These crispy roasted red potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. The combination of garlic, rosemary, and thyme infuses the potatoes with a savory flavor, while the high heat of the oven ensures a perfectly golden and crispy exterior.
Perfect for both weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings, this simple yet flavorful dish will quickly become a favorite at your table. The small red potatoes, when roasted to perfection, offer a delightful contrast between the crispy skin and the soft, tender inside. This versatile recipe can be easily adapted with your favorite herbs and spices, making it a go-to in any kitchen.
Full Recipe:
- 2 pounds small red potatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the quartered red potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 200 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Recipe Overview
Crispy Roasted Red Potatoes are a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that can complement a variety of main courses. These potatoes are quartered and tossed in olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper before being roasted to perfection in a hot oven. The result is a dish that’s golden and crispy on the outside, while tender and fluffy on the inside.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Red Potatoes: The star of the dish, red potatoes are chosen for their waxy texture, which holds up well during roasting. They have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with herbs.
- Olive Oil: Helps the potatoes achieve that perfect crispiness while also adding a rich flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor that permeates the potatoes without overpowering the dish.
- Rosemary and Thyme: These herbs infuse the potatoes with aromatic, savory notes, making every bite a burst of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes and the herbs.
Cooking Tips
- Uniform Cutting: To ensure even cooking, cut the potatoes into uniform quarters. This helps them roast evenly, preventing some pieces from overcooking while others remain underdone.
- Preheat the Oven: For the crispiest results, make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the potatoes inside. A hot oven ensures that the potatoes will begin to crisp up right away.
- Single Layer on Baking Sheet: Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan can cause the potatoes to steam rather than roast, resulting in a less crispy texture.
- Turn Halfway Through: Turning the potatoes halfway through the roasting time helps to achieve an even golden-brown color on all sides.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy Roasted Red Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served with a wide variety of dishes. They pair particularly well with roasted meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb, but they’re also a great accompaniment to fish, tofu, or a hearty vegetable stew. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a fresh green salad and a dipping sauce like aioli or sour cream.
Nutritional Information
These potatoes are a relatively healthy side dish, as they are roasted with olive oil rather than fried. Each serving provides around 200 calories, making it a guilt-free addition to your meal. The dish is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based oil.
Variations
- Cheesy Roasted Potatoes: Sprinkle the potatoes with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese during the last 5 minutes of roasting for a cheesy twist.
- Spicy Roasted Potatoes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
- Lemon-Herb Roasted Potatoes: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the potatoes just before serving to add a bright, tangy flavor that pairs well with the herbs.
Leftover Ideas
If you happen to have leftovers, these roasted potatoes can be repurposed in several ways:
- Breakfast Hash: Sauté the leftover potatoes with onions, bell peppers, and scrambled eggs for a quick and hearty breakfast hash.
- Potato Salad: Toss the cold roasted potatoes with a bit of mayo, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, and herbs to create a flavorful potato salad.
- Potato Soup: Blend the leftover roasted potatoes into a creamy potato soup base, adding vegetable or chicken broth, cream, and seasoning to taste.
History and Popularity of Roasted Potatoes
Roasting is one of the oldest cooking methods, dating back to ancient times when people cooked food over open flames. Potatoes, native to the Andes mountains in South America, were first cultivated by the Incas around 8,000 to 5,000 BC. When potatoes were introduced to Europe in the late 16th century, they quickly became a staple due to their nutritional value and versatility.
Roasted potatoes, in particular, became popular in European cuisine as an easy and delicious way to prepare this tuber. The method of roasting potatoes has evolved, with different regions adding their unique twists. For example, in the UK, roasted potatoes are a quintessential part of the traditional Sunday roast, often cooked in animal fat for extra flavor.
Today, roasted potatoes are beloved worldwide, not just for their simplicity but also for their ability to be customized with various herbs, spices, and additional ingredients. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior make them a favorite comfort food.
Health Benefits of Red Potatoes
Red potatoes are a nutritious option, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Unlike some other varieties, red potatoes have thin skins that are rich in fiber and contain important nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins.
- Vitamin C: Supports the immune system and acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
- Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and supports muscle function.
- Fiber: Aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight by promoting satiety.
Moreover, roasting red potatoes with olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. When compared to fried potatoes, roasted potatoes have significantly less fat and fewer calories, making them a healthier option for those who enjoy potatoes.
Pairing Suggestions
Crispy Roasted Red Potatoes are extremely versatile and can be paired with a wide variety of dishes across different cuisines:
- American: Serve alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or barbecued ribs for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Mediterranean: Pair with a Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, and grilled lamb for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
- Italian: Complement a classic Italian dish like Chicken Parmesan or Lasagna with a side of these roasted potatoes. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes during the last few minutes of roasting for an Italian twist.
- French: Serve with roasted duck or a simple pan-seared fish, and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a French flair.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Potatoes Every Time
Achieving the perfect roasted potatoes—crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—can be a bit of an art. Here are some expert tips to help you master this recipe:
- Soak the Potatoes: After cutting the potatoes, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which can prevent the potatoes from becoming as crispy as possible. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly before roasting.
- Use a High Oven Temperature: Roasting at a high temperature (450°F or 230°C) ensures that the potatoes get crispy without drying out. If you find that your potatoes are browning too quickly, you can lower the temperature slightly and extend the cooking time.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Give the potatoes plenty of space on the baking sheet. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast, resulting in a softer texture. If needed, use two baking sheets to ensure they have enough room.
- Flip for Even Browning: Turning the potatoes halfway through cooking ensures even browning on all sides, leading to a uniformly crispy texture.
- Finish with a Touch of Acid: For added flavor, consider finishing the roasted potatoes with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of vinegar just before serving. This helps to balance the richness of the olive oil and enhances the overall taste.
Customizing Your Roasted Potatoes
This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Herb Variations: Swap out rosemary and thyme for other herbs like oregano, sage, or dill. Fresh herbs can also be used, but add them towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from burning.
- Spices: Add a dash of smoked paprika, cumin, or even curry powder for a more adventurous flavor profile.
- Add-ins: Consider adding other vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or carrots to the roasting pan. These will cook alongside the potatoes, creating a delicious medley of flavors.
- Cheese: As mentioned earlier, Parmesan or another hard cheese can be added for a cheesy crust. Alternatively, sprinkle feta or goat cheese over the potatoes after roasting for a tangy finish.
How to Reheat Leftovers
While these potatoes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, they can be reheated and still maintain their crispiness:
- Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the potatoes on a baking sheet. Reheat for about 10 minutes, or until they regain their crispiness.
- Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, it’s an excellent tool for reheating roasted potatoes. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and reheat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Skillet: For a quick option, reheat the potatoes in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and cook until the potatoes are heated through and crispy again.
Popularity Across Diets
These roasted potatoes are suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences:
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, making them a great side dish for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Vegan: The recipe is entirely plant-based, fitting perfectly into a vegan diet.
- Paleo and Whole30: By using a compliant oil and seasoning, these potatoes can be adapted to fit Paleo and Whole30 diets.
Fun Facts About Potatoes
- World’s Fourth Largest Food Crop: After maize, wheat, and rice, potatoes are the world’s fourth largest food crop.
- NASA and Potatoes: Potatoes were the first vegetable to be grown in space! NASA and the University of Wisconsin-Madison created the technology in 1995.
- Endless Varieties: There are over 4,000 varieties of potatoes, categorized by their starch content and culinary use.
Conclusion
Crispy Roasted Red Potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re a culinary canvas that allows you to express creativity in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe delivers consistent and delicious results every time. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, a holiday feast, or just a casual meal, these potatoes are sure to be a hit.