Greek lemon potatoes are a classic Mediterranean side. They’re crispy outside and tender inside. These potatoes burst with lemon flavor, garlic, and herbs. These potatoes are perfectly roasted with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano. They make a great side for almost any meal.
This recipe delivers real Greek flavors to your kitchen. It’s a great side dish for chicken, lamb, seafood, or a vegetarian meal. No matter if it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a festive holiday meal, these Greek lemon potatoes will shine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Perfectly crispy and golden on the outside
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Soft and fluffy on the inside
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Bursting with tangy lemon and garlic flavor
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Easy to make with simple ingredients
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Pairs well with a variety of main dishes
Ingredients List
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3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
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½ cup olive oil
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½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
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1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra color)
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Choosing the Best Potatoes for This Recipe
For the best texture and flavor, use:
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Yukon Gold Potatoes – Creamy, rich, and hold their shape well.
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Russet Potatoes – Fluffier interior with a crispy exterior.
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Red Potatoes – Slightly waxy, but still great for roasting.
Avoid very waxy potatoes like fingerlings or new potatoes, as they don’t absorb flavors as well.
Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 1 hour
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Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
How to Make Greek Lemon Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Lightly grease a large baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
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Peel the potatoes and cut them into thick wedges (about ½-inch thick).
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Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat dry with a paper towel.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Marinade
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In a large bowl, whisk together:
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Olive oil
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Lemon juice
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Lemon zest
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Garlic
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Oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper
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Chicken broth
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This tasty marinade gives the potatoes great flavor. It also keeps them moist while they bake.
Step 4: Toss the Potatoes in the Marinade
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Add the potato wedges to the bowl and toss well, ensuring they’re fully coated.
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Let them sit for 5 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Step 5: Arrange and Roast
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Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
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Pour any remaining marinade over them.
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Roast uncovered for 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Step 6: Crisp Them Up
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After 40 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
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Continue roasting for another 20 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
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Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
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Add a final squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Greek Lemon Potatoes
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Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled juice lacks the same bright, fresh flavor.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan – Spread the potatoes out to allow even roasting.
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Flip halfway through – This ensures all sides get crispy.
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Use a metal baking dish – It helps with browning better than glass or ceramic.
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For extra crispy potatoes, broil for the last 5 minutes.
Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to customize this recipe:
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Spicy Lemon Potatoes – Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick.
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Cheesy Lemon Potatoes – Sprinkle with grated Parmesan during the last 10 minutes.
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Greek Herb Potatoes – Add fresh rosemary or dill for more Mediterranean flavors.
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Vegan Lemon Potatoes – Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
What to Serve with Greek Lemon Potatoes
These potatoes pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes, including:
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Greek Chicken Souvlaki
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Lamb Gyros
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Grilled Seafood (salmon, shrimp, or white fish)
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Greek Salad
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Tzatziki Sauce
You can also enjoy them on their own with feta cheese crumbled on top for a delicious vegetarian meal.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerating:
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Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
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Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
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Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
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Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
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Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
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Stovetop: Sauté in a nonstick pan over medium heat until warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 260
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Carbohydrates: 35g
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 12g
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Fiber: 4g
This dish is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly (if using vegetable broth).
FAQs
Can I Make These Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can partially bake them (for 30 minutes), then finish roasting before serving.
Why Are My Potatoes Not Crispy?
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Ensure you pat them dry before roasting.
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Roast at high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Can I Use Small Potatoes?
Yes! Just cut them in half instead of wedges.
How Can I Make This a Complete Meal?
Serve them with grilled chicken, lamb, or a Greek salad for a filling dinner.
Conclusion
Greek lemon potatoes are a must-try side dish. They are crispy, tasty, and very easy to prepare. With a perfect balance of zesty lemon, garlic, and herbs, they make the ultimate companion to any meal.