Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes: A Golden Side Dish Sensation

Perfectly Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish that pairs beautifully with almost any main course. These golden-brown, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside potatoes are seasoned with aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice that will make them disappear from your dinner table in minutes!

Why These Roasted Potatoes Are Simply the Best

What makes these oven-roasted potatoes special? It’s all about achieving that perfect texture contrast: gloriously crispy exteriors with tender, fluffy interiors. The high-temperature roasting method caramelizes the outside while the aromatic seasonings infuse every bite with incredible flavor.

These potatoes are:

• Versatile – perfect alongside breakfast, lunch, or dinner
• Simple – using basic ingredients most home cooks have on hand
• Customizable – easy to adapt with different herbs and spices
• Budget-friendly – potatoes are one of the most economical side dishes
• Crowd-pleasing – even picky eaters love them!

Key Ingredients for Perfect Roasted Potatoes

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Best Potatoes for Roasting

The type of potato you choose makes a significant difference in your final result:

• Yukon Gold potatoes: Offer a buttery flavor with a creamy interior and crispy exterior when roasted
• Russet potatoes: Produce an extra fluffy interior with a very crispy skin
• Red potatoes: Hold their shape well and have a waxier texture

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Roasted Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
2. Wash and dry your potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into evenly sized 1-inch chunks. Pro tip: Uniform pieces ensure even cooking!
3. Place the potato chunks in a large bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
4. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Leave space between pieces to prevent steaming.
5. Roast for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven. The undersides should be starting to brown.
6. In a small bowl, combine the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
7. Flip the potatoes, then drizzle the herb-oil mixture evenly over them, ensuring each piece gets some flavor.
8. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are deeply golden and crispy on the outside, and tender when pierced with a fork.
9. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for the Crispiest Roasted Potatoes

• Dry thoroughly: Water is the enemy of crispiness! Make sure your potatoes are completely dry before tossing with oil.
• Don’t overcrowd: Give the potato pieces plenty of space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of roasting.
• Preheat your baking sheet: For extra crispiness, place your baking sheet in the oven while it preheats, then carefully add the oiled potatoes to the hot surface.
• Add garlic later: Garlic burns easily, which is why we add it halfway through the cooking process.
• Let them rest: Allow the potatoes to cool for 5 minutes before serving to help the exteriors crisp up even more.

Flavorful Variations for Roasted Potatoes

The beauty of roasted potatoes is how adaptable they are to different flavor profiles:

Mediterranean Style

Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, the zest of one lemon, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese after roasting.

Smoky Southwest

Replace the herbs with 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder.

Parmesan Herb

Add 1/3 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a cheesy crust.

Truffle Infused

Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of truffle oil after roasting and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

What to Serve with Roasted Potatoes

These versatile roasted potatoes complement nearly any main dish:

• Roasted chicken or turkey
• Grilled steak or pork chops
• Baked or grilled fish
• Meatloaf
• Vegetable-forward mains for a hearty vegetarian meal

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Roasted Potatoes

Make-Ahead: You can cut the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Store them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Just remember to drain and thoroughly dry them before roasting.

Storage: Store leftover roasted potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: For the best texture when reheating, spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and warm in a 400°F oven for 5-10 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make them soggy.

Nutrition Information

FAQs About Roasted Potatoes

Why aren’t my potatoes getting crispy?

The most common reasons are overcrowding the pan, not having the oven hot enough, or having too much moisture on the potatoes before roasting. Make sure to dry them thoroughly and give them plenty of space.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes roast beautifully but cook slightly faster than regular potatoes, so check them about 5 minutes earlier.

Can I roast potatoes without oil?

While you can reduce the oil, some fat is necessary for the crispy texture. Try using an oil spray to use less while still achieving crispiness.

Why do my garlic and herbs burn?

High temperatures can quickly burn garlic and delicate herbs. Adding them halfway through the cooking process protects them from burning while still infusing flavor.

Perfect roasted potatoes are a versatile side dish that belongs in every cook’s repertoire. With their golden crispy exteriors and fluffy centers, these flavor-packed potatoes will elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary!