Name: Crispy Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges; ½ cup olive oil; ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons); 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version); 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra color); ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you love bold flavors and perfectly roasted vegetables, you are going to fall head over heels for this recipe. Spicy Lemon Potatoes – Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick, to bring a delightful punch to traditional Greek lemon potatoes. This dish combines tender, golden wedges of potatoes with bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and just the right touch of heat from red pepper flakes, creating an irresistible side that pairs beautifully with so many meals. Whether you’re spicing up a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, these potatoes deliver comforting warmth and fresh zest in every bite.

Spicy Lemon Potatoes – Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; just a handful of essential ingredients come together to produce vibrant flavor and perfect texture. Each item plays a crucial role, from the creamy potatoes to the punchy lemon juice, the aromatic herbs, and the luscious olive oil that helps everything roast to golden perfection.

3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: These varieties offer the ideal balance between fluffiness and structure, key for roasting.
½ cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully in the oven.
½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons): Provides bright, tangy zing essential to Greek lemon potatoes.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: Concentrates the citrusy aroma and deepens the lemon flavor.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the potatoes with savory depth and mouthwatering aroma.
1 tablespoon dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that complements the lemon and garlic perfectly.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness and complexity to the dish.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity of the lemon.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides gentle heat and pungency.
1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Keeps the potatoes moist while roasting and adds savory notes.
1 teaspoon paprika (optional): For extra color and a hint of smoky sweetness.
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds fresh, herbaceous brightness right before serving.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: This is the star of the Spicy Lemon Potatoes – Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick, delivering a perfectly balanced spicy finish.

How to Make Crispy Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by warming your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want the oven hot enough to roast the potatoes evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust. Lightly grease a large baking dish, or line it with parchment, so the potatoes don’t stick and clean-up is a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel your Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes and cut them into thick wedges, around half an inch thick for the perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and tender interior. Rinse them under cold water to wash off excess starch, then dry thoroughly with paper towels to help them crisp up better while roasting.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Marinade

In a spacious bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, paprika if using, chicken or vegetable broth, and the essential ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes that give the Spicy Lemon Potatoes – Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick. This marinade is the heart of the recipe, soaking into the potatoes to create a vibrant, balanced flavor.

Step 4: Toss the Potatoes in the Marinade

Add your potato wedges to the marinade and toss thoroughly until each piece is coated generously. Let the potatoes rest in the mixture for five minutes; this quick soak helps them soak up the tangy, herbal, and spicy flavors before hitting the oven.

Step 5: Arrange and Roast

Spread the potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan as this will prevent proper roasting. Pour any remaining marinade on top to keep the potatoes moist and flavorful. Roast uncovered for 40 minutes, turning them once halfway through so they brown evenly on all sides.

Step 6: Crisp Them Up

After the initial roast, crank up the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). This higher heat intensifies the caramelization and crisps the edges of the potatoes, making them irresistible and wonderfully crunchy. Roast for another 20 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. The Spicy Lemon Potatoes – Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick really come alive with this crisp, golden finish.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once roasted to perfection, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the potatoes for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. A final squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens up the dish and balances the heat from the red pepper flakes magnificently.

How to Serve Crispy Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Garnishes

Refreshing garnishes can elevate your Spicy Lemon Potatoes even more. Beyond fresh parsley, consider crumbled feta cheese for a creamy saltiness, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enrich the texture. Lemon wedges on the side make it easy for guests to add another citrus blast if they’re feeling bold.

Side Dishes

This dish is a dream partner to Mediterranean-inspired mains. Think Greek chicken souvlaki, tender lamb gyros, or grilled seafood like salmon or shrimp. It also marries well with a crisp Greek salad loaded with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta, or a dollop of cool, creamy tzatziki sauce on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these potatoes in rustic bowls for a casual family dinner or on elegant platters garnished as colorful potato wedges for entertaining. Layer with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and red pepper flakes on top at the table to remind everyone of that inviting spicy kick. You can even slide some lemon slices under the potatoes before roasting for a deeper citrus aroma that makes presentation as delicious as the taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place your leftover Spicy Lemon Potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead side that tastes just as delightful warmed up.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, freeze the potatoes in a zip-top bag or container for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating so they warm through evenly.

Reheating

The best way to reheat and revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispiness is to pop the potatoes in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the air fryer works wonders at the same temperature for 5 to 7 minutes. Alternatively, a quick sauté in a skillet on medium heat will also refresh their texture nicely.

FAQs

Can I Make These Potatoes Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can even partially roast them ahead, about 30 minutes, then finish the roasting process just before serving. This is a great way to save time without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Why Are My Potatoes Not Crispy?

Patting the potatoes completely dry before marinating and roasting is key. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan and make sure to roast at sufficiently high heat. These steps ensure the potatoes crisp up perfectly.

Can I Use Small Potatoes Instead of Wedges?

Yes! Simply halve small potatoes instead of cutting wedges. This can give you more bite-sized pieces that roast evenly and hold plenty of flavor.

How Can I Make This a Complete Meal?

Pair your Spicy Lemon Potatoes with grilled chicken, lamb, or even a hearty Greek salad for a satisfying and well-rounded dinner that’s full of Mediterranean flair.

What If I Don’t Like Spicy Food?

You can simply omit the red pepper flakes to enjoy classic Greek Lemon Potatoes. The dish will still be packed with lemony, herby goodness, or you can add just a pinch for very mild warmth.

Final Thoughts

There is something magical about the combination of bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and a spicy kick from red pepper flakes that transforms humble potatoes into a standout side dish. Spicy Lemon Potatoes – Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick brings a perfect blend of heat and zest to your table that’s equally comforting and exciting. I encourage you to try this recipe and watch it become your new favorite go-to for any occasion!

Crispy Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners

★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Greek Lemon Potatoes are a flavorful and crispy roasted potato side dish infused with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. Perfectly tender inside and golden outside, these potatoes make a delightful accompaniment to Greek-inspired meals or a tasty vegetarian option when made with vegetable broth.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into thick wedges about ½-inch thick. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch and pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel to ensure crispiness.
Make the Lemon Garlic Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, chicken broth, and optional paprika. This mixture will infuse the potatoes with robust flavors and keep them moist during roasting.
Toss the Potatoes in the Marinade: Add the potato wedges to the marinade mixture and toss until fully coated. Let them sit for 5 minutes so the potatoes absorb the flavors well.
Arrange and Roast: Spread the potatoes evenly in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour any leftover marinade over the potatoes. Roast uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through to promote even cooking.
Crisp Them Up: After 40 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and continue roasting for another 20 minutes until the edges become golden brown and crispy.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. For an extra bright flavor, add a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright, fresh flavor; avoid bottled lemon juice.
Do not overcrowd the baking dish to ensure even roasting and crisping.
Flip or stir the potatoes halfway through cooking for uniform browning.
Using a metal baking dish helps achieve better browning than glass or ceramic dishes.
For extra crispiness, broil the potatoes for the last 5 minutes of roasting.
For a vegan version, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Side Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Greek