Roasted Potatoes and Onions: An Easy and Delicious Recipe

Roasted potatoes and onions are a classic side dish that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious. The combination of crispy, golden-brown potatoes with sweet, caramelized onions is simply irresistible. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a comforting and satisfying dish. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring your potatoes are perfectly roasted every time. Get ready to elevate your potato game!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry.
* **Easy to Make:** With minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, this recipe is foolproof.
* **Versatile:** Pair it with chicken, beef, pork, or even a vegetarian main course.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The natural sweetness of the onions complements the earthy potatoes perfectly.
* **Customizable:** Add your favorite herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* 2 pounds potatoes (Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work well), peeled and cubed
* 2 large onions, quartered or sliced
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme (optional)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Equipment Needed

* Large bowl
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
* Spatula or tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Onions

1. **Wash and Peel (optional) the Potatoes:** Thoroughly wash the potatoes under cold water. You can peel them for a smoother texture, or leave the skins on for added nutrients and a rustic look. If leaving the skins on, scrub them well to remove any dirt.
2. **Cut the Potatoes:** Cut the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Try to keep the pieces relatively uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Larger pieces will take longer to cook, while smaller pieces might become overly crispy.
3. **Prepare the Onions:** Peel the onions and cut them into quarters or thick slices. Slicing is preferable if you want more evenly caramelized onions. Quarters provide a more substantial bite.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes and Onions

1. **Combine Ingredients in a Bowl:** In a large bowl, combine the cubed potatoes and onions.
2. **Add Olive Oil:** Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes and onions. Make sure to coat them evenly. The olive oil helps the potatoes and onions crisp up nicely and adds flavor.
3. **Season with Salt, Pepper, and Spices:** Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), paprika (if using), and dried rosemary or thyme (if using) over the potatoes and onions. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste.
4. **Toss Well:** Use your hands or a large spoon to toss the potatoes and onions until they are thoroughly coated with the oil and seasonings. This ensures that every piece is flavorful and will roast evenly.

Step 3: Roast the Potatoes and Onions

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure the oven is fully preheated before you put the potatoes in, as this is crucial for achieving crispy results.
2. **Prepare the Baking Sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup (optional). If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking sheet with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Spread the seasoned potatoes and onions in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the potatoes to steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
4. **Roast in the Oven:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 35-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown, and the onions are caramelized. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your potato cubes and your oven.
5. **Flip Halfway Through:** About halfway through the roasting time (around 20 minutes), use a spatula or tongs to flip the potatoes and onions. This ensures even browning on all sides.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. **Check for Doneness:** To check if the potatoes are done, insert a fork into a potato cube. It should be tender and easily pierced.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Once the potatoes and onions are roasted to your liking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
3. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the roasted potatoes and onions immediately as a side dish with your favorite main course. They are best enjoyed while they are hot and crispy.

Tips for Perfectly Roasted Potatoes and Onions

* **Choose the Right Potatoes:** Russet potatoes are great for crispy exteriors, while Yukon Gold potatoes have a creamy texture. Red potatoes are a good all-around choice.
* **Cut Potatoes Evenly:** Uniformly sized potato pieces ensure even cooking.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding causes steaming instead of roasting. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
* **High Heat is Key:** Roasting at 400°F (200°C) helps the potatoes crisp up nicely.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment with Spices:** Add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
* **Use Enough Olive Oil:** Olive oil helps the potatoes crisp and prevents them from sticking to the pan.
* **Flip Halfway Through:** Flipping ensures even browning on all sides.
* **Adjust Cooking Time as Needed:** Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of the potato cubes.
* **Consider Soaking the Potatoes:** For extra crispy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes before roasting. This helps to remove excess starch.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix, such as carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts.

Variations and Add-Ins

* **Add Herbs:** Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage are all great additions.
* **Add Spices:** Smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin add a smoky and spicy flavor.
* **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese over the potatoes during the last few minutes of roasting.
* **Add Garlic:** Use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a bolder garlic flavor.
* **Add Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a salty and savory flavor.
* **Add Sausage:** Cooked and sliced sausage adds protein and flavor.
* **Add Lemon:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice after roasting adds brightness.
* **Sweet Potatoes:** Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
* **Different Onions:** Try using red onions or shallots for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted potatoes and onions are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Chicken:** A classic pairing that’s always a hit.
* **Grilled Steak:** The crispy potatoes and caramelized onions complement the rich flavor of the steak.
* **Pork Chops:** A hearty and satisfying meal.
* **Salmon:** The earthy potatoes and sweet onions balance the richness of the salmon.
* **Vegetarian Options:** Serve with grilled tofu, lentil loaf, or a hearty vegetable stew.
* **Breakfast:** Serve as a side with scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast for a delicious breakfast or brunch.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the potatoes and onions ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. Here’s how:

1. **Prepare the Potatoes and Onions:** Wash, peel (if desired), and cut the potatoes and onions as instructed in the recipe.
2. **Season:** Toss the potatoes and onions with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
3. **Store:** Place the seasoned potatoes and onions in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
4. **Roast:** When you’re ready to cook, preheat the oven as instructed and roast the potatoes and onions according to the recipe.

Keep in mind that the potatoes may release some moisture while stored in the refrigerator, so they may not be quite as crispy as if you roasted them immediately. However, they will still be delicious.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover roasted potatoes and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:**
* **Oven:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the potatoes and onions on a baking sheet and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Skillet:** Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly crispy.
* **Microwave:** While not the best option for maintaining crispiness, you can reheat the potatoes and onions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Serving Size: 1 cup
* Calories: 200-250
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 2-3g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 5-8g
* Protein: 3-5g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Enjoy this easy and delicious roasted potatoes and onions recipe! We hope you find it a delightful addition to your meal rotation.