Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic Recipe

There’s something magical about crispy roast potatoes. The golden, crunchy exterior paired with the fluffy, tender interior makes them the ultimate side dish. Infused with the earthy aroma of fresh rosemary and the savory flavor of garlic, these potatoes are irresistibly delicious. Whether served alongside a roast dinner, a holiday feast, or as a snack, they’re a crowd-pleaser every time.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Perfect Texture: Parboiling the potatoes helps achieve a soft interior while roasting ensures a crispy crust.
2. Flavor Infusion: Rosemary and garlic provide aromatic depth, making every bite irresistible.
3. Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose the Right Potatoes

The type of potato you use will significantly impact the results:

• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy texture with a slightly sweet flavor.
• Russet Potatoes: Higher starch content, ideal for a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel and Cut:
   • Peel the potatoes and cut them into even-sized chunks (about 2 inches). Even sizing ensures uniform cooking.
2. Rinse:
   • Rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch. This step is crucial for achieving crispy results.

Step 3: Parboil the Potatoes

1. Boil Water:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
   • Add the potato chunks and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re just tender but not falling apart.
3. Drain and Dry:
   • Drain the potatoes in a colander and allow them to steam dry for a few minutes. Drying them thoroughly helps achieve a crispy crust during roasting.

Step 4: Season the Potatoes

1. Rough the Edges:
   • Gently shake the drained potatoes in the colander to roughen their edges. This creates more surface area for crisping.
2. Add Seasoning:
   • In a large mixing bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 5: Roast the Potatoes

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Tray:
   • Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil. Spread the potatoes in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
3. Bake:
   • Roast the potatoes for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
   • Continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

1. Taste and Adjust:
   • Sprinkle with additional salt if needed.
2. Optional Garnishes:
   • Top with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Tips for Crispy Potatoes

1. Use High Heat

• Roasting at a high temperature ensures the potatoes crisp up beautifully without becoming greasy.

2. Don’t Crowd the Tray

• Overcrowding traps steam and prevents the potatoes from crisping. Use multiple trays if necessary.

3. Use the Right Fat

• Olive oil works well, but duck fat or goose fat adds an extra layer of richness and flavor.

4. Flip Halfway Through

• Turning the potatoes ensures even browning on all sides.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy roast potatoes are versatile and pair wonderfully with various dishes:

• Meat Mains: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pork chops.
• Vegetarian Meals: Pair with roasted vegetables or a hearty lentil stew.
• Dipping Sauces: Enjoy with aioli, sour cream, or spicy ketchup for a tasty snack.

Variations

1. Spicy Roast Potatoes

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.

2. Lemon-Garlic Potatoes

• Add fresh lemon juice and zest to the seasoning mix for a zesty flavor profile.

3. Parmesan-Crusted Potatoes

• Toss the potatoes with grated Parmesan before roasting for a cheesy crust.

4. Herb-Infused Potatoes

• Use a mix of fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley for a more complex flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, but sweet potatoes cook faster, so adjust the roasting time accordingly.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can parboil the potatoes in advance and refrigerate them. Toss with oil and seasoning just before roasting.

3. Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, dried rosemary works well. Use about one-third the amount of fresh rosemary.

4. Can I freeze roasted potatoes?
While you can freeze them, reheating may result in less crispy potatoes. It’s best to enjoy them fresh.

5. What other oils can I use?
Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or melted butter are excellent alternatives to olive oil.

Yield: 4

Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic Recipe

Print

There’s something magical about crispy roast potatoes. The golden, crunchy exterior paired with the fluffy, tender interior makes them the ultimate side dish. Infused with the earthy aroma of fresh rosemary and the savory flavor of garlic, these potatoes are irresistibly delicious. Whether served alongside a roast dinner, a holiday feast, or as a snack, they’re a crowd-pleaser every time.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (1 kg) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
   
2. Parboil the Potatoes:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato chunks and boil for 5-7 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to soften.
   Drain the potatoes well and let them sit for a minute to steam dry.
   
3. Season the Potatoes:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the potatoes and toss to coat evenly.
   
4. Roast the Potatoes:
   Spread the potatoes out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Ensure they are not touching for maximum crispiness.
   Roast for 35-40 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
   
5. Serve:
   Transfer the roasted potatoes to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For Extra Crispiness: After parboiling, gently toss the potatoes in the colander to roughen the edges. This helps them crisp up in the oven.

Customizable Seasoning: Add paprika, thyme, or chili flakes for a flavor twist.

Make Ahead: Prep the potatoes and seasoning mixture a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Roast just before serving.