Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes Recipe
Sink your fork into a plate of Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes: this recipe takes fork-tender roasted potatoes and bathes them in a luxurious, velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking to seriously upgrade your holiday table, the irresistible layers of flavor and texture in these potatoes make them a true crowd-pleaser. They’re rich, savory, and buttery, yet require just simple pantry ingredients and a handful of fresh herbs to come together. Trust me, this is the kind of side dish you’ll look for excuses to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes is all about using humble but quality ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the creamy texture of the potatoes to the fragrant richness of the garlic-infused sauce, and together they create pure comfort food bliss you’ll crave again and again.
- Baby potatoes or Yukon golds (2 pounds, halved or quartered): These varieties yield the creamiest texture inside with crisp golden edges when roasted.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the potatoes roast evenly and gain deliciously crisp skins.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the potatoes and seasoning every bite just right.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Creates the base for your sauce, adding richness and depth.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The backbone of that bold, aromatic sauce—there’s no such thing as too much garlic!
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce so it’s silky and luscious, not runny.
- Whole milk or half-and-half (1½ cups): Brings the creaminess—choose half-and-half for that ultra-luxe mouthfeel.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps the sauce cling to every potato.
- Dried thyme (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch for herby warmth without overpowering the sauce.
- Onion powder (¼ teaspoon): Deepens the savory flavor in the background.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Brings brightness and an inviting pop of color to the finished dish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes
Step 1: Roast the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Spread the halved or quartered potatoes onto a large baking sheet, then drizzle them generously with olive oil, a good sprinkle of salt, and plenty of cracked black pepper. Toss them so each piece is evenly coated—this ensures every potato will get that golden, crispy exterior. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for the best browning, until the potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth tender and beautifully caramelized.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While your potatoes soak up all that roasty magic, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for just 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll smell it instantly—it should be fragrant and just barely golden, not browned. This step infuses the butter with deep, luxurious garlic flavor, forming the flavor backbone for your sauce.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour into the garlicky butter and whisk continuously for about a minute. You want the flour to blend in completely and lose its raw taste, forming a smooth, paste-like base. This roux is what will give your Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes that dreamy, velvety texture.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Gradually pour in the milk or half-and-half while whisking the roux. Take your time to keep the mixture lump-free and smooth. Bring it up to a gentle simmer, then add in the Parmesan, dried thyme, onion powder, and another scatter of salt and pepper. Keep stirring for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens into a pourable, creamy delight. Taste and tweak the seasoning as needed—you’re looking for bold, savory, garlic-packed flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Garnish
Once those potatoes are out of the oven, transfer them (still hot and golden) to a serving dish. Pour the creamy garlic sauce over them, then give a gentle toss to make sure every bite is draped in sauce. Finish with a flurry of fresh chopped parsley for color, freshness, and a final aromatic lift. Serve immediately while warm and extra saucy!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes

Garnishes
The final flourish for Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes is all about bringing contrast and freshness to balance the richness. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley wakes up the dish (cilantro or chives also work nicely). If you want a little zing, try a dusting of lemon zest or a grind of black pepper right before serving.
Side Dishes
These decadent potatoes pair beautifully with just about anything savory! Think roast chicken, grilled steak, holiday hams, or a generous heap alongside vegetable sides like sautéed green beans or glazed carrots. They’re a showstopper as part of a festive spread or as a cozy weeknight comfort side.
Creative Ways to Present
While a big serving platter is classic, try individual ramekins for dinner parties, or go rustic and serve straight from the pan for a homestyle vibe. You can also hollow out baked potato shells and fill them with the creamy garlic mixture for a fun, twice-baked potato twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making for super tasty next-day lunches. Make sure to scoop up plenty of sauce with each portion!
Freezing
While these potatoes are best fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Place cooled potatoes and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be aware the texture may be a bit softer once thawed, but the creamy, garlicky goodness will still shine through.
Reheating
To reheat, place the Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and gently warm at 350°F until hot, about 15–20 minutes. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to keep the sauce evenly creamy. If the sauce has thickened in the fridge, a splash of milk or cream stirred in before heating will bring it right back to life.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes or Yukon golds are preferred for their buttery interior, red potatoes or even peeled russets can work in a pinch—just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces for even roasting.
How can I make these Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes even richer?
Swap some of the milk or half-and-half for heavy cream, or stir in extra Parmesan cheese for added richness. Adding a little cooked, crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms takes the whole dish up a notch!
Is it possible to make Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the potatoes and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. When ready to serve, reheat both gently, combine, and add fresh parsley just before serving for best results.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Just replace the all-purpose flour with a trusted 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The result will be just as creamy and delicious, and no one will guess it’s gluten-free!
What’s the best way to prevent the garlic from burning?
Use medium heat and don’t walk away—the garlic only needs a quick sauté until fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Burnt garlic can make the sauce bitter, so keep a close eye while stirring.
Final Thoughts
If you love bold flavors and cozy comfort food, you’ll fall head over heels for these Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes. I can’t wait for you to serve them at your next gathering—or even just for yourself, because you deserve something special! Dig in and enjoy every heavenly, saucy bite.
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Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes are a delectable side dish perfect for any occasion. Tender roasted potatoes are smothered in a rich, garlicky sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes or Yukon golds (halved or quartered)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk or half-and-half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Roast Potatoes: Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes until golden and fork-tender.
- Make Garlic Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, add flour, whisk in milk, add Parmesan, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened.
- Combine: Transfer roasted potatoes to a serving dish, pour garlic sauce over them, toss gently to coat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.
- You can also add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or as a holiday side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg