The Best Honey Garlic Roasted Potatoes – Christmas Dinner Sides

Nothing says cozy holiday comfort like a platter of crispy, golden Honey Garlic Roasted Potatoes. These potatoes bring sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness to the table without a lot of fuss. They pair beautifully with ham, turkey, or prime rib, and they’re easy enough to make while everything else is going in the oven.

Expect tender centers, crackly edges, and a glossy finish that makes them look as good as they taste. If you’re after a reliable crowd-pleaser, this is it.

What Makes This Honey Garlic Roasted Potatoes Special

This recipe hits that sweet-and-savory balance that feels right at home with festive flavors. The honey caramelizes in the oven, helping the potatoes crisp up while adding a gentle glaze.

Fresh garlic warms everything with an aromatic punch that doesn’t overwhelm. A touch of butter makes the texture luxurious, while olive oil keeps things light and roasty. Best of all, it’s simple: a few pantry ingredients, one pan, and a result that tastes like you planned for days.

What You’ll Need for Honey Garlic Roasted Potatoes

• 2 pounds baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes), halved or quartered if large
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 2–3 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh, chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness at the end)

Instructions for Honey Garlic Roasted Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 425°F (220°C).Place a large, rimmed baking sheet in the oven to heat up while you prep. A hot pan helps the potatoes crisp.
2. Prep the potatoes: Rinse and dry thoroughly. Cut baby potatoes into even pieces so they roast at the same rate.Drying is essential for browning.
3. Make the honey-garlic mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Toss to coat: Add the potatoes to the bowl and toss until every piece is glossy and well coated. Don’t leave any garlic clumps stuck to the bowl—scrape it all onto the potatoes.
5. Roast on a hot pan: Carefully remove the preheated baking sheet. Spread the potatoes cut-side down in a single layer with space between pieces.This spacing encourages crisp edges.
6. Roast and turn: Roast for 20 minutes. Flip the potatoes with a spatula, then roast another 15–20 minutes until deeply golden and crisp at the edges.
7. Finish and season: Transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest.Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
8. Serve hot: These are best right away, while the edges are crackly and the glaze is sticky-sweet.

Storage Instructions for Honey Garlic Roasted Potatoes

• Refrigerate: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: For best texture, spread on a baking sheet and warm at 400°F (205°C) for 8–12 minutes. Air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes works well too.
• Freeze: Not ideal due to texture changes. If you must, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag.Re-crisp in a hot oven, but expect softer centers.
• Make-ahead tip: Par-roast for 15 minutes earlier in the day, cool, then finish roasting right before serving for fresh-from-the-oven crispness.

Health Benefits of Honey Garlic Roasted Potatoes

• Potatoes: Provide potassium, vitamin C, and fiber (especially if you keep the skins on). They’re naturally gluten-free and satisfying.
• Garlic: Offers antioxidants and may support heart health. It also adds flavor, which helps you rely less on heavy sauces.
• Olive oil: A source of heart-friendly monounsaturated fats that stand up well to roasting.
• Balanced sweetness: A modest amount of honey goes a long way, bringing flavor and caramelization without overpowering the dish.

What Not to Do

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Crowding traps steam and leads to soft potatoes.Use two pans if needed.
• Don’t skip drying the potatoes: Surface moisture prevents browning and crisping.
• Don’t add the lemon juice before roasting: Acid can soften the exterior. Use zest before roasting and save juice for after, if desired.
• Don’t roast at a low temperature: Anything under 400°F won’t give you that deep color and crunchy edges.
• Don’t pour excess honey onto the pan: Too much can burn. Stick to the amounts listed or keep the layer thin.

Recipe Variations of Honey Garlic Roasted Potatoes

• Maple-Garlic: Swap honey for pure maple syrup for a deeper, woodsy sweetness.
• Herb-forward: Add rosemary and sage for a classic holiday profile that pairs with turkey and stuffing.
• Spicy-Sweet: Use a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of hot honey for gentle heat.
• Lemon-Garlic: Skip paprika and finish with extra lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice after roasting.
• Balsamic Glaze: Toss the hot potatoes with 1–2 teaspoons of good balsamic vinegar right out of the oven for tangy depth.
• Parmesan Crunch: In the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan over the potatoes for a salty, toasty finish.
• Sweet Potato Blend: Mix in cubed sweet potatoes and increase the salt slightly.Roast until both are caramelized and tender.

FAQ

Can I use larger potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes. Use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes. Make sure pieces are uniform and very dry.

You may need an extra 5–10 minutes of roasting time to get the same color and texture.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

Coating the garlic with oil and honey helps protect it. Spreading the potatoes cut-side down also shields the garlic. If your oven runs hot, reduce the temperature to 400°F after the first 20 minutes.

Can I make this Honey Garlic Roasted Potatoes without butter?

Absolutely.

Replace butter with more olive oil for a dairy-free version. You’ll lose a bit of richness, but the potatoes will still crisp up nicely.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. If you’re adding spices from blends, double-check that they’re certified gluten-free.

What proteins do these potatoes pair with?

They’re great with roast chicken, turkey, ham, or beef tenderloin.

They also play well with salmon or a hearty mushroom main for a vegetarian option.

Can I roast these alongside other vegetables?

You can, but choose vegetables with similar roasting times, like carrots or parsnips. Keep everything in a single layer to maintain crispiness, or use a second pan.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

Use sweet paprika for color or a pinch of chili powder for warmth. The recipe is flexible, and the honey-garlic core flavor will still shine.

How can I tell when they’re done?

The edges should be golden-brown and crisp, and a fork should slide in easily.

If they look pale, give them a few more minutes—color equals flavor.

Wrapping Up

Honey garlic roasted potatoes are the kind of side that makes a holiday plate feel complete. They bring crunch, color, and a festive hint of sweetness without stealing the spotlight. With simple ingredients and reliable results, they’re easy to slot into any Christmas menu.

Make a generous batch—these tend to disappear fast.

Honey Garlic Roasted Potatoes – Christmas Dinner Sides

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes), halved or quartered if large
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 2–3 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh, chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness at the end)

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 425°F (220°C). Place a large, rimmed baking sheet in the oven to heat up while you prep. A hot pan helps the potatoes crisp.
2. Prep the potatoes: Rinse and dry thoroughly. Cut baby potatoes into even pieces so they roast at the same rate. Drying is essential for browning.
3. Make the honey-garlic mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Toss to coat: Add the potatoes to the bowl and toss until every piece is glossy and well coated. Don’t leave any garlic clumps stuck to the bowl—scrape it all onto the potatoes.
5. Roast on a hot pan: Carefully remove the preheated baking sheet. Spread the potatoes cut-side down in a single layer with space between pieces. This spacing encourages crisp edges.
6. Roast and turn: Roast for 20 minutes. Flip the potatoes with a spatula, then roast another 15–20 minutes until deeply golden and crisp at the edges.
7. Finish and season: Transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
8. Serve hot: These are best right away, while the edges are crackly and the glaze is sticky-sweet.

Hannah

Hi, I’m Hannah — the food lover behind Every Day Quick Meals! I’m all about making cooking simple, joyful, and stress-free. Between work, life, and a million to-dos, I know how hard it can be to find time for homemade food. That’s why I create quick, tasty recipes that anyone can make — no fancy skills required. My kitchen motto? Good food doesn’t need to be complicated — just made with love.