Garlic Herb Roasted Red Potatoes: A Simple & Flavorful Recipe

Looking for a side dish that’s both incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than these Garlic Herb Roasted Red Potatoes! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want a simple yet impressive dish. The combination of crispy, golden-brown potatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Red potatoes are ideal for roasting because of their naturally creamy texture and thin skin, which crisps up beautifully in the oven. They also hold their shape well during cooking, preventing them from becoming mushy. When tossed with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs, they transform into a truly irresistible side dish. This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to your liking and experiment with different herb combinations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Easy: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of garlic, herbs, and olive oil creates a delicious and aromatic flavor profile.
• Versatile: These potatoes are a perfect complement to a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken to grilled steak.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the herbs and seasonings to suit your personal preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves roasted potatoes, and this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 pounds red potatoes: Choose small to medium-sized red potatoes for even cooking.
• 4-5 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor. Mince it finely.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil for richness and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs: A combination of rosemary, thyme, and parsley is classic, but feel free to use your favorites (oregano, chives, dill also work well). Chop the herbs finely.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste preference. Kosher salt or sea salt are recommended.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is always best.
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly roasted garlic herb red potatoes:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, wash the red potatoes thoroughly. There’s no need to peel them, as the skin adds texture and nutrients. Cut the potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. Uniform size is key for even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them to the mixture as well. This garlic herb mixture will be the magic ingredient that transforms the potatoes.

Step 3: Toss the Potatoes with the Garlic Herb Mixture

Add the cut potatoes to the bowl with the garlic herb mixture. Toss well to ensure that all the potatoes are evenly coated. Use your hands to massage the mixture into the potatoes, ensuring they are well saturated with the flavorful oil and herbs. This step is crucial for achieving maximum flavor and a crispy exterior.

Step 4: Arrange the Potatoes on a Baking Sheet

Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the potatoes instead of roasting them. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure that the potatoes have enough space. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, if desired. The single layer ensures that heat circulates properly around each potato, resulting in optimal crispiness.

Step 5: Roast the Potatoes

Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown. Flip the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes and the oven temperature. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed. You’ll know they’re done when they’re easily pierced with a fork and have a nice, crispy exterior.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs, if desired. These garlic herb roasted red potatoes are delicious served as a side dish with roasted chicken, grilled steak, fish, or even vegetarian dishes. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a flavorful snack or appetizer. For extra indulgence, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. The warm cheese will melt slightly, adding a salty and savory touch.

Tips for Perfect Roasted Red Potatoes

• Use the right potatoes: Red potatoes are ideal for roasting due to their creamy texture and thin skin.
• Cut potatoes evenly: This ensures that they cook at the same rate. Aim for roughly 1-inch pieces.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Spread the potatoes in a single layer to allow for proper browning.
• Use enough olive oil: Olive oil helps the potatoes crisp up and adds flavor. Don’t skimp on it!
• Roast at a high temperature: 400°F (200°C) is the ideal temperature for roasting potatoes.
• Flip halfway through: This ensures even browning on all sides.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs: Try different combinations of herbs to find your favorite flavor profile.
• Season generously: Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavor of the potatoes. Adjust to your taste.
• Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a much stronger and more aromatic flavor than garlic powder.
• Let them cool slightly: This allows the potatoes to crisp up even more.

Variations and Additions

This recipe is easily customizable to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations and additions you can try:

• Add other vegetables: Toss the potatoes with other vegetables like onions, carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli for a complete side dish.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with different herb combinations, such as rosemary and thyme, oregano and basil, or dill and parsley.
• Add cheese: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled feta cheese, or shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Add bacon: Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble it over the potatoes after roasting.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice after roasting adds a bright and tangy flavor.
• Spicy potatoes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic herb mixture for a spicy kick.
• Sweet potatoes: Replace some of the red potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter and more colorful dish.
• Garlic powder/onion powder: If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, substitute with garlic powder. Add a bit of onion powder for extra flavor.
• Italian seasoning: A teaspoon or two of Italian seasoning is a great way to add a complex herbal flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic herb roasted red potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Roasted chicken: A classic pairing that’s always a hit.
• Grilled steak: The savory potatoes complement the richness of the steak perfectly.
• Baked salmon: A healthy and delicious combination.
• Pork chops: The potatoes add a comforting touch to pork chops.
• Vegetarian dishes: Serve alongside veggie burgers, lentil loaf, or roasted vegetables.
• Breakfast/Brunch: These potatoes are a delicious addition to a breakfast or brunch spread. Serve with eggs, bacon, and toast.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover roasted potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat the potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Per serving (approx. 1 cup):

• Calories: 200-250
• Fat: 10-15g
• Saturated Fat: 2-3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 300-400mg
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 2-3g
• Protein: 3-4g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use other types of potatoes?

A: While red potatoes are preferred for this recipe, you can use other types of potatoes like Yukon gold or russet potatoes. However, keep in mind that the texture and cooking time may vary slightly.

Q: Do I need to peel the potatoes?

A: No, you don’t need to peel red potatoes. The skin is thin and adds texture and nutrients. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before cutting.

Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

A: Yes, you can use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh herbs on hand. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs. However, fresh herbs will provide a more vibrant flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet?

A: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick baking sheet.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: You can cut the potatoes and prepare the garlic herb mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to roast. However, it’s best to roast the potatoes just before serving for optimal crispness.

Q: My potatoes are not getting crispy. What am I doing wrong?

A: Make sure you are not overcrowding the pan, using enough olive oil, and roasting at a high enough temperature. Also, flipping the potatoes halfway through cooking helps to ensure even browning.

Conclusion

These Garlic Herb Roasted Red Potatoes are a simple, flavorful, and versatile side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness of perfectly roasted potatoes!