Quick and Easy Thyme Potatoes

These quick and easy thyme potatoes are buttery, lemony, and herbaceous. They are cooked in the microwave, providing a quick side dish for a weeknight dinner or casual meal.

This post contains affiliate links.

These potatoes are easy to make, delicious, and a bit of a shortcut since they are cooked entirely in the microwave. This recipe is my go-to when I’m short on time. It pairs well with just about anything. I enjoy it for weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.

In fact, everyone loves them, and no one ever says, “This tastes microwaved!” If I’m really pressed for time, I can prepare them earlier in the day and reheat them at mealtime.

Ingredients needed:

• Potatoes—I use baby potatoes, but you can use new potatoes or any other buttery variety. Cut only potatoes larger than 1 1/4 inches, and keep them similar in size for even cooking.
• Thyme—use either fresh or dried. It adds an herbaceous, lemony, and minty flavor.
• Butter—this recipe calls for unsalted butter. If you use salted butter, reduce the salt slightly. You can re-season at the end to taste.
• Spices—garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Lemon juice—to add a bright lemony note.
• Water—a small amount is used to steam the potatoes.

Recipe highlights:

• Pierce a few holes in the small baby potatoes with the tip of a knife. Cut any larger than 1 1/4 inches in diameter in half. For a bigger variety of potatoes, cut them into 3/4-inch cubes.
• Add the potatoes and water to a microwave-safe bowl with a lid. Cover with the lid, and wedge it open with a damp piece of paper towel for venting.
• Microwave on high for two 3-minute intervals, stirring after the first one.
• Drain the liquid. Add the butter, dry seasonings, and thyme. Microwave for 3 additional minutes or until a knife or toothpick slides in easily without resistance.
• Add the lemon juice and reseason to taste.
• See the recipe card for detailed instructions.

What to cook the potatoes in:

I steam the potatoes in a microwave-safe glass bowl with the cover slightly cracked open, using a small fold-up piece of paper towel to wedge it open. If you use a bowl without a lid, wrap the opening with Press’N Seal, making a slit to let steam escape.

This microwave-safe steamer is on my list of things to try. It has slits on the lid for steaming and draining. It really streamlines the entire process!

What to serve with:

These buttery and herbaceous potatoes pair well with many dishes. They are delicious with my slow cooker pork ribs, butterfly drumsticks, and grilled steak.

Because they are so quick and easy to make, these potatoes are perfect for keeping in your back pocket as a last-minute side dish. They only take 15 minutes to prepare from start to finish!

Can you microwave a large batch?

Although the microwave method is perfect for serving a small group, if you want to increase the recipe for larger groups, like potlucks or as a side dish for cookouts and backyard barbecues, it’s better to boil on the stovetop. While the stovetop method takes longer—since you need to wait for the water to boil and then another 10-15 minutes for the potatoes to cook—it’s still an easy potato side dish recipe.

How to store:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave until the potatoes are heated through.

Note: This post was originally published on June 17, 2014, and was updated with new content and images on August 22, 2025.

You Might Also Like

4-Ingredient Go-To Potatoes	Rita’s Green Bean Special
Boursin Potato Salad	Springtime Potato Salad

Recommended supplies:

(Affiliate links. The products I recommend are either what I use, are on my wish list, or are highly rated.)

• Microwave safe bowl with a lid—this 3-quart glass casserole dish is oven, microwave, and freezer safe.
• Microwave-safe steamer—this 3-quart rice cooker steamer allows you to cook and drain directly from the steamer.
• Press’N Seal—if your bowl does not have a cover, use Press’N Seal for covering and steaming the potatoes.

Check out Prime Big Deal Days on Amazon Prime. Up to 50% off!

Quick and Easy Thyme Potatoes

Author: In Good Flavor Cooking Method:Mixing Cuisine:American Courses:Sides

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 6 minutesCook time: 9 minutesTotal Time: 15 minutesServings:4 ServingsServings:4 servings

Description

These quick and easy thyme potatoes are buttery, lemony, and herbaceous. They are cooked in the microwave, providing a quick side dish for a weeknight dinner or casual meal.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes (about 1” diameter), washed*
• 3 to 4 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice 

Instructions

1. Use a pointed knife to pierce a few holes in each baby potato to prevent bursting while cooking. Cut potatoes that are larger than 1 1/4” in diameter in half. There’s no need to pierce holes in them.
2. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and add two tablespoons of water. Cover with the lid, using a small, damp, folded piece of paper towel to wedge it open slightly for venting. If the bowl doesn’t have a lid, use Press’n Seal wrap to cover it, making a slit for venting. Microwave on high for 3 minutes (for a 1200-watt microwave). Add about 1 minute or more of cooking time for lower-wattage microwaves.
3. Remove and stir the potatoes to ensure even cooking. If it looks nearly dry, add about one tablespoon of water. Cover and microwave for 3 minutes.
4. Drain the liquid. Add the butter, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Mix well. Cover and microwave for 3 minutes or until a knife or toothpick slides in easily without resistance.
5. Drizzle with lemon juice and mix to incorporate. Reseason to taste.
6. Makes 4 servings.

Notes:

• *If you use larger potatoes, cut them into 3/4-inch cubes. Peeling is optional.
• I use dampened, layered, and folded sheets of paper towels to hold the bowl when taking it in and out of the microwave. They provide a better grip than my pot holders.

Keywords:Quick and Easy Thyme Potatoes, Quick Side Dish, Last-Minute Side Dish, Baby Potatoes, potato side dish recipe, easy potato side dish

Disclosure: This site contains paid advertising and affiliate links. In Good Flavor is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.