These Lemon Honey Brown Butter Potatoes are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with flavors from garlic, lemon, honey, and a delicious brown butter sauce. The addition of ricotta and roasted cherry tomatoes balances the richness of the potatoes, offering a delightful contrast. This recipe takes roasted potatoes to the next level and is perfect as a side dish or light meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs baby potatoes

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp each of nutmeg & cayenne pepper

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

• Olive oil, as needed

• 2 sprigs rosemary, finely chopped

• 1 stem of cherry tomatoes on the vine

• ¼ cup salted butter (½ stick)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lemon (for juicing)

• 2 tbsp honey

• 4 sprigs of thyme

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 tsp white & black sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Boil the Potatoes: Boil the baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 12-16 minutes or until fork-tender.

3. Prepare the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender, transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them cool for a few minutes, then gently pinch off the skins, leaving them slightly intact for crisping.

4. Season the Potatoes: Toss the potatoes with garlic powder, cayenne, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and olive oil to coat evenly.

5. Roast the Potatoes: Roast for 15 minutes, flip, and then add rosemary and the vine of cherry tomatoes to the pan. Roast for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.

6. Make the Brown Butter Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter on medium-low heat. Stir occasionally for 2-4 minutes until the milk solids turn brown. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Off the heat, add lemon juice, honey, and thyme, and whisk to combine.

7. Serve: Transfer the roasted potatoes to a bowl, drizzle with 2/3 of the brown butter sauce, and toss. Spread ricotta on a plate, pile the potatoes in the center, and drizzle with the remaining butter sauce. Garnish with roasted cherry tomatoes and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 36g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 17g

  • Saturated Fat: 8g

• Cholesterol: 30mg

• Sodium: 650mg

• Potassium: 600mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 6g

The Potatoes: Crispy, Creamy, and Flavorful

The baby potatoes serve as the heart of this dish, providing a creamy interior and a crispy exterior that’s the perfect canvas for the bold, flavorful seasonings. Baby potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their small size and smooth, tender flesh, which make them easy to cook and crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Boiling the potatoes first ensures they become tender all the way through before being roasted, which helps achieve that perfect balance of a fluffy interior and crispy outside. After boiling, the potatoes are gently pinched to loosen the skins, leaving them intact enough for crisping but with a bit of exposed flesh that can crisp up during roasting.

The seasoning mixture, which includes garlic powder, cayenne, nutmeg, kosher salt, and fresh cracked black pepper, coats the potatoes evenly, ensuring they are packed with flavor from the inside out. The combination of these spices adds warmth and depth, while the olive oil ensures that the potatoes crisp up perfectly in the oven.

Roasting the Potatoes: Golden Brown and Crispy

Roasting the potatoes at a high temperature (425°F or 220°C) allows them to crisp up and develop a beautiful golden brown color. The potatoes are roasted for 15 minutes, flipped, and then roasted for an additional 15-20 minutes to ensure they are evenly browned and crispy on all sides. This method of roasting creates the perfect texture, with crispy edges and a creamy interior that’s bursting with flavor.

During the second phase of roasting, fresh rosemary is added to the pan, infusing the potatoes with a fragrant, earthy aroma that enhances the savory elements of the dish. The rosemary pairs wonderfully with the nutmeg and cayenne pepper, elevating the overall flavor profile.

The Brown Butter Sauce: Rich and Nutty

The brown butter sauce is what sets this dish apart from other roasted potato recipes. To make brown butter, unsalted butter is melted over medium-low heat and cooked until the milk solids turn golden brown. This process imparts a nutty, slightly caramelized flavor to the butter that adds a richness and depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.

Once the butter is browned, minced garlic is added to the pan, cooking it until fragrant. Then, fresh lemon juice, honey, and sprigs of thyme are added to the mixture, creating a sweet and savory sauce that complements the potatoes beautifully. The lemon juice adds a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter, while the honey brings a touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements of the dish. The thyme adds an herby note that enhances the overall complexity of the sauce.

The sauce is then drizzled over the roasted potatoes, allowing the flavors to soak in and infuse every bite with rich, buttery goodness.

Ricotta and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: A Fresh Contrast

To balance the richness of the roasted potatoes and brown butter sauce, this dish includes a generous layer of creamy ricotta cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes. The ricotta provides a soft, creamy element that contrasts with the crispy potatoes and the savory sauce. Its mild flavor adds a cooling effect, making it a perfect counterpoint to the warmth and richness of the potatoes.

The cherry tomatoes are roasted alongside the potatoes, softening and caramelizing slightly to bring out their natural sweetness. When placed on top of the ricotta, they add a pop of color and a burst of juicy freshness that lightens the dish and balances the richness of the potatoes and sauce.

Assembling the Dish: A Perfectly Layered Experience

Once the potatoes are roasted to crispy perfection, they are placed in a bowl and tossed with two-thirds of the brown butter sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. The ricotta is spread onto a plate, and the roasted potatoes are piled on top, creating a beautiful base. The remaining brown butter sauce is drizzled over the top of the potatoes, and the roasted cherry tomatoes are added as a finishing touch.

The dish is garnished with a sprinkle of white and black sesame seeds, which not only add visual appeal but also a subtle crunch that enhances the texture. The sesame seeds also provide an extra layer of flavor that complements the earthy notes of the potatoes and the richness of the brown butter sauce.

Serving and Enjoying: A Show-Stopping Side Dish

These Lemon Honey Brown Butter Potatoes can be served as a show-stopping side dish alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a light salad for a more balanced meal. The combination of crispy potatoes, creamy ricotta, and the tangy, sweet brown butter sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

For a lighter meal, this dish can be enjoyed on its own, perhaps with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the potatoes. A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water would pair perfectly with the dish, cutting through the richness and refreshing the palate.

Conclusion

Lemon Honey Brown Butter Potatoes take a classic side dish to new heights with their crispy texture, creamy ricotta, and rich brown butter sauce. The addition of roasted cherry tomatoes and the balance of sweet honey and tangy lemon make this a dish that’s as vibrant as it is flavorful. Perfect for any occasion, whether as a side to a special dinner or a light meal on its own, this dish is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor profile. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the perfect harmony of textures and tastes, making this recipe a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.