Easy Parsley Potatoes

Parsley potatoes is a perfect, quick-to-make comfort food for those looking for equal parts creamy richness, fresh herbiness, and potato-y goodness.

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Old fashioned parsley potatoes

For many families of generations past, cooking wasn’t a fancy production; it was a straightforward process to keep the family fed. But as traditional, old-school sides like these parsley potatoes show, that doesn’t mean sacrificing incredible flavor.

This highly versatile dish is bound to become one of your dinner table favorites alongside all sorts of main course options. 

What makes parsley buttered potatoes so good? 

Despite the lack of extensive seasoning or sophisticated cooking techniques, parsley buttered potatoes remain a beloved favorite for their tasty simplicity. Each ingredient can truly shine, with the creaminess of the butter playing perfectly off the freshness of the parsley.

Both accentuate the earthy, starchy potato base, paired with gently cooked onions that provide all their flavor and none of the eyewatering sharpness.  

Why you’ll love this old-fashioned parsley potatoes recipe

As we’ve noted, simplicity is one of the biggest selling points for this delicious parsley potatoes recipe. The cooking process is mostly hands-off, besides some light peeling and slicing.

This super easy side dish requires just five ingredients, all of which are long-lasting and can be kept around the house for whenever you’re in the mood to whip up a batch. They’re also quite affordable, making it an excellent choice for home cooks on a budget. 

Ingredients for the best parsley potatoes

Most of the ingredients required to make parsley buttered potatoes can be found right in the name!

• Russet potatoes
• Onion
• Dried parsley
• Unsalted Butter
• Salt

Ingredient notes and substitutions

While this recipe is designed for dried parsley, you can swap in the fresh version of the herb. Use a tablespoon of fresh parsley in place of the teaspoon of dried the recipe calls for. Flat-leaf parsley is preferred to curly parsley, as it has a better flavor and texture.

You can use salted butter but note it will add to the saltiness of the dish. Be sure to taste it before adding any salt.

Meanwhile, non-dairy vegan butter or margarine can also be used, though they may not impart the same rich butter flavor. 

How to make parsley potatoes

1. Wash and peel potatoes, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Add the potatoes and onion to a large pot, then cover with water. 

3. Boil until fork tender, typically about 15 minutes. 
4. Drain off the water, then add butter to the pot with the potatoes and onion. 
5. Add parsley and stir until the butter has melted and distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Remove the potatoes from the heat, salt them to your taste, and then serve!

Recipe Variations

One of the best parts of the process of how to make parsley potatoes is how easy it is to customize to the flavors you’re craving. Some top alternatives include:

• Lemon parsley potatoes: Add a squeeze of lemon juice over the finished potatoes for a bright, acidic contrast to the richness of the butter and starchy potatoes.
• Red parsley potatoes: Instead of russets use red potatoes, which can be eaten with their thin skins on for additional color, texture, and flavor. They also tend to be creamier and sweeter than starchy, earthier russet potatoes. Likewise with Yukon Gold potatoes and baby potatoes (new potatoes).
• Garlic parsley potatoes: Garlic is one of the most popular and versatile flavors out there, and perfectly complements the herby, mild flavors of the parsley and potatoes. Diced garlic can be cooked along with the onions and potatoes, while a few dashes of garlic powder can be added during the final seasoning steps for an easy garlicky pop.
• Herbed potatoes: Toss in some dried herbs, chives, or pepper in addition to the parsley for extra flavor.

What to serve with parsley potatoes

Old fashioned parsley potatoes go with almost anything, meaning your imagination is the only limit! They fit perfectly with roasted or grilled meat, including beef, pork, chicken, and other options, as well as many fish dishes.

It can even work for breakfast, served alongside eggs and breakfast meat, like a more sophisticated hash brown. 

How to store leftover parsley potatoes

Parsley buttered potatoes keep well and provide delicious leftovers. Let them cool to room temperature, then store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They’ll be at their best for three to five days. 

What is the best way to reheat them? 

There are a few different options for those reheating their parsley potatoes.

Those looking for the quickest way can zap them in the microwave for 30-second intervals until they’re warmed through.

For better texture and flavor, you can also lightly saute them in a pan over medium heat.

Alternatively, it’s easy to turn leftovers into a simple potato soup. Just add milk to the potato and onions and heat on the stove until warm, then season to taste. Or use them for potato salad.

Do you love potatoes? Try these recipes!

• Air Fryer Potato Wedges
• Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes
• Greek Roasted Potatoes
• Jo Jos
• Lyonnaise Potatoes
• Pan Fried Potatoes
• Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
• Steakhouse Potatoes
• Twice Baked Potatoes

Popular side dishes

• Boiled Cabbage
• Black Beans Recipe
• Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
• French Onion Rice

Check out more of my easy side dish recipes and family favorite recipes here on CopyKat!