Crispy Garlic Rosemary Roasted Potatoes: The Ultimate Easy Side Dish

If you’re searching for a side dish that’s simple to prepare yet delivers an unforgettable burst of flavor and texture, look no further. These roasted potatoes are not just easy to make; they are an absolute delight, guaranteed to become a family favorite. Imagine biting into a potato that’s wonderfully tender and fluffy on the inside, encased in a perfectly crispy, golden-brown skin, all infused with the mellow, aromatic essence of garlic and fresh rosemary. This recipe promises exactly that, elevating a humble potato to a culinary star on your dinner table.

Why These Garlic Rosemary Roasted Potatoes Will Be Your New Favorite

What makes this roasted potato recipe truly special and a consistent crowd-pleaser? It’s all about the interplay of textures and the nuanced garlic flavor. We achieve that coveted combination of a fluffy interior and a perfectly browned, crunchy exterior that makes every bite satisfying. But the real magic happens with the garlic.

Unlike recipes that rely solely on minced garlic, this method employs a strategic blend of both chopped (or minced) and whole garlic cloves. This dual approach unlocks the full spectrum of garlic’s incredible taste profile – from its initial pungent bite, transforming into a sweet, mellow, almost nutty flavor as it roasts alongside the potatoes. There’s something uniquely delightful about encountering a soft, caramelized whole garlic clove amidst the crispy potato pieces. It adds a depth and complexity that sets this dish apart.

Beyond the garlic, the fresh rosemary infuses the potatoes with a warm, earthy, and slightly piney aroma that perfectly complements the rich flavor of the potatoes and butter. It’s a simple combination, but it’s incredibly effective, turning a basic root vegetable into an extraordinary culinary experience.

The Science Behind Perfectly Crispy Potatoes

Achieving that ideal crisp exterior isn’t just luck; it’s a combination of a few key techniques. First, using the right amount of fat (a blend of butter and olive oil) helps conduct heat and encourages browning. Second, high oven temperature creates a powerful environment for the Maillard reaction – the chemical process responsible for the delicious browning and complex flavors on the potato’s surface. Finally, proper spacing on the baking sheet is crucial. Potatoes that are too crowded will steam each other instead of roasting, resulting in a soft, mushy texture rather than the desired crispiness. We’ll delve into these tips more in the “Expert Cooking Tips” section.

Ingredients You Will Need for This Recipe

Quality ingredients are the foundation of any great dish, and these roasted potatoes are no exception. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is important:

• Small Red Potatoes or Yukon Gold: I prefer using small red potatoes because they hold their shape beautifully and develop a fantastic crispy skin while remaining tender inside. Their waxy texture prevents them from becoming too mushy. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent choice, offering a creamy, buttery interior. Avoid overly starchy potatoes like Russets if you want to maintain a good shape, though they can also be used if cut properly for a fluffier result.
• Butter: The richness of melted butter adds an incredible depth of flavor that can’t be replicated. It helps achieve that golden-brown crust and contributes to the overall deliciousness.
• Olive Oil: Combining butter with olive oil is a genius move. Olive oil has a higher smoke point than butter, which helps prevent burning at higher roasting temperatures. It also contributes its own distinct, slightly peppery flavor and ensures thorough coating for maximum crispiness.
• Fresh Rosemary: Fresh herbs are always best when it comes to roasting. Fresh rosemary releases its potent, pine-like aroma and flavor much more intensely than dried. If fresh isn’t available, you can substitute with half the amount of dried rosemary, but fresh is highly recommended for the best results.
• Garlic Cloves (Whole and Minced/Chopped): This is the secret weapon! Using both forms of garlic maximizes flavor. Minced garlic quickly infuses the oil and potatoes with its sharp, immediate flavor, while whole cloves slowly caramelize in the oven, transforming into sweet, creamy nuggets that are a true treat to bite into. You’ll use a larger quantity of whole cloves for this effect.
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These are essential flavor enhancers. Kosher salt has a coarser texture that distributes well and adheres to the potatoes, while freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and a hint of spice. The amounts are typically “to taste” because personal preference varies, but don’t be shy with the salt – it really brings out all the other flavors.

Expert Cooking Tips for the Best Roasted Potatoes

Achieving roasted potato perfection is all about paying attention to a few crucial details. These tips will help you get that ideal texture and flavor every single time:

• Choose the Right Pan: I highly recommend using a jelly roll pan (a baking sheet with raised edges) or a large, sturdy baking sheet with plenty of surface area. Its size is key because you absolutely do not want your potatoes to be crowded. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation around each potato piece, causing them to steam rather than roast and brown. A single layer is non-negotiable for crispiness!
• Don’t Skimp on Salt: While the amount of salt is to your personal taste, resist the urge to go too light. Salt is a flavor enhancer that pulls all the delicious components of this dish together. It doesn’t just make the potatoes salty; it amplifies the sweetness of the roasted garlic and the aroma of the rosemary. Pepper is more optional, offering just a small hint of heat, but salt is truly essential.
• Pre-Soaking for Extra Crispiness (Optional): For an even crispier exterior, you can pre-soak your cut potatoes in cold water for 20-30 minutes. This helps remove some of the excess starch from the surface, which can hinder crisping. After soaking, drain them thoroughly and pat them very dry before proceeding with the recipe. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
• Hot Oven is Key: Roasting at a higher temperature (like 375-400°F or 190-200°C) is vital for achieving that desired golden-brown crust. A lower temperature might cook the potatoes through, but it won’t give them the same beautiful color and crunch.
• Fresh is Best, But Dried Works Too: While fresh rosemary is undoubtedly superior for its vibrant flavor and aroma, you can use dried rosemary if that’s all you have. Just remember to use about half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as dried herbs are typically more concentrated.
• Customize Your Garlic: This recipe celebrates the mellow, sweet flavor of roasted whole garlic cloves. However, if you prefer a less intense garlic flavor, you can easily reduce the number of whole cloves or omit them entirely. If you’re a garlic fiend like me, you might even add a couple more!
• Best Enjoyed Fresh, But Leftovers are Versatile: These potatoes are absolutely at their peak served immediately after roasting when they’re piping hot and their crispiest. However, any leftovers can be saved and are incredibly versatile. Reheat them in the oven (not microwave) to regain some crispness, or get creative! I love them diced and added to egg dishes like frittatas or hash for breakfast, or tossed into a quick stir-fry for an easy lunch side.

How to Make These Irresistible Roast Potatoes

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious batch of crispy garlic rosemary roasted potatoes:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough for immediate browning when the potatoes go in. Line a large jelly roll pan or baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is a game-changer for easy cleanup and prevents the potatoes from sticking to the pan.
2. Prep the Potatoes: Wash your small red potatoes thoroughly. Using a sharp kitchen knife, cut the potatoes into roughly 2-inch pieces. Aim for uniform size as much as possible to ensure even cooking. Place the cut potatoes into a large mixing bowl.
3. Create the Flavorful Coating: In a separate small bowl, combine the melted butter, 3 chopped or minced garlic cloves, and the finely chopped fresh rosemary (my herb scissors make this quick and easy!). Add the olive oil and stir everything together until well combined. This aromatic mixture will be the key to the potatoes’ incredible taste.
4. Add Whole Garlic: To the bowl with the potatoes, add the remaining 7 whole, peeled garlic cloves. These will soften and sweeten beautifully during roasting, adding another layer of flavor.

5. Coat Evenly: Pour the infused butter-oil mixture over the potatoes and garlic in the large mixing bowl. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure every single potato piece and garlic clove is evenly coated. This is crucial for consistent flavor and crispiness.

6. Spread on Pan: Carefully arrange the coated potatoes and whole garlic cloves on the parchment-lined jelly roll pan. Make sure to place them in a single layer, ideally with a cut side down, to maximize contact with the hot surface and encourage browning. Give them space – overcrowding will lead to steaming.
7. Season and Bake: Season the potatoes generously with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Place the pan in the preheated oven.
8. Roast to Perfection: Bake for 35-40 minutes. The potatoes are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork and have developed a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy edges, especially on the side that was facing down on the pan. You might want to flip them halfway through for even browning, but it’s not strictly necessary.
9. Achieve Extra Crispiness (Optional Broil): If you desire an even crispier and browner finish, you can turn the heat up to broil for a few minutes at the very end. Watch them very closely during this step, as broilers can quickly burn food. Just a minute or two is often enough to achieve that extra crunch.

Serve These Versatile Roasted Potatoes With…

The beauty of these garlic rosemary roasted potatoes lies in their incredible versatility. They pair beautifully with a wide array of main courses, whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:

• With Grilled Meats: In the spring and fall, when the weather is perfect for outdoor cooking, I love serving these potatoes with my favorite grilled chicken. The smoky flavor of the chicken and the aromatic potatoes create a perfectly balanced meal. As you might guess, I’m quite a chicken fanatic! They also complement grilled steak, lamb chops, or pork tenderloin wonderfully.
• Alongside Fresh Seafood: For a lighter but equally satisfying meal, pair these potatoes with a beautifully cooked fish. My delicious baked Striper recipe is an absolutely fantastic match. The delicate flavors of the fish are enhanced by the robust, savory notes of the potatoes without being overpowered.
• With Hearty Roasts: These potatoes are the quintessential side for any substantial roast. They’re perfect alongside my comforting crockpot roast beef or my always juicy sirloin pork roast. They soak up all those delicious meat juices, creating an incredibly satisfying bite.
• For Holiday Feasts: These golden roasted potatoes are a must-have for holiday menus like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner. They add a touch of elegance and irresistible flavor that everyone loves. Serve them alongside my sweet and savory candied yams and this easy one-pan roasted broccoli dish for a complete and vibrant spread.
• Complementing Classic Comfort Food: While these potatoes offer a different flavor profile, they can still sit proudly beside other beloved side dishes. For instance, pair them with creamy, cheesy, comforting funeral potatoes, especially for a holiday or special occasion, offering a delightful contrast in textures and tastes.
• As a Brunch Staple: Leftover roasted potatoes can be a fantastic addition to brunch! Reheat them and serve them alongside scrambled eggs, an omelet, or a breakfast burrito.

I’m all about the sides! Whether it’s potatoes (my absolute favorite!), macaroni, vegetables, or soups, I believe the right side dish can elevate any meal. You can explore all my side dish recipes here for more inspiration.

I truly hope you get a chance to try this incredible roasted potato recipe. It’s a simple dish that consistently delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction. If you want more free recipes, tips, and updates delivered straight to your inbox, simply subscribe to my free newsletter here!

This post originally appeared here on Nov 8, 2017.