Authentic Greek Potatoes

If you’ve ever wished for a side dish that tastes like you actually tried (even when you absolutely did not), Authentic Greek Potatoes are about to become your new kitchen bestie. They’re bright and lemony, crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and basically guaranteed to make your dinner feel like it came with a seaside view—even if you’re eating in yoga pants on a Tuesday.

This is the kind of recipe that saves the day when life is loud, the to-do list is longer than your patience, and you just need something reliable that makes everyone at the table go, “Wait…what did you DO to these potatoes?!”

Why You’ll Love These Authentic Greek Potatoes

  • Crispy edges + tender centers: That perfect contrast that makes you “sample” five pieces before serving.
  • Big flavor, simple ingredients: Lemon, garlic, oregano, olive oil… that classic Greek vibe with pantry staples.
  • Low-stress cooking: The oven does the heavy lifting while you handle everything else (like breaking up sibling debates or answering “what’s for dinner?” 37 times).
  • That restaurant-style finish: Thanks to broth in the pan and those browned bits (aka the best part).

And yes—these are absolutely Crispy Greek Potatoes With Lemon, the kind you’d happily order out… except you’ll be making them at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into your pan of magic:

  • 2.5–3 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) good quality extra virgin olive oil
  • 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
  • Fresh parsley or oregano, for garnish (optional)

Potato choice tip (because it matters)

  • Russets = extra crisp, fluffy inside.
  • Yukon Golds = buttery and creamy, still crisp but a little richer.

If you’re feeding picky eaters, Yukon Golds can be a sneaky win. They taste like they already come seasoned with comfort.

How to Make Authentic Greek Potatoes (Step-by-Step)

You’ve got this. Just follow along and let the oven be your sous-chef.

Step 1: Cut the potatoes

Wash and scrub the potatoes. Peel if you want (I usually don’t when I’m feeling lazy—so… often). Cut into consistent 1–1.5 inch wedges or 1-inch chunks.

Consistency is the secret sauce here. If some pieces are tiny and some are huge, the tiny ones will crisp into little potato croutons while the big ones take their sweet time.

Step 2: Soak for crispiness

Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30–60 minutes to pull out excess starch.

Then—this part matters—drain and pat them extremely dry with clean towels. Like, seriously dry. Dry potatoes = crispy potatoes. Wet potatoes = steamed sadness.

Step 3: Preheat the oven

Preheat to 400°F (200°C) with the rack in the middle.

Step 4: Make the lemony marinade

In a very large bowl, whisk together:

  • lemon juice
  • olive oil
  • minced garlic
  • oregano
  • salt
  • black pepper

Add the dried potato pieces and toss vigorously so every piece is coated. Don’t be gentle. Treat it like it owes you money.

Step 5: Spread them out

Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet or roasting pan. Don’t overcrowd.

If they’re piled up, they’ll steam instead of roast—and we’re here for Crispy Greek Potatoes With Lemon, not “soft-ish potatoes that could’ve been roasted but weren’t.”

Use two pans if needed. It’s worth it.

Step 6: Roast (hands off at first)

Roast for 20–25 minutes without disturbing them. This is when the bottoms start forming that golden crust.

Step 7: Flip + add broth

Carefully remove the pan and flip the potatoes with a sturdy spatula.

Pour 1/2 cup broth into the pan around the potatoes (not directly over them if you can help it). Return to the oven.

This is the Greek-restaurant trick: the broth keeps the inside tender while the outside continues to roast. Best of both worlds.

Step 8: Keep roasting and flipping

Roast another 25–35 minutes, flipping every 10–15 minutes. Scrape up the browned bits and toss them back onto the potatoes. Those little caramelized bits are basically free flavor chips.

Step 9: Finish strong

Total roast time is about 50–60 minutes, until:

  • fork-tender inside
  • gloriously golden and crispy outside

For extra crispiness:

  • raise oven temp to 425°F (220°C) for the last 10–15 minutes, or
  • broil 1–3 minutes at the end (watch closely—broilers are like toddlers: quiet is suspicious).

Step 10: Rest and serve

Let the potatoes rest in the pan for 5–10 minutes, uncovered. This helps the flavors settle and the crispiness stay crisp.

Garnish with fresh parsley or oregano if you want to look fancy (or if you’re taking a photo before everyone dives in).

My Best Tips for Truly Crispy Greek Potatoes

Because nobody wants “almost crispy.”

  • Dry, dry, dry: After soaking, pat them down like you’re trying to get a puppy ready for the couch.
  • Use enough space: Airflow is crispiness. Crowding is steaming.
  • Don’t flip too early: Give the bottoms time to brown before you start turning them.
  • Broth goes around, not over: You want moisture in the pan, not washing off the marinade.
  • Save the browned bits: Scrape them up. Re-toss them. They’re the flavor jackpot.

If your sauce looks a little thick or sticky in spots, don’t panic—it’s just extra comfort waiting to happen.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made these Authentic Greek Potatoes, it was one of those weeks where everything felt like a chore—laundry mountains, emails, and a dinner plan that was basically “hope cereal counts.”

I tossed potatoes in lemon, olive oil, garlic, and oregano, shoved them in the oven, and went back to life chaos. When I pulled the tray out, my kitchen smelled like a cozy Mediterranean daydream. My family wandered in like cartoon characters floating toward a pie cooling on a windowsill.

And that was it. These potatoes became the “I need a win” side dish in my house.

What to Serve With Authentic Greek Potatoes

These potatoes love company. Try them with:

  • roasted chicken or air fryer chicken thighs
  • salmon or shrimp
  • grilled pork chops
  • a simple Greek salad
  • hummus + pita for a snacky dinner moment

Honestly, they also pair beautifully with “standing at the counter eating straight from the pan,” which is a valid meal in my book.

Authentic Greek Potatoes roasted until extra crispy, finished with lemon wedges, garlic, oregano, and parsley in a white serving bowl.
Authentic Greek Potatoes with golden, crispy edges and a fresh lemon finish—an easy side dish everyone fights over.

FAQs About Authentic Greek Potatoes

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh is best for that bright flavor, but bottled works in a pinch. If using bottled, choose one that tastes clean (not bitter), and consider adding a little lemon zest if you have it.

Do I really have to soak the potatoes?

If you want that true Crispy Greek Potatoes With Lemon texture, soaking helps a lot. You can skip it, but you’ll get less crunch. If you’re short on time, even 20 minutes helps.

How do I store leftovers?

Let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How do I reheat them so they stay crispy?

Best options:
Oven: 400°F for 10–15 minutes
Air fryer: 375°F for 5–8 minutes (my favorite)
Microwave works, but the crispiness will wave goodbye.

Can I prep these ahead?

Yes. You can cut and soak the potatoes earlier in the day, then drain and dry them well before roasting. You can also whisk the marinade ahead and keep it in the fridge.

The Lemony Side Dish You’ll Make on Repeat

If you’re craving a side that’s bold, comforting, and secretly easy, these Authentic Greek Potatoes are it. They bring that golden, crispy, lemon-garlic goodness that makes a basic dinner feel special—without adding stress to your day.

Make them once, and you’ll understand why people get a little possessive over the last few wedges. And if you happen to “accidentally” save a small plate for yourself… I support you fully.

Keep the Greek Vibes Going (More Easy Favorites)

⭐️ Made these Authentic Greek Potatoes? Please leave a star rating and a quick review—your feedback helps other home cooks so much!

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Authentic Greek Potatoes roasted until golden and crispy, tossed with lemon, garlic, oregano, and parsley in a white bowl

Authentic Greek Potatoes


  • Author: Mounia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (excluding soak time)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Authentic Greek Potatoes are roasted until perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and infused with bright lemon, garlic, olive oil, and oregano. This easy oven-baked side dish delivers bold Mediterranean flavor with simple pantry ingredients—perfect for weeknights or holiday dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.53 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes

  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 46 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth

  • Fresh parsley or oregano, for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Wash and scrub the potatoes. Peel if desired. Cut into 1–1.5 inch wedges or 1-inch chunks.

  2. Soak the potatoes in cold water for 30–60 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat completely dry.

  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  4. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss potatoes thoroughly in the marinade.

  5. Spread potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Do not overcrowd.

  6. Roast for 20–25 minutes without flipping.

  7. Flip potatoes carefully. Pour broth into the pan around the potatoes.

  8. Continue roasting 25–35 minutes, flipping every 10–15 minutes, until fork-tender and golden brown.

  9. For extra crispiness, increase heat to 425°F for the final 10–15 minutes or broil for 1–3 minutes.

  10. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Drying the potatoes thoroughly is key for crispiness.

Use two baking sheets if needed to prevent steaming.

Russet potatoes yield crispier edges; Yukon Golds provide a creamier texture.

Leftovers reheat best in the oven or air fryer.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30–60 minutes soaking)
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: side dish
  • Method: Oven Roasted
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg