Paprika Potatoes – I Heart Vegetables


These paprika potatoes are simple, savory, and so delicious! Baby red potatoes are simmered in spices until tender for an easy, tasty side dish!

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both easy and flavorful, these paprika potatoes are perfect. The smoked paprika gives them a warm, slightly sweet depth of flavor, while the garlic and shallot add richness. Everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup easy and the results are deliciously impressive. I based this recipe on this one from America’s Test Kitchen, but I significantly reduced the oil and kept it vegetarian. I’m so happy with how this turned out!

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Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Baby red potatoes: These hold their shape beautifully while cooking and have a naturally creamy texture. You can also use larger red potatoes, but you’ll need to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
  • Olive oil: A little olive oil helps soften the shallot and garlic while infusing the potatoes with richness and flavor. Any neutral cooking oil will work if you prefer.
  • Shallot: Shallots add a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances the smoky paprika perfectly. If you don’t have a shallot on hand, use half a small yellow onion — it makes a great substitute!
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential here. It adds the savory backbone that ties everything together. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-minced garlic from a jar, but fresh cloves give the best flavor.
  • Smoked paprika: This is the ingredient that makes the dish shine. It gives the potatoes their warm, red color and adds a subtle smokiness that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. Regular paprika can work in a pinch, but it won’t have the same depth.
  • Vegetable broth: Simmering the potatoes in vegetable broth keeps them tender and infuses them with flavor as they cook. Choose low-sodium broth so you can control the seasoning to your liking.

How to Make Paprika Potatoes