There’s something so comforting about potatoes roasted to golden perfection, especially when infused with fragrant herbs and garlic. This Herb and Garlic Roasted Potatoes Recipe turns humble spuds into a show-stopping side dish that always steals the spotlight at my family dinners.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times these Herb and Garlic Roasted Potatoes have saved the day when I needed a side that’s both easy and insanely tasty. Plus, they fill the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that instantly lifts your spirits.
- Perfect Crispy Texture: The secret baking soda bath helps create that irresistible crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and tender.
- Herbaceous Flavor Boost: Fresh rosemary, parsley, and garlic combine to add layers of savory, aromatic goodness.
- Super Versatile: These potatoes complement everything from a casual burger to holiday turkey dinner seamlessly.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items here—just what you’d usually have on hand.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe really shines because the ingredients play off each other so well. You want to pick fresh herbs and good-quality potatoes to get that perfect balance of crisp and tender every time.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These have a natural buttery flavor and maintain their shape beautifully during roasting.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out excess moisture for crispiness.
- Baking Soda: A little trick that helps break down the potato surfaces just enough to get that crackly crust.
- Vegetable Oil: You want a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get the perfect roast without burning.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the potatoes with subtle heat and warmth.
- Fresh Rosemary: Its piney aroma complements the garlic and potatoes wonderfully; feel free to mix with thyme or oregano if you like.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the herbs stick to the potatoes.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped): Tossed in at the end for a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color.
Make It Your Way
I love experimenting with the herb mix here—sometimes swapping rosemary for fresh thyme or adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle warming kick. Feel free to make it suit your taste buds!
- Variation: One time, I added a sprinkle of Parmesan in the last 10 minutes of roasting, and it gave the potatoes a delightful crispy cheesy crust everyone adored.
- Dietary Swap: For a dairy-free option, swap butter for olive oil—still delicious and herbaceous.
- Seasonal Twist: In summer, I toss in some fresh thyme and a squeeze of lemon after roasting to lighten things up.
- Make It Spicy: You can add red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a subtle spicy note that livens up the dish.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Herb and Garlic Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes Right
After washing and peeling your Yukon Gold potatoes, I like to cut them into evenly sized chunks—about 2 inches. This helps them cook uniformly. Next, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add in the baking soda before boiling the potatoes for about 10 minutes until they’re just tender but not falling apart. This step really helps roughen the surface and sets you up for maximum crispiness.
Step 2: Get That Perfect Crisp
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them sit in the colander for a couple of minutes to dry further—wet potatoes just won't crisp up. Then, gently toss them back in the pot and shake it a little; this roughs up the edges which makes the magic happen in the oven.
Step 3: Herb, Garlic & Butter Love
In a heavy roasting pan, heat your vegetable oil and butter until the butter melts and the mixture is shimmering. Add the minced garlic and rosemary—heat just until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Toss your potatoes in this fragrant bath, making sure every piece is well coated in oil, butter, and herbs.
Step 4: Roasting to Golden Perfection
Spread the potatoes out in a single layer in your roasting pan—crowding is the enemy of crispiness. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 60-75 minutes, turning every 15 minutes to ensure an even golden crust all over. Keep an eye on them so the garlic doesn’t scorch; you want beautiful caramelization without bitterness.
Step 5: The Final Touch
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley generously over the hot potatoes and give everything a gentle toss. This fresh herb lift brightens the dish and adds a lovely color contrast.
Top Tip
Trust me on this—getting those crispy edges is all about roughing up the potatoes and roasting them with just enough space. I learned this trick after many batches that were delicious but a little too soft on the outside.
- Parboil & Rough Up: The parboil with baking soda breaks down the potatoes slightly so they crisp beautifully when roasted.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Giving potatoes enough room ensures hot air circulates and crisps each piece evenly.
- Gentle Tossing: Turning the potatoes every 15 minutes helps get that even golden color all around.
- Watch the Garlic: Adding garlic too early or cooking too hot can burn it—add it to oil and butter first and remove if it browns too quickly.
How to Serve Herb and Garlic Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish these with fresh parsley for brightness and sometimes a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra crunch. For a festive touch, a squeeze of lemon or a few shavings of Parmesan add wonderful complexity.
Side Dishes
They pair beautifully with just about anything—roast chicken, steak, grilled vegetables, or even your favorite plant-based main. I love serving them alongside a good green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts in colder months.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, I’ve arranged these potatoes in a big rustic bowl, garnished with sprigs of fresh rosemary and a drizzle of browned butter to up the wow factor. On casual nights, a simple bowl piled high works just fine—they get devoured either way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days and still taste great after reheating with a quick re-crisp in a skillet.
Freezing
Freezing roasted potatoes isn’t my favorite because they lose some crispness after thawing, but if you want to save time, spread cooled potatoes on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in a hot oven or skillet for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy, buttery goodness, I reheat leftovers in a heavy skillet over medium heat with a tiny bit of oil or butter, gently turning them until warmed through and crisp again—way better than the microwave!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While Yukon Golds are ideal because of their creamy texture and buttery flavor, Russets or red potatoes will also work. Just keep in mind that waxier potatoes might not get as fluffy inside.
The baking soda helps break down the potato surface slightly, creating a textured exterior that crisps up beautifully when roasted. It’s the game changer that transforms regular roasted potatoes into the perfect crispy delight.
Definitely! You can parboil and prepare the potatoes up to a day in advance, then keep them refrigerated. When you’re ready, toss them in oil, herbs, and butter, and roast as directed for that fresh oven-baked goodness.
Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter if exposed to high heat too long. Adding it to the oil and butter mixture just until fragrant, then tossing the potatoes quickly before roasting helps. You can also add garlic halfway through roasting if you want to be extra safe.
Final Thoughts
I feel like this Herb and Garlic Roasted Potatoes Recipe is one of those timeless classics that everyone should have in their cooking arsenal. It’s simple, rewarding, and always brings people to the table with smiles. Next time you want an effortless side that's bursting with flavor and texture, give this recipe a try. Trust me, once you nail these, they’ll become a family favorite—you’ll find yourself craving those crispy, buttery bites again and again!
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Herb and Garlic Roasted Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Herb and Garlic Roasted Potatoes are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy in the center, flavored with aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of butter for richness. Ideal as a savory side dish to complement steak, turkey, or any main course.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 2 lb Yukon Gold Potatoes
- 2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
Herb and Garlic Mixture
- 2 ½ Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Rosemary (or a combination of herbs)
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and cut the Yukon Gold potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure uniform cooking. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Boil Potatoes: In a large pot, add water with 2 tablespoons kosher salt and ½ teaspoon baking soda. Bring to a boil and add the potatoes. Boil for about 15 minutes until just tender but not falling apart.
- Drain and Roughen: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot pot. Shake gently in the pot to roughen the edges, which helps create a crispier surface when roasting.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) to prepare for roasting.
- Toss with Oil and Herbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and the butter melted slightly. Toss the potatoes gently in this mixture to coat them evenly.
- Roast Potatoes: Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Finish and Garnish: Once roasted to golden perfection, remove from the oven. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the potatoes for a burst of freshness. Adjust seasoning with extra salt if needed before serving.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and buttery flavor that crisps well.
- Roughening the potato edges after boiling helps achieve a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.
- You can substitute rosemary with other fresh herbs like thyme or oregano depending on your preference.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the butter or replace with a plant-based alternative.
- These potatoes pair wonderfully with a variety of main courses, from grilled meats to roasted poultry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 105 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 392 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg
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