Crispy Roasted Baby Potatoes

Unlock the secret to flawlessly crispy on the outside and wonderfully fluffy on the inside baby potatoes with this irresistible oven-roasted recipe! Infused with aromatic rosemary, fresh thyme, and pungent garlic, these golden nuggets are more than just a side dish – they’re a culinary revelation. Whether you’re planning an elaborate holiday feast or simply seeking an effortless weeknight accompaniment, these herb-roasted baby potatoes are guaranteed to become a household favorite. Their vibrant flavors and satisfying texture make them a universally loved addition to any meal, promising to disappear from the serving platter in record time.

There’s something uniquely comforting and utterly delicious about perfectly roasted potatoes, and these baby spuds truly elevate the experience. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch, followed by a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior, all enveloped in a savory symphony of herbs and garlic. They’re a simple yet sophisticated side that effortlessly complements a wide array of main courses, making them an ideal choice for entertaining a crowd or simply adding a touch of gourmet flair to your family dinner table. Prepare to be amazed by how easily such incredible flavor can be achieved!

If you’re eager to explore more delightful side dish options to impress your guests or elevate your everyday meals, consider trying my Easy Potatoes Gratin for a creamy, cheesy indulgence, or my Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots for a touch of sweet and savory elegance. These recipes offer fantastic variety and are sure to expand your repertoire of go-to accompaniments.

Why These Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes Are a Must-Try

These aren’t just any roasted potatoes; they’re designed for maximum flavor and an unforgettable experience. Here’s why this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your culinary collection:

• Explosive Herb-Infused Flavor: We’re not shy with the herbs here! Baby Yukon Gold potatoes are expertly tossed with a generous blend of fragrant rosemary, earthy thyme, and pungent minced garlic. This robust combination penetrates the potatoes as they roast, creating a savory depth that is truly addictive. The fresh herbs provide an aromatic pop that tantalizes the senses, making every single bite a mini explosion of deliciousness.
• Unmatched Crispy-Fluffy Texture: The beauty of baby potatoes lies in their ability to achieve the perfect contrast in texture. Through a clever par-boiling technique, we ensure the exteriors crisp up to a glorious golden perfection, creating that coveted crunch you crave. Meanwhile, the insides remain incredibly tender, light, and fluffy, offering a delightful balance that sets these roasted potatoes apart from the rest. It’s a textural masterpiece!
• Effortlessly Simple Side Dish: Despite their gourmet appearance and incredible taste, these herb-roasted baby potatoes are remarkably easy to prepare. Requiring only a handful of staple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, they are a fantastic solution for both busy weeknights and grand holiday gatherings. The straightforward steps mean you can achieve impressive results without any culinary stress, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal and company.
• Versatile Pairing Potential: These golden gems are incredibly adaptable and pair beautifully with an extensive range of main courses. From succulent roasted meats to delicate baked fish or hearty vegetarian entrées, their savory, herbaceous profile enhances almost any dish. They are a universal crowd-pleaser that fits seamlessly into diverse menus and dietary preferences.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Roast Potatoes

Crafting these delectable oven-roasted baby potatoes requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature crispy exterior and tender interior, imbued with rich, aromatic flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Baby Potatoes: The star of our show! Opt for small, evenly sized baby potatoes like Yukon Golds for their creamy texture and ability to crisp up beautifully. Washing them thoroughly and cutting them in half ensures even cooking and maximizes surface area for that golden crunch.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is key for coating the potatoes, helping them to roast evenly and develop a rich, golden-brown crust. It also acts as a carrier for our delicious herb and spice blend.
• Fresh Herbs:
  • Rosemary: Its piney, slightly peppery notes are a classic complement to potatoes. Using fresh rosemary will yield the most vibrant flavor.
  • Thyme: Earthy and subtly floral, thyme adds another layer of aromatic complexity that pairs wonderfully with rosemary and garlic.

  While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, fresh varieties offer a superior fragrance and taste profile.

• Flavorful Spices:
  • Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the other flavors. Don’t skimp on these!
  • Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and a lovely reddish hue to the potatoes, contributing to their appealing golden appearance.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable here. Its pungent, savory aroma deeply infuses the potatoes, creating an irresistible depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Achieve Perfectly Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes

Follow these simple instructions to create a batch of herb-roasted baby potatoes that are crispy on the outside and wonderfully fluffy on the inside. The key is in the preparation!

• Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes for Roasting. Begin by thoroughly washing your baby potatoes. Slice each potato in half, striving for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Once cut, rinse the potato halves again under cold water until the water runs clear. This crucial step removes excess starch, which is vital for achieving that desired crispy texture.
• Step 2: Par-boil for Optimal Crispness. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the rinsed potato halves to the boiling water and par-boil them for exactly 5 minutes. This pre-cooking softens the interior of the potatoes while allowing their exteriors to become rough, creating more surface area for crisping up in the oven. After 5 minutes, drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the empty pot.

• Step 3: Season and Coat. To the par-boiled potatoes in the pot, add the olive oil, dried rosemary, fresh thyme, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give the pot a good shake or use a large spoon to gently toss everything together, ensuring that every potato half is evenly coated with the fragrant oil and seasoning mixture. This roughing-up process further enhances the crispy potential.

• Step 4: Roast to Golden Perfection. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in cleanup. Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is ample space between each piece. Overcrowding the pan will steam the potatoes instead of roasting them, hindering crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are beautifully golden brown and irresistibly crispy on the outside.
• Step 5: Garnish and Serve. Once roasted to perfection, carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. For an added touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish the hot potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary and thyme. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Expert Tips and Notes for the Crispiest Roast Potatoes

Achieving restaurant-quality crispy roasted potatoes at home is entirely possible with a few key techniques. These tips will help you perfect your batch every time, ensuring maximum flavor and an irresistible texture:

• Preheat Your Oven Thoroughly: Always start with a fully preheated oven. A hot oven is crucial for creating that initial sear on the potatoes, which helps to develop a crispy crust rather than a soggy one. Give your oven at least 15-20 minutes to reach the target temperature.
• Uniform Potato Size is Key: Cut all your baby potatoes into similar-sized halves. This ensures that every piece cooks evenly, preventing some from becoming undercooked and others from burning. Consistency is vital for uniform texture.
• Rinse Away Starch: After cutting your potatoes, place them in a bowl or colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. You’ll notice the water turning milky – this is the excess starch being washed away. Repeat until the water runs mostly clear. Removing this starch is a secret weapon for achieving extra crispiness.
• The Magic of Par-boiling: Do not skip the par-boiling step! Boiling the potatoes for 5 minutes softens their interiors, so they become wonderfully fluffy when roasted. More importantly, it creates a rough, starchy exterior that, when exposed to high heat, fries up to an incredibly crunchy crust.
• Rough Them Up for More Crunch: Once par-boiled and drained, return the potatoes to the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and give it a good shake for about 30 seconds. This action will gently “rough up” the softened potato exteriors, creating more jagged edges and starchy bits. These imperfections are exactly what turn into glorious crispy bits during roasting!
• Choose Your Herbs Wisely: While rosemary and thyme are classic choices for their robust flavor, feel free to experiment with other herbs. Fresh oregano, sage, or even a hint of dried Italian seasoning can add different dimensions. Always prefer fresh herbs for the best aroma and taste, adding them both before roasting and as a garnish.
• Elevate with Parmesan (Optional): For a savory, cheesy twist, consider tossing the potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese during the last 10 minutes of roasting. The cheese will melt and crisp up, forming a delicious, golden crust.
• The Right Oil Matters (But Don’t Overthink It): While olive oil is my preferred choice for its flavor, you can use other high-smoke-point oils like peanut oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. The goal is even coverage, not necessarily a “fancy” oil. Just ensure your potatoes are well-coated to facilitate even browning.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This cannot be stressed enough! Spreading the potatoes in a single layer with sufficient space between each piece is critical. If potatoes are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, resulting in a soft, rather than crispy, texture. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
• Garnish for Freshness and Color: A final sprinkle of fresh rosemary and thyme just before serving not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also intensifies the fresh herbal aroma, making the dish even more appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) About Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making and serving these delicious roasted baby potatoes:

What mains pair best with these Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes?

These crunchy, golden nuggets are incredibly versatile and complement a wide range of main courses. Their savory, herbaceous profile makes them a perfect companion to both rich and lean proteins. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:

• Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast: The richness of the chicken and spinach is beautifully balanced by the crispy potatoes.
• Healthy Oven Baked Cod: A light, flaky fish dish that benefits from the hearty texture of the potatoes.
• Spicy Lemon Baked Tilapia Recipe: The zesty and spicy notes of the tilapia are wonderfully grounded by the earthy potatoes.
• Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon: The sweet and savory salmon finds a perfect partner in these herb-infused potatoes.
• Creamy Sundried Tomato Chicken Thighs: The decadent sauce and tender chicken are a match made in heaven with crispy potatoes.
• Roasted Chicken or Turkey: A classic pairing, especially during holidays.
• Grilled Steaks or Pork Chops: The robust flavors of grilled meats are excellent with these seasoned potatoes.
• Vegetarian Loaf or Lentil Patties: For a plant-based meal, they add a satisfying texture and flavor.

What are the best types of baby potatoes for roasting?

While most baby potato varieties will roast well, some excel at achieving that coveted crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture. I personally love using **Yukon Gold baby potatoes** because they are widely available and consistently deliver fantastic results, crisping up beautifully while maintaining a creamy interior. However, feel free to experiment with other types:

• Gold Potatoes (like Yukon Golds): These are renowned for their slightly waxy yet creamy texture and buttery flavor. They get wonderfully crispy on the outside and remain delightfully soft and smooth within.
• Red Potatoes (like Red Bliss): Characterized by their thin, vibrant red skin and waxy flesh, red potatoes hold their shape well during roasting. They offer a smoother, firmer texture than gold potatoes and a subtle, earthy flavor.
• Purple Potatoes: Offering a striking visual appeal and a rich, slightly earthy flavor, purple potatoes have a starchy yet creamy texture. They can add a unique and gorgeous pop of color to your dinner table.
• Fingerling Potatoes: These slender, elongated potatoes have a nutty, buttery flavor and thin skins, making them excellent for roasting whole or halved.

How do I know when my roast potatoes are perfectly done?

Determining the doneness of your roasted potatoes is a combination of visual cues and a simple test. Ovens can vary, so it’s always best to keep a watchful eye on them as they roast. Here’s how to tell:

• Visual Cues: Look for a deep golden-brown color on the exterior of the potatoes. They should appear visibly crispy and caramelized in spots. The edges might be slightly darker, indicating perfect crunch.
• The Fork or Knife Test: The most reliable method is to gently pierce one of the larger potato halves with a fork or a small, sharp knife. If it slides in easily with little to no resistance, the potatoes are cooked through and tender on the inside. If you feel any significant resistance, they need a few more minutes in the oven.
• Taste Test: If in doubt, carefully remove a potato, let it cool slightly, and taste it! This is the ultimate test for both texture and seasoning.

Don’t be afraid to let them get really golden. That’s where the best flavor and crunch are!

Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?

While these potatoes are best enjoyed immediately after roasting for peak crispiness, you can do some prep work in advance. You can wash and cut the potatoes, and even par-boil them a few hours before you plan to roast. After par-boiling, drain them completely, let them cool, and then store them uncovered in the refrigerator. When ready to roast, toss them with the oil and seasonings as usual and proceed with baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the roasting time if they are cold.

How do I store and reheat leftover roasted potatoes?

Leftover roasted baby potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and bring back some of their crispness, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them soggy.

Explore More Delicious Side Dishes

Looking for additional inspiration to round out your meals? Here are some other fantastic side dish recipes that are sure to delight:

• Parmesan Herbed Potatoes
• Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Jicama Fries
• Cheesy Potato Stacks

I truly hope you savor every bite of this delightful Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes recipe! It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when prepared with a little care, can create something truly special. Please give it a try, enjoy the incredible flavors, and don’t hesitate to rate it and share your experience with your friends and family!

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4.93 from 89 votes

Roasted Baby Potatoes

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

These Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes are golden crispy on the outside and fluffy tender on the inside, in other words…delicious!

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

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Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs. Yukon Gold Baby Potatoes, washed and cut in half
• 3 tbsps. olive oil
• 1 tsp. dried rosemary, finely crushed
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp. fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt, or more to taste
• 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• Fresh Thyme, optional, for garnishing

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200°C).
2. Cut the potatoes in half and rinse well. Set aside.
3. Bring a pot of water to boil. Once boiling, add in the potatoes to cook for 5 minutes. Then remove from heat and drain thoroughly. Return the potatoes back to the pot.
4. Add in the olive oil, dried rosemary, fresh thyme, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix them well together to coat the potatoes, shaking the pot gently to rough up the exteriors. Then, transfer to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, spreading the potatoes evenly to create space between them.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the outer layer of the potatoes is golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from the oven and garnish with some fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

• Always use a preheated oven for best results.
• Ensure potatoes are cut into similar sized halves for even cooking.
• Rinse potatoes well to remove excess starch, which contributes to crispiness.
• Par-boiling is essential for achieving a super crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
• Feel free to use your preferred fresh or dried herbs.
• A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can be added during the last 10 minutes of roasting for extra flavor.
• Par-boil until just tender, but not falling apart.
• Rough up the par-boiled potatoes by shaking the pot to create more crispy edges.
• Any high-smoke-point oil like peanut, canola, or olive oil can be used.
• Garnish with fresh rosemary and thyme for added color and aroma.

Nutrition

Calories: 243 kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 303mg | Potassium: 762mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 214IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 2mg