Garlic Roast Potatoes Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish of Garlic Roast Potatoes. Whether served alongside a juicy roast chicken, a perfectly grilled steak, or a simple vegetable stir-fry, garlic roast potatoes always seem to elevate the meal. Golden brown, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, these potatoes are irresistible. But what makes them so special? It’s the perfect balance between the natural starchiness of potatoes, the rich flavor of garlic, and the addition of fresh herbs and seasoning that takes them to the next level.

While garlic and roasted potatoes are staples in many cuisines, the combination of these two ingredients creates a simple yet flavorful side dish. The garlic infuses the oil, creating a rich and aromatic coating for the potatoes. When roasted, they become beautifully crispy, while the center remains fluffy and soft. Garlic roast potatoes are versatile, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.

In this recipe, I’ll guide you through every step to ensure that your garlic roast potatoes turn out perfect each time, along with tips, variations, and some recommendations for pairing them with various main dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside: One of the hallmarks of perfect roast potatoes is achieving that irresistible crispiness while keeping the interior fluffy and soft. This recipe ensures just that.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients—potatoes, garlic, oil, and herbs—you can create an incredibly flavorful side dish.
• Versatile and Customizable: While this recipe focuses on garlic, the flexibility of roast potatoes allows for numerous variations. You can add cheese, spices, or even switch up the herbs depending on your preferences.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a simple side dish to pair with a holiday roast, garlic roast potatoes are always the perfect choice.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Selecting the right type of potato is key to achieving the perfect roast. The best potatoes for roasting are typically starchy or all-purpose potatoes because they have the right balance of moisture and starch to become crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. These include:

• Russet Potatoes: These are starchy potatoes and perfect for creating a crispy texture.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Known for their rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture, Yukon Gold potatoes work well for roasting, offering a slightly creamier interior.
• Red Potatoes: While more waxy than starchy, red potatoes are also a great option if you prefer a firmer texture that holds its shape during roasting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Potatoes

Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly. If you’re using waxy potatoes like red potatoes, you can leave the skins on. For starchy potatoes like Russets, peeling them is optional. The skin adds texture and flavor, so if you like a rustic dish, keep the skins on. For a smoother texture, peel the potatoes.

Next, cut the potatoes into even-sized chunks—about 1.5 to 2-inch pieces. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly. After cutting the potatoes, place them in a large bowl of water to soak for about 30 minutes. Soaking removes excess starch, which will help your potatoes become extra crispy when roasted.

After soaking, drain and pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. The drier your potatoes, the crispier they will get in the oven.

2. Infusing the Garlic and Oil

While the potatoes are soaking, take a small saucepan and add the olive oil (and butter, if using) over low heat. Add the minced garlic and gently heat for about 3-4 minutes. The goal here is to infuse the oil with the garlic’s aromatic flavor, so don’t let the garlic brown or burn—this would give it a bitter taste.

Once the garlic is soft and fragrant, remove the pan from the heat and set aside. Let the garlic and oil cool slightly before using.

3. Coating the Potatoes

In a large bowl, add the drained and dried potato chunks. Pour the infused garlic oil over the potatoes and toss gently to coat them evenly. Add salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you’re using (such as paprika or onion powder). Make sure each piece of potato is well-coated in the garlic-infused oil.

If you’re adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, chop them coarsely and sprinkle them into the mix now. Fresh herbs add an aromatic flavor that enhances the garlic and potatoes beautifully.

4. Roasting the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), which is the optimal temperature for getting crispy potatoes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat for easy cleanup.

Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure not to overcrowd them, as this can prevent the potatoes from getting crispy. If necessary, use two baking sheets to allow the potatoes plenty of room to roast.

Place the potatoes in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. After the first 15 minutes, use a spatula to turn the potatoes so that they roast evenly on all sides.

5. Final Touches

Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. Immediately sprinkle with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a bit more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice.

If you like, you can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy, golden finish. Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic roast potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide range of main dishes, including:

• Roast chicken: The savory garlic and crispy potatoes make a perfect accompaniment to a succulent roast chicken.
• Steak: Whether grilled, pan-seared, or roasted, garlic roast potatoes are an excellent side for a juicy steak.
• Grilled vegetables: Pairing the potatoes with grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus creates a well-rounded, colorful meal.
• Salads: Garlic roast potatoes can be served alongside fresh salads, whether light and leafy or a heartier grain-based salad.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Roast Potatoes

• Ensure the potatoes are dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. After soaking the potatoes, make sure they are fully dried before roasting.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Allowing enough space between the potatoes ensures they roast evenly and get crispy.
• Use high heat: Roasting at 425°F (220°C) ensures the potatoes get that beautiful golden brown crust without drying out.
• Turn them halfway: Flip the potatoes after 15 minutes to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy all over.

Variations

• Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the potatoes halfway through roasting for a cheesy, crispy finish.
• Spicy Garlic Potatoes: For a spicy kick, sprinkle chili flakes or cayenne pepper over the potatoes before roasting.
• Lemon Garlic Potatoes: Add lemon zest or juice to the garlic oil mixture for a bright and tangy twist.

Conclusion

Garlic roast potatoes are a timeless side dish that can complement a wide range of meals. With their crispy edges and soft, fluffy interior, they’re the perfect way to elevate any dinner. This recipe gives you the basic blueprint, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and add-ins to make it your own. Whether you’re serving them with a roast chicken, steak, or just enjoying them on their own, garlic roast potatoes will always be a crowd-pleaser. Happy roasting!

Yield: 4

Garlic Roast Potatoes Recipe

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish of Garlic Roast Potatoes. Whether served alongside a juicy roast chicken, a perfectly grilled steak, or a simple vegetable stir-fry, garlic roast potatoes always seem to elevate the meal. Golden brown, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, these potatoes are irresistible. But what makes them so special? It’s the perfect balance between the natural starchiness of potatoes, the rich flavor of garlic, and the addition of fresh herbs and seasoning that takes them to the next level.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (about 4-5 medium) potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (Yukon Gold or russet work well)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh, if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large bowl.
3. Season Potatoes: Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes. Add the minced garlic, dried rosemary, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated in the oil and seasonings.
4. Roast Potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure the potatoes are not overcrowded to ensure they roast evenly and get crispy.
5. Bake: Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Roast until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges, and tender inside when pierced with a fork.
6. Serve: Once roasted, remove from the oven and transfer the potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

• Potato Variety: Yukon Golds are perfect for this recipe because they’re creamy inside and get nice and crispy on the outside, but russet potatoes work too, just be sure to cut them into slightly larger chunks for the best texture.
• Herb Variations: You can substitute rosemary with other herbs like oregano or basil for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs can be used too; just toss them in at the end of cooking to avoid burning them in the oven.
• Garlic Intensity: For a milder garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic along with the potatoes instead of adding it fresh. Just toss whole garlic cloves in the pan with the potatoes. For a stronger garlic flavor, increase the amount of garlic or add some garlic powder in addition to fresh garlic.
• Crispier Potatoes: For extra crispiness, you can parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes before roasting them. This step helps to get the outer edges even crispier.