Herb and Garlic Roasted Potatoes Recipe
There's something magical about roasted potatoes—their crispy exterior, tender inside, and rich flavor combination of herbs and garlic. Perfect for any meal, these potatoes can be served as a side dish, a snack, or even a light meal on their own. Let’s dive into this delicious, simple-to-make dish that will have your family and guests asking for more!
Ingredients
Before we begin, gather the following ingredients to make sure your potatoes come out perfectly every time:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (Yukon gold or fingerling potatoes work well)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for added richness)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Clean the baby potatoes thoroughly, as you’ll be roasting them with the skins on for extra flavor and texture. Cut each potato in half to create bite-sized pieces, ensuring they roast evenly.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved potatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, parsley, and thyme. Toss the ingredients well to coat each potato evenly with the oil and herbs. Season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Arrange and Roast
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the sheet, cut side down. This helps achieve that crispy, golden-brown finish on the flat side of the potatoes.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. About halfway through the cooking time, you can flip the potatoes to ensure even roasting.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Garnish
Optional but highly recommended—during the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. This adds a lovely salty, cheesy flavor that complements the herbs beautifully.
Once done, remove the potatoes from the oven. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while they're hot and crispy.
Tips for the Perfect Roasted Potatoes
Choose the right potatoes: Baby potatoes, such as Yukon gold or fingerlings, are ideal for roasting because of their creamy interior and thin skins.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, and thyme elevate the flavor of roasted potatoes. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried ones can be used, but reduce the amount by half since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
Cut potatoes evenly: Ensuring that all potato pieces are of similar size helps them cook evenly, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overdone.
Preheat your oven: A hot oven ensures the potatoes crisp up nicely, so don’t skip this step!
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Giving the potatoes enough space allows air to circulate, helping them roast instead of steam. This ensures that crisp exterior everyone loves.
Pairing Suggestions
These herb and garlic roasted potatoes pair perfectly with a variety of main dishes. Here are a few ideas to complement this savory side:
- Grilled meats: Roasted potatoes work beautifully alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork. The crispy texture of the potatoes balances the smoky, tender meat.
- Roasted vegetables: Add more roasted veggies to your meal! Try carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts, all of which roast well at the same temperature as the potatoes.
- Egg dishes: For breakfast or brunch, serve these potatoes with scrambled eggs, an omelet, or a frittata for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love These Potatoes
Simple ingredients, amazing flavor: You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create a delicious dish. The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and olive oil gives these potatoes a mouthwatering aroma and taste.
Versatile dish: These roasted potatoes can be served as a side dish, snack, or appetizer. They're perfect for holiday gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, or even a breakfast side.
Quick and easy: With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious dish on the table in no time. The oven does most of the work, leaving you free to focus on other parts of your meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
If you're wondering about the nutritional benefits of these roasted potatoes, here’s a quick overview:
- Calories: Approximately 180 per serving
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg (depending on how much salt is used)
This dish is a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, thanks to the potatoes. The addition of fresh herbs not only enhances the flavor but also provides essential antioxidants.
Customizing the Recipe
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few variations you can try to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
Add a spicy kick: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to give the potatoes a subtle heat.
Make it vegan: The base recipe is already vegan if you omit the Parmesan cheese. You can also use a vegan cheese substitute if desired.
Try different herbs: Don’t have rosemary or thyme? Swap them out for sage, oregano, or dill for a different flavor profile.
Garlic overload: Love garlic? Add extra minced garlic during the last 10 minutes of roasting for an intense garlic flavor.
Final Thoughts
Herb and Garlic Roasted Potatoes are a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that will quickly become a favorite in your home. With their crispy, golden edges and flavorful interior, they are sure to impress at any occasion. Whether you're cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or meal-prepping for the week, this easy recipe delivers every time.