If you’ve ever dreamed of a potato side dish that’s both irresistibly crispy and infused with a rich garlic aroma, you’re going to love this Crispy Garlic Domino Potato Bake Recipe. Imagine perfectly layered, thinly sliced potatoes arranged like dominoes, each slice tender inside yet boasting a golden, crunchy edge kissed by buttery garlic and fresh thyme. This dish transforms humble russet potatoes into a stunning centerpiece that’s as delightful to look at as it is to devour, bringing warmth and comfort to any meal. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special occasions, guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Garlic Domino Potato Bake Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with a handful of essential ingredients that each play a starring role. Fresh potatoes provide hearty texture, butter carries the garlic’s aromatic goodness, and thyme adds that subtle herbal note elevating the whole bake to something truly special.
- Russet potatoes (2 1/2 lb.): The perfect sturdy potato that crisps beautifully and holds shape when sliced thinly.
- Unsalted butter (6 tbsp.): Provides rich flavor and helps create the golden, crispy exterior.
- Garlic (3 cloves, grated or finely chopped): Infuses the butter with a fragrant, savory depth that defines the dish.
- Kosher salt (1 1/2 tsp.): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate garlic notes.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tsp.): Adds a fresh, earthy aroma that complements the potatoes beautifully.
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish): Sprinkled on top after baking for a crunchy burst of seasoning and visual appeal.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Domino Potato Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Garlic Butter
Begin by placing a rack in the center of your oven and preheating it to 425°F (220°C). Next, melt the unsalted butter in a small pot over medium heat. Add your grated or finely chopped garlic and cook just until the butter starts to froth and you can smell the garlic’s lovely fragrance—this should take about one minute. It’s crucial to remove the pot from heat at this point so the garlic doesn’t burn, ensuring your bake remains perfectly flavorful.
Step 2: Slice Potatoes into Domino Blocks
Trim the ends off each russet potato, then carefully slice off the sides to create long square blocks. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice these blocks crosswise into ultra-thin 1/8-inch slices. Gathering these slices back into their original block shape allows the potatoes to fan out attractively like falling dominoes later on. This step not only guarantees even cooking but creates that signature domino effect that makes this recipe so visually stunning.
Step 3: Arrange Potatoes on Baking Sheet
Lay the potato blocks upright on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arranging them in 4 or 5 neat rows. Press gently on each block so the thin slices slightly spread apart, mimicking the look of dominoes just beginning to tumble. This arrangement not only looks incredible but ensures each slice crisps up nicely during baking.
Step 4: Baste and Season
Brush each potato block generously with your warm garlic butter, but be mindful to avoid using too much of the grated garlic solids as they could burn in the oven. After basting, season evenly with kosher salt and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top, adding an herby brightness that complements the rich garlic and buttery layers.
Step 5: Bake Until Crispy and Tender
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’re aiming for tender potato centers with the edges crisply golden. Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top. This finishing touch adds a delightful crunch and brings all the flavors into sharp focus, making every bite simply irresistible.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Domino Potato Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and flavor, consider finishing with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or a light dusting of chopped parsley. If you love a little contrast, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add an extra savory punch, while a drizzle of high-quality olive oil brings a lovely sheen and richness.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Garlic Domino Potato Bake Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or beef, offering a crispy, buttery side that complements hearty mains. It also works beautifully alongside fresh roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a lighter meal, balancing the richness of the potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, arrange individual potato blocks on colorful plates with a drizzle of herb-infused oil around them for a restaurant-worthy look. You can also serve in a beautiful cast-iron skillet straight from the oven for a rustic, cozy feel that invites everyone to dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which can be rare!), allow the bake to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the crispy garlic flavors again with minimal effort.
Freezing
This potato bake is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure even warming without sogginess.
Reheating
To revive the crispy layers, reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. This method crisps up the edges while warming through the tender potato center, bringing back that delightful texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While russet potatoes are ideal for their starch content and crisping ability, you can experiment with Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier texture. Just keep in mind the baking time may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to slice the potatoes so thinly?
Yes, thin slices allow the potatoes to cook evenly and produce that beautiful domino effect. Too thick slices won’t fan out well and might not become as crispy.
Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing the garlic butter in advance saves time and helps the flavors meld. Just store it in the fridge and gently rewarm before brushing over the potatoes.
What can I substitute for fresh thyme?
If fresh thyme isn’t available, dried thyme works in a pinch, though use about one-third of the amount. Alternatively, fresh rosemary or sage can add a nice herbal twist but will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Crispy Garlic Domino Potato Bake Recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Garlic Domino Potato Bake Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to make something truly spectacular. Its crispy, tender layers bursting with garlic and herb flavor are guaranteed to become a favorite at your dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy it is to impress everyone with this beautiful potato bake!
Print
Crispy Garlic Domino Potato Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Garlic Domino Potato Bake is a visually stunning and irresistibly flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion. Thinly sliced russet potatoes are arranged in elegant domino-like layers, basted with a fragrant garlic butter, and baked until golden and crisp on the outside while tender on the inside. Finished with fresh thyme and flaky sea salt, this dish combines simple ingredients into a sophisticated and comforting potato bake.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 1/2 lb. russet potatoes
Garlic Butter
- 6 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
- Flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Garlic Butter: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 425°F (220°C). In a small pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the grated or finely chopped garlic and cook while stirring until the butter is frothing and the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Slice Potatoes into Domino Blocks: Trim the ends off each russet potato. Cut off the sides to form a long square block shape. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice each potato block crosswise into 1/8-inch thin slices. Carefully gather the slices back into the original block shape for arrangement.
- Arrange Potatoes on Baking Sheet: Place the potato blocks upright on a parchment-lined metal baking sheet in long rows, approximately 4 or 5 rows total. Gently press down on each block so the thin slices fan out slightly like falling dominoes, creating an elegant layered effect.
- Baste and Season: Using a brush, generously coat the potatoes with the prepared garlic butter, avoiding the grated garlic solids to prevent them from burning during baking. Evenly season the potatoes with kosher salt and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top for aroma and flavor.
- Bake Until Crispy and Tender: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender in the center and crisp and golden on the top layers. Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt to add an extra burst of flavor and a delicate crunch.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline to ensure thin, even slices for optimal crispy layers.
- Be careful to avoid burning the garlic by removing the butter from heat promptly once fragrant.
- If desired, fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can replace thyme for a different flavor profile.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Russet potatoes are recommended for their starchy texture that crisps beautifully.
