If you are looking to bring a burst of sunshine to your dinner table, this Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. Golden, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these potatoes soak up a vibrant blend of fresh lemon juice, fragrant garlic, and earthy oregano. Every bite offers a perfect balance of zesty brightness and hearty comfort that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even on their own, these potatoes capture the essence of Mediterranean home cooking in the most delicious way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that unforgettable flavor and irresistible texture. From the creamy Yukon Gold potatoes to the fresh lemon juice that adds zing, every component works in harmony.
- Yukon Gold potatoes (2½ pounds, peeled and cut into wedges): Their buttery texture and thin skin make them ideal for roasting to golden perfection.
- Olive oil (¼ cup): Brings a silky richness and helps achieve that perfect crispy edge.
- Fresh lemon juice (¼ cup): Provides bright acidity that wakes up your palate and complements the potatoes beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuse the potatoes with a warm and aromatic depth.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds classic Mediterranean earthiness and herbal notes.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential to enhance all the flavors throughout.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Chicken broth (½ cup): Keeps the potatoes moist and adds savory undertones (use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version).
- Chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges (optional): Perfect for garnishing and an extra pop of freshness.
How to Make Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This temperature is just right for roasting the potatoes to a golden crisp without drying them out.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth. This vibrant marinade is where all the magic begins — the zesty lemon juice and aromatic garlic infuse the potatoes during roasting.
Step 3: Coat the Potatoes
Add the peeled and wedged Yukon Gold potatoes to the bowl, tossing them until every wedge is thoroughly coated in the marinade. This ensures that as the potatoes roast, they soak up every bit of that mouthwatering flavor.
Step 4: Arrange and Roast
Spread the potatoes in a single layer inside a large baking dish or sheet pan, making sure they have enough space to crisp up nicely. Pour any remaining marinade over the potatoes. Pop them into the oven and bake uncovered for 40 minutes — this stage develops a beautiful golden color.
Step 5: Flip and Continue Roasting
After 40 minutes, flip each potato wedge to help them cook evenly on all sides. Return to the oven for another 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes are tender on the inside and perfectly crispy on the edges.
Step 6: Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional)
If you’re craving extra crunch, broil the potatoes for 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, and you’ll be rewarded with irresistibly crispy edges that are pure perfection.
How to Serve Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled over the hot potatoes adds a burst of vibrant color and a fresh herbal flavor that brightens the dish. Serving lemon wedges on the side allows everyone to add an extra squeeze of lemon juice for an even livelier taste.
Side Dishes
These roasted lemon potatoes make a phenomenal accompaniment to just about any main course. Pair them with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish to keep that Mediterranean vibe going strong. They also work wonderfully alongside a simple Greek salad for a light and balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve these potatoes in a rustic clay baking dish right on the table, inviting everyone to dig in family-style. For parties, spoon them onto small plates topped with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an elegant appetizer that will impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They retain their vibrant flavor and texture nicely, making for a quick and tasty side whenever you need one.
Freezing
While these potatoes taste best fresh or refrigerated, you can freeze them if necessary. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To avoid sogginess, it’s best to reheat them in the oven instead of the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375-degree oven until heated through and crisp again—usually about 15 minutes. This method preserves their texture far better than simply microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe?
While Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture and ability to crisp beautifully, you can substitute with red potatoes or even fingerlings. Avoid starchy varieties like Russets, as they tend to fall apart during roasting.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the chicken broth in the recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for an equal amount of vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Use vegetable broth and ensure your olive oil is pure (most are) to keep the dish vegan. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.
How lemony are these Greek Lemon Potatoes? Should I adjust the lemon juice?
The lemon flavor is bright but balanced, providing a fresh acidity that complements the potatoes without overpowering them. If you prefer a milder lemon note, slightly reduce the juice to 3 tablespoons.
Can I prepare these potatoes ahead and reheat them for a dinner party?
Definitely. Make the potatoes a day ahead and reheat them in the oven just before serving. This allows you to focus on other dishes and still impress your guests with this flavorful side.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something spectacular. Perfectly roasted and bursting with bright, zesty flavors, these potatoes are sure to become a cherished staple in your kitchen. Don’t wait to try them—the golden, crispy wedges are calling your name!
Print
Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
Greek Lemon Potatoes are a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean side dish featuring tender Yukon Gold potato wedges roasted to golden perfection with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. This naturally gluten-free and vegetarian recipe offers the perfect balance of tangy citrus and aromatic herbs, making it a delicious complement to any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
For Serving
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the potatoes.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth until combined.
- Coat the Potatoes: Add the potato wedges to the marinade bowl and toss thoroughly until every wedge is evenly coated with the mixture.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread the coated potatoes in a single, even layer on a large baking dish or sheet pan. Pour any remaining marinade over the potatoes to enhance flavor.
- Initial Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the potatoes to start softening and browning.
- Flip and Continue Baking: Carefully flip the potato wedges to crisp up the other sides, then bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until golden, crispy on the edges, and tender inside.
- Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil and cook the potatoes for 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve alongside lemon wedges for an added citrus kick.
Notes
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the potatoes just before serving.
- Using Yukon Gold potatoes provides a creamy texture, but red potatoes can be used as an alternative.
- Serve as a side dish to grilled meats, seafood, or alongside a fresh Greek salad.
