If you are searching for an all-time favorite side dish that is bursting with flavor and effortless to prepare, you have to try this Easy Roast Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe. These crispy, golden baby potatoes infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs are pure comfort food magic. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish turns simple ingredients into a crispy, savory delight that everyone will rave about. Once you master this recipe, these potatoes will become your go-to whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the best roast potatoes is all about using simple, quality ingredients that work harmoniously to create irresistible flavors and textures. Each component plays its role in delivering crisp exteriors, tender insides, and a fragrant herbaceous aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth.
- 1 kg/2 lb baby potatoes: The best choice for roasting because their small size allows even cooking and a tender, buttery texture inside.
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Coats each potato to promote golden crispiness and adds a fruity richness that complements the herbs.
- 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors and enhancing overall taste.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Provides a subtle spice grounding that balances the herbs without overpowering.
- 5 garlic cloves with skin on, smashed: Infuses the potatoes with mellow, aromatic garlic flavor while roasting gently inside their skins.
- 5 thyme sprigs (or 3 rosemary sprigs): Fresh herbs that add an earthy, pine-like fragrance crucial for the herbaceous character.
- Finely chopped parsley or fresh thyme (optional): A fresh garnish to brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
How to Make Easy Roast Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 200°C (400°F), or 180°C if you’re using a fan oven. This ensures the perfect temperature to roast the potatoes evenly, helping achieve that coveted crisp exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.
Step 2: Smash the Garlic Cloves
Take each unpeeled garlic clove and smash it gently by placing the side of a knife on top and pressing down firmly with the palm of your hand. This breaks the clove open just a bit without peeling, allowing the garlic to slowly roast and impart a gentle, sweet flavor throughout the dish.
Step 3: Toss Potatoes with Oil, Salt, Pepper, Garlic, and Herbs
Place the halved baby potatoes on a roasting tray, pushing them close together. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and season evenly using salt and pepper. Toss everything together so each potato is well coated with the oil and spices. Add the smashed garlic and thyme sprigs, mixing again gently, then spread the potatoes out in a single layer on the tray, ensuring they have room to crisp up nicely.
Step 4: Roast until Golden and Crispy
Place the tray in the oven and roast for 30 minutes. Then, give everything a good toss to turn the potatoes and redistribute the garlic and herbs. Roast for an additional 25-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are beautifully golden and crisp on the outside. Keep an eye toward the end and don’t hesitate to give them another toss if needed to avoid sticking or uneven browning.
Step 5: Serve Immediately with Fresh Herbs
Once out of the oven, sprinkle finely chopped parsley or fresh thyme over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve these Easy Roast Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe piping hot to enjoy the perfect crunch and aromatic herbiness at its best.
How to Serve Easy Roast Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
While the optional fresh parsley or thyme sprinkles already add a lovely finishing touch, consider adding a zest of lemon or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra zing. A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving will heighten the crispy texture and make every bite irresistible.
Side Dishes
These roast potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a wide variety of mains. Think succulent roast chicken, grilled steak, or even roasted vegetables. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad and roasted Brussel sprouts for a truly satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pile the Easy Roast Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe in a rustic bowl lined with a kitchen towel to absorb any excess oil, then sprinkle with your favorite cheese like parmesan or goat cheese for a creamy finish. You can also serve them in small ramekins topped with a dollop of herbed yogurt or sour cream to turn them into an elegant appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cool the roast potatoes to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days without losing too much of their crisp texture or flavor.
Freezing
While roast potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked potatoes. Spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a sealed freezer bag. Use within 1 month for best quality, though note the texture may soften slightly upon reheating.
Reheating
To revive your leftovers, the oven is your best friend. Preheat to 200°C/400°F and spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet. Roast for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for this Easy Roast Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe?
Absolutely! If fresh herbs aren’t available, substitute 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary. Add dried herbs at the beginning with the potatoes so they have time to infuse their flavors during roasting.
What type of potatoes works best?
Baby or new potatoes hold up wonderfully for roasting due to their size and tender interiors. You could also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but make sure to cut them into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Should I peel the potatoes before roasting?
Leaving the skin on adds extra texture and helps the potatoes hold their shape while roasting. Plus, potato skins are full of nutrients. Just make sure to wash them well before cutting.
Why do the garlic cloves need to be smashed with the skin on?
Smashing the garlic lightly releases its flavors without it burning or turning bitter. The skin acts as a protective barrier during roasting, allowing the garlic to soften and lend a subtle sweetness to the dish.
How can I make sure my roast potatoes come out extra crispy?
Use enough olive oil to coat each potato well, avoid overcrowding on the baking tray, and remember to toss halfway through roasting. Preheating the oven fully before placing the potatoes in also helps achieve the best crispy results.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Roast Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe is a timeless crowd-pleaser that brings cozy, delicious flavors to your table with minimum effort. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever made roast potatoes any other way. I encourage you to give it a whirl soon and watch how these simple ingredients come alive in a crunchy, savory dish that melts hearts at every meal.
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Easy Roast Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 5-6 servings as a side
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: British
Description
Crispy and golden on the outside, tender on the inside, these easy roast potatoes are a perfect side dish for any meal. Made with baby potatoes, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, this simple recipe brings out the best flavors with minimal effort and a classic roasting technique.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 kg / 2 lb baby potatoes (or other small potatoes), halved
Seasoning
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp cooking or kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 5 garlic cloves with skin on, smashed
- 5 thyme sprigs (or 3 rosemary sprigs; dried herbs can be substituted)
- Finely chopped parsley or fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C fan) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the potatoes to a crispy golden finish.
- Smashed garlic preparation: Place the side of a knife blade on an unpeeled garlic clove and hit firmly with the palm of your hand so that the clove bursts open slightly but remains mostly intact. This releases flavor while keeping the garlic whole.
- Toss potatoes with seasoning: On a roasting tray, place the halved potatoes close together. Drizzle the olive oil over them, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Add the thyme sprigs and smashed garlic cloves, mixing them through the potatoes, then spread everything out in a single layer on the tray.
- Roast potatoes: Place the tray in the oven and roast for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, toss the potatoes to ensure even cooking and browning. Continue roasting for another 25 to 35 minutes or until the potatoes are beautifully golden and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the potatoes with freshly chopped parsley or thyme if desired, and serve immediately as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Note 1: Baby potatoes or other small potatoes are ideal for roasting because they cook evenly and develop a great texture.
- Note 2: Keeping the garlic cloves unpeeled but smashed ensures a mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the potatoes.
- Note 3: Thyme and rosemary fresh sprigs work best, but dried herbs can also be substituted if fresh aren’t available.
- Note 4: If potatoes stick to the tray, give them a gentle scrape with a spatula when tossing to avoid tearing. For extra crispiness, ensure the potatoes are spread out in a single layer without overcrowding.
