There is something irresistibly comforting about the tangy zest of lemon mingling with tender, roasted potatoes, and that is exactly what you get with this Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe. These potatoes are perfectly crispy on the outside while delightfully creamy on the inside, soaked in fragrant garlic, bright lemon juice, savory chicken broth, and earthy oregano. It is one of those classic side dishes that can elevate any meal from simple to spectacular with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it at a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these lemon potatoes are bound to become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the magic behind this Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe. Each component plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that tempting golden color that makes this dish so inviting.
- Baking potatoes (2 and a half pounds): Peeled and cut into wedges, these provide the tender, fluffy base of the dish.
- Chicken broth (1 and a half cups): Infuses the potatoes with savory depth and moisture for roasting.
- Olive oil (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps achieve a perfectly crispy exterior.
- Lemon juice (1/4 cup): Fresh and bright, it brings the signature citrus punch.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Offers aromatic, savory warmth that pairs beautifully with lemon.
- Dried oregano (1 tablespoon): Gives a classic herbaceous note; fresh oregano can be used for an even more vibrant flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- Fresh ground pepper (to taste): Adds a subtle heat that balances the lemon’s tang.
- Paprika (optional): A sprinkle adds a touch of color and mild smokiness if desired.
How to Make Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes
Begin by peeling your potatoes and cutting them into thick wedges—about eighths works best to ensure even cooking. Rinse them thoroughly to remove excess starch, then drain well. This step helps the potatoes roast up beautifully, with no gummy patches.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Sauce
In a large baking dish (a 13×9 inch size is perfect), combine the chicken broth, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and fresh ground pepper. Stir this mixture well, as it will become the flavorful bath that infuses your potatoes during baking.
Step 3: Coat and Arrange the Potatoes
Add the potato wedges to the baking dish and toss gently to coat every piece thoroughly in the lemony, herby sauce. Make sure the potatoes are spread out evenly for roasting; this ensures each wedge crisps up nicely on the outside while absorbing all that fantastic flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the uncovered baking dish in a 350°F oven and roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Check the tenderness by piercing a wedge with a fork at the end of the baking time. If needed, continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are crisp on the outside and tender inside. Letting them sit for 10 minutes after baking allows the flavors to settle and deepen.
How to Serve Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped oregano brightens the presentation and adds a pop of green freshness to your Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe. For extra flair, a light dusting of paprika provides a warm color and subtle smoky hint that complements the lemon.
Side Dishes
These lemon potatoes shine alongside grilled meats like lamb or chicken, and they’re wonderful paired with Greek classics such as tzatziki, Greek salad, or roasted vegetables. They also match beautifully with seafood dishes, where their citrus profile can enhance the freshness of the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the potatoes in a shallow ceramic dish garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs. You can also serve them family-style in a rustic wooden bowl or alongside a vibrant Mediterranean mezze platter to impress your guests with authentic flavors and inviting colors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe keep beautifully in the refrigerator. Allow the potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to a covered container. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making them a convenient option for easy meals later in the week.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it may affect the texture slightly since roasted potatoes tend to become a bit softer after freezing and thawing. If you choose to freeze, spread the cooled potatoes on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a covered baking dish for about 15 minutes or until heated through. This method helps restore their crispiness. Alternatively, you can use the microwave for a faster option, though the texture may be less crispy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold, Russets, red potatoes, or even new potatoes from your garden all work well. Each variety offers a slightly different texture but will absorb the flavors beautifully.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is traditional for this recipe to achieve a silky interior texture, but if you’re using new or thin-skinned potatoes, you can simply wash them thoroughly and leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to keep the lemon potatoes fully vegetarian while maintaining that rich, savory flavor base.
How tangy will the lemon flavor be?
The lemon flavor is bright but balanced by the garlic, oregano, and olive oil. It provides a fresh zest that enlivens the potatoes without overpowering them—a perfect harmony.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and then bake it later?
You can prepare the potato wedges and the lemon mixture ahead of time, combine them in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours. Just bring the dish to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a dish that brings sunshine and warmth to your table, this Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s easy to prepare, uses ingredients you likely already have on hand, and delivers that magical combination of crispiness and creaminess with vibrant lemon flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these potatoes will quickly become one of your favorite go-to sides. Give it a try and prepare to be delighted with every bite!
Print
Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Greek Lemon Potatoes are a classic Mediterranean side dish featuring potatoes roasted to crispy perfection on the outside and creamy inside, soaked in a flavorful marinade of lemon juice, garlic, chicken broth, olive oil, and oregano. This easy yet delicious recipe complements a wide variety of main courses, bringing bright citrus notes and fragrant herbs to your meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 and a half pounds baking potatoes, peeled and cut into eighths
Marinade
- 1 and half cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp. dried oregano (or 2–3 tbsp. fresh oregano)
- 1 tsp. salt
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
- Sprinkle of paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into thick wedges, roughly into eighths. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, then drain well.
- Make Marinade: In a 13×9 inch baking dish, combine chicken broth, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and fresh ground pepper. Stir these ingredients together to create a flavorful marinade.
- Coat Potatoes: Add the potato wedges to the baking dish with the marinade. Toss gently to ensure all the potato pieces are evenly coated with the lemony mixture.
- Bake Potatoes: Place the dish uncovered into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 1 and a half hours, allowing the potatoes to cook until they are tender inside and crispy on the edges. Test doneness by piercing a potato wedge with a fork; if it’s not quite tender, bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: For the best flavor and texture, let the potatoes sit for 10 minutes after baking before serving. Optionally, sprinkle paprika on top to add a subtle smoky color and taste.
Notes
- You can use any type of potatoes such as Yukon Gold, Russets, red potatoes, or fresh new potatoes from your garden.
- If using fresh new potatoes from the garden, washing and leaving the skin on is recommended for texture and nutrition.
- Store cooled leftover potatoes in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to four days; they remain delicious reheated.
- To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 15 minutes until warmed through, or warm in the microwave as a quicker alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
