If you have a soft spot for simple yet utterly delicious side dishes, this Buttered Red Potatoes with Dill and Parmesan Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Imagine tender baby red potatoes sautéed in rich butter, delicately seasoned with fresh dill, and finished with a generous sprinkle of nutty Parmesan cheese. The combination delivers a perfect balance of creamy, herby, and savory flavors that pair beautifully with nearly any meal. It’s comfort on a plate, but with just the right touch of elegance that makes you want to share it with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for everyday ingredients that come together in a magical way. Each component plays a crucial role: the baby red potatoes give you a creamy texture and vibrant color, the butter adds richness, dill injects a fresh brightness, and Parmesan cheese wraps it all up with that irresistible savory finish.
- 2 lb baby red potatoes: Choose small ones so they cook evenly and hold their shape beautifully.
- 1 tsp salt for water: Enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes while boiling.
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter: Provides a luscious, buttery base that coats every bite.
- Garlic salt to taste: Adds a subtle garlicky kick without overpowering the dish.
- 2-3 Tbsp fresh dill (chopped): Offers a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the potatoes perfectly.
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded): Brings a nutty, salty finish that melts into the warm potatoes.
How to Make Buttered Red Potatoes with Dill and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by placing your cut baby red potatoes in a medium pot. Add warm water until it covers the potatoes by about half an inch, then stir in a teaspoon of salt to season the water. Cover the pot and bring to a gentle boil. Let them cook for 10-12 minutes or until you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork. Once tender, drain the water thoroughly. This step ensures your potatoes are perfectly soft and ready for the next buttery adventure.
Step 2: Sauté in Butter
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt four tablespoons of unsalted butter until it’s bubbling with rich aroma. Add the drained potatoes to the pan, then sprinkle garlic salt to taste. Toss the potatoes gently so they get evenly coated with the melted butter and seasoning. Let them sit without stirring for 2-3 minutes to develop a subtle golden crust, then turn and allow the second side to brown for another 2-3 minutes. This stage is where your potatoes gain that incredible buttery crispness.
Step 3: Add Dill and Parmesan
Once the potatoes are golden on one side, flip them again and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped dill. Top with the shredded Parmesan cheese, then remove the pan from the heat. Let the potatoes sit in the warm pan for a few minutes—the residual heat gently melts the cheese, creating a beautifully creamy topping that melds with the bright dill and buttery potatoes. Your Buttered Red Potatoes with Dill and Parmesan Recipe is now ready to delight!
How to Serve Buttered Red Potatoes with Dill and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair, finish your dish with a few sprigs of fresh dill or a light dusting of Parmesan just before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the flavors, adding a subtle tang that complements the richness of butter and cheese.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a hearty steak. The buttery softness and fresh herb notes make it an ideal companion to protein-rich mains as well as vibrant sautéed greens or crispy roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the potatoes in small individual ramekins or cast iron skillets to keep them warm and appealing. Alternatively, scoop them onto a platter and sprinkle extra Parmesan and dill on top for a family-style presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from your Buttered Red Potatoes with Dill and Parmesan Recipe (and believe me, that does not happen often), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep their flavor and texture fresh.
Freezing
While these potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if necessary. Place cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to two months. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, so they’re best reheated gently.
Reheating
To bring your Buttered Red Potatoes with Dill and Parmesan Recipe back to life, gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. This helps preserve the buttery crispness rather than microwaving which can make them soggy. Add a little more butter if needed to refresh their richness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While baby red potatoes are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can substitute with fingerling or Yukon gold potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as needed to ensure tenderness.
Is fresh dill necessary, or can I use dried dill?
Fresh dill offers the best flavor and vibrant appearance, but if you don’t have it on hand, dried dill can work in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
To make this dish dairy-free, swap the butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine, and omit or replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative. The overall deliciousness remains.
How do I ensure the Parmesan melts properly?
Adding the Parmesan to the potatoes while still in the warm skillet off the heat allows the cheese to melt softly without burning. You can cover the pan briefly with a lid to trap heat and assist melting.
Can I prepare the potatoes in advance before sautéing?
Absolutely! You can boil and drain the potatoes earlier in the day, keep them refrigerated, and then finish the recipe by sautéing with butter, dill, and Parmesan just before serving for maximum flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Buttered Red Potatoes with Dill and Parmesan Recipe enough. It’s a simple, comforting dish that transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re serving a weeknight meal or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new go-to side!
Print
Buttered Red Potatoes with Dill and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttered Red Potatoes with Dill is a simple and flavorful side dish featuring tender baby red potatoes cooked until golden and coated in rich butter, fresh dill, garlic salt, and topped with melted Parmesan cheese. Perfect for pairing with a variety of main courses, this recipe delivers a comforting blend of creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 lb baby red potatoes (cut into 1″ pieces, quartered or into 1/8’ths if larger)
- 1 tsp salt for water
Butter & Seasoning
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- Garlic salt to taste
- 2–3 Tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Fill a medium pot with the cut potatoes and add warm water until there is about 1/2″ of water above the potatoes. Stir in 1 tsp salt. Cover the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a light boil and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork. Remove from heat and drain well.
- Melt Butter and Coat Potatoes: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Transfer the drained potatoes to the buttery skillet and sprinkle with garlic salt to taste. Toss the potatoes to coat them evenly in the melted butter, then sprinkle garlic salt once more. Let the potatoes sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust.
- Golden and Season: Flip the potatoes and let them cook for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to turn golden on the second side. Turn the potatoes again and generously sprinkle them with fresh chopped dill and top with shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Melt Cheese and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the potatoes sit in the hot pan for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt slightly. Serve warm as a delicious buttery, herbed side dish.
Notes
- Use baby red potatoes for best texture; larger potatoes should be cut smaller for even cooking.
- Adjust garlic salt to your preference or substitute with garlic powder and regular salt.
- The fresh dill adds a bright herbal note; dried dill can be used but fresh is preferred.
- Parmesan cheese enhances flavor and adds a savory finish – feel free to adjust quantity.
- To make this dish dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and omit Parmesan cheese.
