If you’re anything like me and love that perfect blend of crispy edges and tender potato goodness, then you’re in for a treat with this Crispy Garlic Domino Potatoes Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe not only delivers that irresistible crunch but fills your kitchen with the most inviting garlic aroma. It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive, yet is surprisingly simple to make—trust me, once you try it, this will be your go-to side for every occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside with tender, buttery layers inside that your whole family will devour.
- Aromatic Garlic Flavor: The garlic-infused butter seeps into every slice, giving the potatoes a rich, deep flavor profile.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The domino effect looks stunning on the plate—impress your guests effortlessly.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love that this Crispy Garlic Domino Potatoes Recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create something special. You don’t need fancy stuff—just fresh, quality basics for maximum flavor and texture.
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the salt level more precisely and gives a clean, creamy taste.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is key here—grate or finely chop to really infuse that buttery goodness.
- Russet potatoes: These are perfect because their starchy nature crisps up beautifully without falling apart.
- Kosher salt: Coarse enough to season well but not overpower with saltiness.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Adds a subtle earthy aroma that complements the garlic and potatoes perfectly.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top at the end for a little satisfying crunch and enhanced flavor burst.
Variations
What’s fun about this Crispy Garlic Domino Potatoes Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it based on what my family’s cravings are or what herbs I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Herb Swap: I’ve tried rosemary instead of thyme—both work beautifully and add a slightly different aromatic twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter if you’re avoiding dairy; just keep an eye on the roasting time for crispiness.
- Cheesy Addition: My family goes crazy when I sprinkle grated Parmesan over the potatoes in the last 10 minutes of baking.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Domino Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Garlic Butter to Build Flavor
Start by melting your unsalted butter gently over medium heat. Once melted, add the grated or finely chopped garlic and stir it around. You want to cook until it’s just frothing and fragrant—usually about 1 minute. I learned this trick from a friend who swears by infusing butter this way for maximum garlic flavor without burning. Once fragrant, remove the pot from heat to avoid overcooking the garlic—it burns easily and turns bitter.
Step 2: Shape and Slice the Potatoes Like a Pro
Trim the ends off your russet potatoes, then carefully slice off their sides so each one resembles a neat long square block. This technique makes the slices easier to arrange and helps them hold together during baking. Using a mandoline is a huge time-saver here, slicing the potatoes crosswise into thin, 1/8-inch slices. If you don’t have one, a steady hand and sharp knife work too—just take your time for even cuts. After slicing, gently gather the slices back, pressing them to reform the block shape.
Step 3: Arrange Your Potatoes Domino-Style
Place the prepared potato blocks on a parchment-lined baking sheet in neat rows—four or five rows usually fit nicely. Now here comes the fun part: gently press down on each block so the individual slices fan out slightly like dominoes that have just tipped over. This spacing creates all those crispy edges everyone raves about. It’s the step that makes this recipe both unique and incredibly satisfying to serve.
Step 4: Butter, Season, and Bake to Perfection
Brush your domino potatoes generously with the garlic butter—try to avoid spooning on the bits of grated garlic since they can burn during roasting. Sprinkle kosher salt evenly, then top with fresh thyme leaves for that herby aroma. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender inside and the tops crisp to a golden finish. I like to check around 30 minutes to avoid overcooking, but if you want ultra-crispy edges, don’t be shy to leave them longer. Once done, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds that perfect final touch.
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Garlic Domino Potatoes Recipe
- Use a Mandoline for Even Slices: I used to struggle getting uniform thickness until I invested in a mandoline—game changer for consistent cooking and appearance.
- Avoid Garlic Bits on Potatoes Before Baking: Burnt garlic can spoil the flavor; brush on the garlic butter but leave the bits behind to keep things smooth and delicious.
- Don’t Skip the Flaky Sea Salt Finish: That final sprinkle adds bursts of salty crunch that elevate the whole dish beyond basic roasted potatoes.
- Press Gently but Thoroughly: I once pressed too hard and smashed the slices together—light, careful pressure keeps the signature domino effect intact.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Domino Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving—it adds a pop of green freshness and brightness that balances the richness of the butter and garlic. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top brings the flavors alive in a surprisingly delightful way.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even pan-seared fish. For a vegetarian meal, toss together a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I served these Crispy Garlic Domino Potatoes Recipe blocks nestled in a slate serving tray with small bowls of assorted dipping sauces—garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, and herb yogurt. It turned an ordinary side into a fun, interactive experience at a dinner party that everyone loved.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (and you might!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found that the potatoes keep well for up to 3 days without losing too much crispiness.
Freezing
I generally don’t freeze these because the texture changes after thawing, but if you want to, freeze them flat on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed bag. Reheat carefully to bring back some of the crunch.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes. This helps crisp the edges back up. Microwaving tends to make them soggy, so I avoid that whenever possible.
FAQs
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Can I use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of Russets for the Crispy Garlic Domino Potatoes Recipe?
You can, but russet potatoes are preferred because of their higher starch content which crisps up better. Yukon Golds are waxier and might yield a creamier texture but slightly less crisp. If you use them, you might want to bake a little longer to get that nice crunch.
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Is there an easier way to slice the potatoes thinly for this recipe?
Absolutely! A mandoline slicer makes this task quick and ensures uniform thickness which is crucial for even cooking. If you don’t have one, use a very sharp knife and take your time to slice evenly.
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Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time before baking?
You can slice and arrange the potatoes a few hours in advance, cover them tightly, and keep them refrigerated. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
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How do I avoid garlic burning during baking?
Great question! When brushing the garlic butter on the potatoes, try to avoid the small bits of grated garlic—they burn faster. You want the infused butter without the crispy garlic pieces. Alternatively, add fresh garlic after baking if you want that raw garlic punch.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Garlic Domino Potatoes Recipe became a staple in my kitchen because it’s both elegant and comforting. Honestly, I never get tired of how those crispy edges contrast with the buttery interior, and the aroma fills the house with warmth. If you’re looking to impress with minimal effort or just want a side dish that your family will ask for again and again, this recipe is your best bet. Give it a go—I promise it’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat!
Print
Crispy Garlic Domino Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Domino Potatoes recipe transforms simple russet potatoes into an elegant, crispy, and flavorful side dish. Thinly sliced potatoes are arranged in a unique domino pattern, brushed with garlic-infused butter, sprinkled with fresh thyme, and baked until golden and tender. Perfect for elevating any meal with a beautiful presentation and delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 1/2 lb. russet potatoes
Butter & Seasonings
- 6 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Butter: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 425°F. In a small pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the grated or finely chopped garlic and cook, stirring frequently until the butter is frothing and the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat to prevent burning.
- Prepare Potatoes: Using a sharp knife, trim the ends off the russet potatoes. Slice off the sides to form a long square block for each potato. With a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes crosswise into very thin 1/8-inch slices. Carefully gather the slices back together to reform the block shape.
- Arrange Potatoes on Baking Sheet: Transfer the potato blocks onto a parchment-lined metal baking sheet. Arrange them in 4 to 5 long rows. Gently press down on each block so the potato slices fan out slightly like dominoes that have just toppled, creating a layered effect with slices slightly separated.
- Season and Add Butter: Brush the potato blocks generously with the garlic-infused butter, avoiding the garlic bits to prevent burning during baking. Season evenly with kosher salt and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for aromatic flavor.
- Bake the Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the potatoes are tender in the center and have a crispy, golden top layer. Keep an eye towards the end to ensure the topping crisps perfectly without burning.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the potatoes with flaky sea salt to add a final touch of texture and enhanced flavor. Serve warm as a stunning side dish for any meal.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline carefully to achieve thin, even slices for the best domino effect and cooking consistency.
- Avoid including the grated garlic in the butter brush step to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
- Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their starchy nature, which crisps up nicely when baked.
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of black pepper or Parmesan cheese before baking, if desired.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as part of a holiday meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
