look like a lot of oil, but it helps create that coveted crispy crust on the bottom and sides. Now for the fun part: arrange the potato slices in the skillet, overlapping each piece to form concentric circles starting from the outer edge inward. This makes the dish as pretty as it is tasty! Sprinkle salt and pepper lightly over each layer to ensure consistent seasoning. If you have extra butter mixture left in the bowl, scrape it over the top for good measure.
Step 4: Bake low and slow
Pop your skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 60–80 minutes. Oven times can vary, so check around the hour mark by gently lifting the top potato layers in the center to test tenderness—the potatoes should be soft but hold their shape. This slow baking lets the layers meld while the edges crisp perfectly. Resist the urge to stir or poke too much—let the galette develop that golden crust.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Herb Potato Galette Recipe
- Mandoline safety first: Always use the hand guard or a cut-resistant glove to slice potatoes thinly without risking your fingers.
- Cast iron love: Using a well-seasoned cast iron skillet ensures even heat distribution and a fantastic crust on your galette.
- Layer with care: Overlapping slices evenly helps the galette hold its shape and look beautiful when sliced into wedges.
- Don’t rush the bake: Giving the galette enough time in the oven is key—shortchanging this step leads to undercooked potatoes and less crispiness.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Potato Galette Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this dish with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving—it brightens up the rich, buttery layers beautifully. Sometimes I’ll add a little flaky sea salt on top for that perfect finishing crunch.
Side Dishes
This galette pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or grilled steak, but I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad or sautéed greens for a lighter meal. It’s also fantastic with roasted veggies or even a smoky sausage for heartier flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I’ve arranged the galette right in the skillet on the table—it’s rustic and impressive. You can also unmold it onto a serving platter and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a touch of elegance. Slicing it into neat wedges makes it super easy to share and keeps everyone happy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. The wonderful thing is, the flavors deepen overnight, and I find reheated galette even more satisfying!
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this later, you can freeze the galette wrapped tightly in foil and a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the texture just right.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a hot oven (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes to get that crispy edge back. Avoid microwaving if you can, because the galette loses its crispiness that way. If you’re in a hurry, a quick skillet reheat also works great—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, while red potatoes work best because of their firm texture and thin skin, you can also use Yukon Golds for a creamier texture or Russets for a fluffier inside. Just be mindful that thicker or starchier potatoes may require a bit more baking time.
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Do I need a cast iron skillet, or can I use a different pan?
Cast iron is ideal for even heat and a crispy crust, but if you don’t have one, you can use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Just make sure to use enough oil or butter to prevent sticking, and expect slightly different texture results.
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How thin should I slice the potatoes?
The thinner, the better—aim for about 1/8-inch thick slices. Thin slices bake evenly and help the layers meld together perfectly. Using a mandoline makes this step much easier and safer.
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Can I prepare the galette ahead of time?
You can assemble the galette a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. Bring it back to room temperature before popping it in the oven for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Herb Potato Galette Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is genuinely easy to pull off. Every time I bake it, the aroma fills the kitchen and draws everyone to the table before dinner even starts. Whether for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight upgrade, this galette is a delicious way to make potatoes the star they deserve to be. I really hope you give it a try—you’ll find it’s a recipe worth sharing and savoring again and again.
Print
Garlic Herb Potato Galette Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Galette Potatoes are a crispy, flavorful side dish made by layering thinly sliced red potatoes with a rich mixture of butter, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, then baking them to golden perfection in a cast iron skillet. This elegant yet simple recipe is perfect to complement any meal with its buttery, garlicky aroma and delightful texture.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 6 medium red potatoes (about 2 pounds)
Butter and Oil Mixture
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Skillet
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing cast iron skillet)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when you finish your potato preparation.
- Prepare Butter Herb Mixture: Melt the salted butter and mix it well with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, chopped chives, parsley, salt, and pepper. This combination will infuse the potatoes with rich flavor.
- Slice Potatoes: Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the red potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure uniform cooking and crispness.
- Coat Potatoes: Place the sliced potatoes into a large bowl and toss them thoroughly with the butter and herb mixture so every slice is well coated.
- Prepare Skillet: Generously brush a cast iron skillet with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, making sure to cover the bottom and sides to prevent sticking.
- Layer Potatoes: Starting from the outer edge of the skillet, arrange potato slices in an overlapping concentric circular pattern. After layering each circle, sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper. Continue layering until all potatoes are used.
- Add Remaining Butter: Scrape any leftover butter mixture from the bowl and drizzle it evenly over the top layer of the potatoes for extra moisture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 80 minutes. Baking time depends on your oven and potato thickness; the potatoes should be tender and caramelized.
- Check for Doneness: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and gently lift the top potato layer in the center to see if the potatoes are cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the galette from the skillet onto a serving dish. Sprinkle additional fresh herbs on top, then slice into wedges for serving.
Notes
- This dish is a delicious way to enjoy potatoes with the flavorful combination of garlic, fresh herbs, butter, and olive oil.
- Using a mandoline for slicing ensures uniform thin slices, which helps the potatoes cook evenly and crisp nicely.
- The cast iron skillet is key to achieving a crispy bottom and evenly baked galette.
- You can adjust the seasoning and herbs to your taste—for instance, adding thyme or rosemary.
- Allow the galette to cool for a few minutes before slicing to help it hold together better.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 477 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
